The Sewing Place
Reception => Hi, I'm new... => Topic started by: Tim Sr on November 22, 2019, 01:08:23 AM
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Hello everyone:
I was glad to find a forum of nice people who share sewing ideas.
I inherited my mom's sewing room, and have always wanted to try my hand at this art form, just never found the time. I am totally new at this, and have a lot to learn. I know I will have many questions, (some of the "dumb" kind). I have been reading through the forum topics and see that many of my questions are already answered :) and with a bit of research and hands on attempts may learn how to sew.
I am approaching this with an open mind/book, without any expectations or plans. I am exploring what I could do with this hobby, even though in the back of my mind I am thinking about my kitchen, (Place-mats, napkins, etc.) as well as knowing I have items that are in need of repair or pants needing hemmed... there are a lot of ideas out there, and my approach is to go slow and figure out what I might be able to handle.
My first step has been to organize everything, and determine what everything is. My big hurdle is the presser feet, and again through this forum have found direction to the information I will need.
My avatar is one of my boys, who are eager to help me with this hobby, help as in being the center of attention.
I welcome any input and thoughts and look forward to getting to know the people here.
Thank you to Iminei for approving my registration.
Tim
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Welcome, Tim! Glad to have you here. This is indeed a friendly place where you can learn a lot. Have lots of fun with your new toys!
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Welcome! Love your attitude ;)
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Welcome to the fold @Tim Sr !
Much of the North American contingent seems to be here to welcome you this evening. Glad you've decided to join us.
The kitchen is an excellent place to start. Lots of rectangles to cut and much straight line sewing is a nice beginning. You can make yourself a nice apron to wear, pot holders as well as items you listed. Even coordinating cloth shopping bags that you can launder as needed.
A favorite of mine is sewing pillowcases. There's a nice type we can refer you to called a Burrito or magic pillowcase that is a good skill builder. It has a contrast wide hem and all edges are enclosed if you do a French Seam. Make lovely gifts too if you buy quilting cottons of your friend's hobbies.
Good to see your boy helping you. Is that Tim Jr? :meow:
PS:For some reason I feel like chanting "USA! USA! USA! USA!" :)
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Welcome Tim from across the pond.
I am sure there will be more greetings as we wake up and start our day.
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Hello from Deepest Darkest Dorset to yourself in Ohio ...
I have been watching Mr Mercedes (on Amazon) .... Is it on the telly over there???
Im quite confused about all this streaming and payforTv, But Im pretty sure that yesterday was episode 10 (the final one sad to say) of Season 3 and as far as I have seen its a corker!!!!
Why am I banging on about an obscure TV series ... because its set in Ohio of course !!!
Anyhow enough of that and my borderline obsession with SK's America ...
Welcome to TSP, cant wait to see what you get up to ...
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Welcome @Tim Sr. How many moggies (cats) do you have?
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A very big welcome from me too @Tim Sr ! Nice to have you here.
Has anyone offered you a :drink: or a slice of :cake: ?
Look forward to seeing some of your projects.
Jessie
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Hello and welcome from me too. There are those of us who are still learning after 50+ years!
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Welcome, @Tim Sr :flower: :drink:
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Welcome from me too @Tim Sr
There are no dumb questions, we all had to start somewhere.
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Another welcome @Tim Sr Ask away, there are plenty of people here with answers. Napkins and placemats are a good place to start.
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Welcome Tim :drink: enjoy your sewing journey.
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A warm welcome from me too. :) Love your "boy". How many more do you have?
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Welcome @Tim Sr :drink: :)
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@Tim Sr welcome from another American! I have only been sewing for about a hear myself.
First, a couple of questions about your machine; What kind is it (brand & model)? Do you have the instruction manual?
Next, some suggestions;
1) Here’s a little drill to get used to the feel of the machine. Take a piece of white paper & a ruler. Mark several parallel lines on it. Without any thread in the machine, run the paper under it, trying to go straight along each line. When you’re done, hold the paper up to the light, to see the holes made by the needle. They will show you how accurately you sewed.
2)Get some scrap fabric to experiment with. Open up the manual and go through it, testing the different stitches and presser feet.
