Category Archives: Tips

How To Find Your Bag Anywhere

When we travel, Mr. Noile and I are not big fans of shopping, unless we’re buying books or food, both of which we like to bring home from elsewhere.  So it goes without saying that we aren’t in the habit … Continue reading

Posted in Adventure/Travel, Tips | Leave a comment

Polo-Palooza!

I finished a whole slew of my very favorite fall/winter tops just before taking a recent trip.  These are polos (those of us in the USA would probably call them “turtlenecks”)  from BurdaStyle’s 09/2010 issue, pattern number 121: They’re all … Continue reading

Posted in Tips, Tops | 5 Comments

What’s Wrong With This Picture? (UPDATE)

(Other than the fact that what’s wrong is not too obvious from my less-than perfect photo?) 12/29/10 — UPDATE:  OH, SO MUCH LESS IS WRONG THAN I THOUGHT!!!!  Friends, I have wallowed in ignorance, and I have whined and puled … Continue reading

Posted in Machines, Tips, Tools | 6 Comments

Project Records For My Serger

I vowed that I’d really get to know my  new serger this go-round, and have been devouring various resources.  Much to my surprise, my low-bump Baby Lock Lauren serger came with an excellent DVD, which I’ve watched, and found very … Continue reading

Posted in Books/Magazines, Machines, Tips, Tools | 1 Comment

OT: New Life for a KitchenAid Mixer

This is off-topic, but it’s such a handy thing to know that I’m sharing anyway.  My KitchenAid mixer — a 4.5 quart model — is at least 30 years old (I inherited it), and it is a workhorse. A while … Continue reading

Posted in Tips | 4 Comments

Anticipation

I’m expecting my first batch of Au Bonheur des Petites Mains patterns any  minute now, and am beside myself with anticipation.  ABPM, as they’re known in a number of French blogs, are patterns with a very different twist.  (See the … Continue reading

Posted in ABdPM, Tips | 1 Comment

Thrift Store Rescue: Jacket Repair

Sometime back in 2008, I saw this jacket at a thrift shop, and fell in love with it.  Why?  Because it’s weird, that’s why.  It’s a kooky variation on what used to be a classic Columbia winter jacket.  This one … Continue reading

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TSA-Friendly Belt

Ah, TSA.  How you’ve changed our lives.  How difficult you’ve made it to travel in normal, human, clothing.  For an upcoming trip, I am wearing a t-shirt tunic and leggings on the plane because that will get me through screening … Continue reading

Posted in Accessories, Tips | 2 Comments

Cuffing Travel/Trekking Pants

Every pair of travel/trekking pants I own has a bunch of features I really like, but no one pair has every feature I like.  The particular pair I’m posting about here are nearly perfect, but the legs are much wider … Continue reading

Posted in Pants, Tips | 2 Comments

Replacement Insoles

My Merrell “Primo Chill Slide” mocs are wonderful to wear when you want the warmth of a boot without the fuss. They originally came with a wool footlbed that was lofty and warm, just like the wool lining that fills … Continue reading

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