I like frixion pens but they don't always mark lycra that well I've bought a few different chalk wheel markers over the last few years but not been entirely satisfied by one. The Prym one was dreadful - lumpy uneven line.

In the end, I plumped for a Japanese Chakoner which is very good but also by far the most expensive of the lot. I've used it a couple of times but simply couldn't find it when I needed it yesterday for black cotton lawn. I'm a champion mislayer of sewing stuff at any time, even when it's in plain sight...so, in desperation knowing the chaco pen wouldn't survive the handling, I dashed up to the bathroom and grabbed a sliver of soap that I'd meant to throw away last week  and used that - don't know why I'm so absurdly thrifty with soap particularly but I am. Disposal, not usage I hasten to add!!!

I've known about using soap slivers for marking fabric for some years so why have I never tried it?    I probably thought it wouldn't be easy to wipe off but I was wrong. It takes a bit more brushing than chalk but I couldn't see a residue (yes, even with my reading glasses on) and the quality of line is perfect with a nice thin sliver. 

It's the best thing I've ever used. DH uses hand wash a lot but I'm hiding that until I've got a nice stock of slivers. 

I do like the look of this and although I immediately thought satin bias binding on a length of crin I'm not sure how the parallel lines are applied, I'd assumed flat onto 15cm crin but all the rows have the identical puffiness as that of the bottom bound edge.

I'm not familiar enough with twitter to find out the origin to reference it properly. If someone can tell me how to get back to the original I'd be grateful for that too.

[Edit] You can see on the back edge near the bottom one section lifting up so it does look to be folded binding sewn flat on the top so do you think it's had a strip of fabric added inside the fold to give it a bit more puff than it would have if just folded flat onto itself?

My DH just showed me these Austrian special edition stamps from 2004 celebrating Swarovski, complete with actual crystals.

I wonder how they get through the automated sorting machines.

I have a net overlay on a juvenile dress that has a curved rip about 10cm. I've experimented with glues (G-S Cement, Fray Stopper, Hi-Tack and jewel glue) but t the jewel glues take too long to dry and don't hold well while the first two glue well but are visible against the underskirt fabric.

I don't hold out much hope but was going to try a simple zigzag and 3-step zigzag with invisible thread (not too bad on the old Bernina).Even if it sews well,  I suspect it will catch the light however and be noticeable.

I thought about backing the rip with another piece of net but then how to join the two without the thread being visible for that?

Any ideas?

20% off everything (dance wear, fabrics & accessories alike) this weekend. Only dress hire is excluded. If you're looking for occasion wear fabric, this is a good place to look too.

Good timing for me for once too. I always seem to need something the following week! The promotion code is VALENTINE2020.

Thought you might like to know that Mibs Fabrics (in N Ireland) are clearing away their stock of cotton including quite a few by Liberty. Check it out here. They also have a website but don't know if it's listed on there.

    About a year ago (I think) I was given the name of a recommended Bernina service engineer in Hertfordshire (somewhere near Watford?) but now I need it, I can't find it. So typical of me.

He is a Bernina specaalist and I think it might possibly have been a recommendation from @HenriettaMaria but I could have that completely wrong. If anyone knows, please take pity on me.

Don't know how long this offer has been on or how much longer it will run. If you buy mixed sizes (as I did at first) make sure you pay for them in batches of the same sized spools as it will automatically select your 'free' spool as the cheapest ones regardless.