3) New sewists often forget to put the presser foot down. If you do, you will get a nasty tangle of thread on the underside. Remember to put it down before you sew!
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Welcome to the forum @Tim Sr. Nice to see more people starting to sew. I’m sure you’ll learn lots here. Always someone willing to help, just ask.
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Welcome from across the pond and then another wee pond which will bring you to Northern Ireland.
Best wishes on all your sewing endeavours!
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Welcome from me too. Regarding presser feet, your machine will have a few already so don't start buying additional ones until you know which ones you really find useful. I have some I got with the machine and have barely used. Others I have acquired and then not got on with.
Really handy ones in my world are:
adjustable zipper foot - it has a slider that allows the foot to move left and right so you can press exactly where you want. Good also for making cushion covers that you want a piping trim on.
clear 4 step buttonhole foot (if that's your only option) else the machines automatic buttonhole foot
open toed foot - looks much like a regular foot but the toes are wide apart and it makes it easy to see what you're doing so long as the fabric allows it to be used
walking foot - great for anything that's slippery
Feet I have that don't see much action
binding foot - good if you intend to bind edges, else not otherwise useful.
rolled hem foot - gives a narrow hem but I never have got good results with it. Maybe it's just me or the foot is a problem?
couching foot - this has a tunnel that allows you to zig zag over cord or strings of pearls for decorative effect. Used once by then-11 year old son to apply caterpillar tracks to a D-Day landings applique of a tank!
edge-stitching foot - supposed to allow close-to-the edge stitching but I prefer to do it by eye using the regular foot
invisible zipper foot - prefer to use the adjustable one instead
The other piece of advice is to buy branded feet even if they cost a bit more. There really is some cheap rubbish on Amazon so caveat emptor!
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WOW! <3 I mean WOW! <3 I wake up |O and see this welcome and I am flabbergasted at such a nice and warm welcome. THANK YOU! :)
Now lets see, this is going to be a long response, so best to break it up into a few hundred pieces……
I think I will start with the personal side and group requests together to save space (Tree’s)
@Renegade Sewist @UttaRetch @Kenora The current boy in the avatar is “Simon Peter” who has a brother “Sunshine” (Called “Sunny” usually) who is a Marmalade tabby. I acquired the fellas last year just before Christmas, only 5 days old. Mom wanted me to have a Kitten for Christmas and these two rescue kittens just happened into the family on December 10. I had the joy of watching them open their eyes, ears, take their first steps, everything a momma cat would have to do to raise the kids. I am rather attached to them it seems. They are very precocious boys, and know how to test me… Sunshine is special though, requiring special attention to approach. He will go from ecstatic to rage in an instant. The vet has dubbed him with Autistic behaviour, and has the injury to prove it. Simon on the other hand is Velcro, so typing this is rather fun, fighting for the keyboard and all of my attention. They come from an abandoned litter at birth, on a concrete loading dock in the freezing weather. When found because of Sunshine’s last few whimpers, Simon had to be revived from frozen, and both carefully warmed. 4 brothers and sisters did not make it.
So that’s my special boys.
I spent the last 10 years living with my mom, taking care of her as she coped with the effects of dementia and the changes this meant for her. I believe she knew inside I would need these boys at this point to keep me company, as this year we had to move mom to assisted living. I will say this has been very hard to accept, even though is is the better choice for her.
@WendyW @riverchica @Sewingsue @b15erk @Greybird @fajita @Ellabella @Ploshkin @Silver Rose @Lilian @Ohsewsimple @hernibs I accept the coffee and cake slices, feeling the warmth surround me from so many participants in this hobby and forum. I have never had such a beautiful welcome at a forum as this one, and I hope I have spelled everyones name properly.
@Sara-S Thank you for the suggestions, I will be taking them to heart. I am watching a video series on you tube for beginners, and learning a lot of little (BIG) things. I have a Viking Husqvarna 120, :vintage: and I do have the manual and have read it. I am referring to the manual as I go as well, to get a grip of what is being said, how it works and such.
“Next, some suggestions;
1) Here’s a little drill to get used to the feel of the machine. Take a piece of white paper & a ruler. Mark several parallel lines on it. Without any thread in the machine, run the paper under it, trying to go straight along each line. When you’re done, hold the paper up to the light, to see the holes made by the needle. They will show you how accurately you sewed.
I did this!! I used brown grocery bag paper and I shall not state how accurate I was… at this point.
2)Get some scrap fabric to experiment with. Open up the manual and go through it, testing the different stitches and presser feet.
I am doing this, using dark thread on light scraps and vice a versa, to see how the tensions are working, and having issues yet with the tension aspect. It seems that the adjustment of tension does not do anything, yet I have no complaint to the stitch I am getting, looks like perfect tension. When I change weight of fabric though I will watch carefully to see if there is any issue here.
3) New sewists often forget to put the presser foot down. If you do, you will get a nasty tangle of thread on the underside. Remember to put it down before you sew! “
YUP! Did that already! I already broke a needle too!
@HenriettaMaria I have 8 different feet with the machine, 3 of them I learned by research are Bias tape Binding feet of different sizes, a zipper foot, 2 straight feet, and a clear one with a small wheel and rod in it. Right now I am sticking to the standard straight foot, and probably will not change this unless I run into a procedure that would require it. I will attach pictures of them here (Have to figure out how to subscribe)
I found a project that I should focus on first, and that is a cover for the sewing machine. I will now research the names of and types of fabric that would work best for this project, as I am sure silk would not be a good or durable choice. Old denim possibly.
I ordered a set of bobbins for the machine, since I only have 3 and I have to unload one to another that doesn’t fit the machine so is a pain in the foot right now.
Again thank you everyone for such a wonderful welcome
Tim
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Silk - definitely not. It's really not hard-wearing at all. A cotton twill is ideal, of which denim is but one example. Don't go too heavy, though, or you might give yourself a problem sewing it.
Look in the techniques section - there are lots of tips and links to video tutorials that you might find helpful. A quick search threw up this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw8aY9UzfRI
Man Sewing!
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@Tim Sr I used to have a Husqvarna 190 and loved it (now sadly deceased). I'm sure it will do you proud!
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Lovely to read all about you and the cats, @Tim Sr, and nice to see another Husqvarna user (I’m on my 4th Husqvarna, though that is over nearly 40 years).
In addition to remembering to put the presser foot down to sew, you need to remember to lift it when threading the machine as this releases the tension discs allowing the thread to sit between them. If the thread is not sitting n the discs it might explain why you are not seeing any effect when you adjust the tension.
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Silk - definitely not. It's really not hard-wearing at all. A cotton twill is ideal, of which denim is but one example. Don't go too heavy, though, or you might give yourself a problem sewing it.
Look in the techniques section - there are lots of tips and links to video tutorials that you might find helpful. A quick search threw up this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw8aY9UzfRI
Man Sewing!
YeAH! Perfect and thank you!
Nice resource!
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Lovely to read all about you and the cats, @Tim Sr, and nice to see another Husqvarna user (I’m on my 4th Husqvarna, though that is over nearly 40 years).
In addition to remembering to put the presser foot down to sew, you need to remember to lift it when threading the machine as this releases the tension discs allowing the thread to sit between them. If the thread is not sitting n the discs it might explain why you are not seeing any effect when you adjust the tension.
Forgive me, I was not clear, as I do think the pressure is there, I just am not seeing a change. Now to add to that, I tried to do a hem a moment ago and got a wadded up mess underneath, and upon examination, was a simple thing, the thread had jumped out of the tension assembly and running free. Ripped that out and set thread into pressure plates and again no issue. As long as the machine is threaded properly, it works fine, I have a lot to learn about the function of the machine.
Thank you for the thoughts :)
Tim
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Hi @Tim Sr Welcome to TSP
You have a great attitude towards you new hobby, I'm sure you will soon be producing great results.
Once you have the hang of sewing an accurate line onto paper things like napkins and place mats are excellent beginner projects - not too big, not too complicated and useful end products. After that the sky will be your limit 0_0
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Thank you @BrendaP for the welcome
I am still!! flabbergasted at the number of wonderful people here!
I do have a question @Iminei about posting links. I see the helpful you-tube one I appreciate, and my question is about image hosting platforms, if that is it allowed (Absolutely no advertising of course and nothing inappropriate) to post images of my project this way?
Tim
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Pictures using image hosting sites are fine. :D Looking forward to seeing them!
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Pictures using image hosting sites are fine. :D Looking forward to seeing them!
Thank you @Acorn
@HenriettaMaria & the rest of the forum:
Here are the images of the presser feet I do have.
(https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/harlantk/Sewing%20Place/DSCN1939%20Small.jpg)
(https://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/harlantk/Sewing%20Place/DSCN1938%20Small.jpg)
In the future when I pick up other presser feet, I will not be trying to save pennies here, knowing that the manufacture brand is the preferred as it is designed around "that" machine. I am not very big on generic things.
I was pondering where to start posting current projects and think it would be best to start a diary in the wardrobe section. Thoughts would be appreciated.
Tim
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Hey Tim,
pull up a seat grab a drink and chat and ask questions! Sewing is a lot of fun and an interesting hobby to have and some of the stuff that gets made here is amazing!
R.
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@Roger
Hello Roger!
I am finding this to be a really fantastic place/resource/idea-creator/ just plain fun (I say that rarely) great social community, so the first round is on me! (Hope everyone likes milk)....
I am making my first pattern, going slow and learning not to forget the 5/8" along the edge where I will need to sew on. Was half done when it hit me! Little things that are not so little.
Tim
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Take it slow Tim, as they say measure twice, cut once...
It takes a little practice. I’m not a great sewist but I’ve made a couple of things I’m proud of.
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Take it slow Tim, as they say measure twice, cut once...
It takes a little practice. I’m not a great sewist but I’ve made a couple of things I’m proud of.
I hear you! When I am making a violin or cello, I measure at least 10 times, then I do a practice cut and test the fit. Being new to this there is an element of hurry and rush and learn and feed the brain.. heck it is nice to feel that and I am "allowing" myself to be the kid in a candy store for the moment. But as in the practice cuts, I am throwing everything I have at scrap materials and such, so as to make a few mistakes, since it seems I learn by making mistakes. I craft once I conquer the mistake. So it is going to be a long time before I know I will be crafting. Until that time YOU (The Forum) have to put up with me posting mistakes and horrible looking oops. Forgive me but I do think it is good to share the ugly learning part, that maybe someone out there could benefit from that. But I will amend my attitude a bit as when it comes to safety, I put the kid away and weigh my approach carefully. (Now to find a seam ripper to free my fingers from each other)
This has been a fun day, Thank you to everyone for this.
Tim
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I'm late to the party (as usual) but just wanted to say hello and welcome to @Tim Sr too! Enjoy the learning process! :toast: :cake: :sew:
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Welcome from me too 0_0
@Tim Sr
...New sewists often forget to put the presser foot down. If you do, you will get a nasty tangle of thread on the underside. Remember to put it down before you sew!
Old sewists can forget this too, so you won't be alone :|
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Hello @Tim Sr from me as well!
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And don’t sew your own finger or nails by accident... that is definitely the messy end of learning!
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And don’t sew your own finger or nails by accident... that is definitely the messy end of learning!
You mean like this?
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Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! @HenriettaMaria :o
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You need to get a pair of bent-nose tweezers - like these
https://www.myfabrics.co.uk/96-A11420_bent-tweezers.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI14n1h-CC5gIVTLDtCh3q0AshEAQYASABEgLaJvD_BwE
If pin heads get entangled under the presser foot, use tweezers and not your finger nail. Silly really, I have the tweezers, but I was in a hurry so instead of getting on with the work I spent the next two hours at the minor injuries clinic getting the needle removed. Fortunately it has healed without leaving a scar!
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Hi @Tim Sr - welcome from me too :drink:
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Hi @Tim Sr - welcome from me too :drink:
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Thank you @mums sewing machine I like your nickname since it is my mum's sewing machine I have.
@HenriettaMaria I do have these tweezers, and a few others. But it was not in my mind to use them. Thank you :) [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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A belated welcome from me too @Tim Sr, I try to keep up with the forum, but have been somewhat preoccupied lately.
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I hear you! When I am making a violin or cello, I measure at least 10 times, then I do a practice cut and test the fit. Being new to this there is an element of hurry and rush and learn and feed the brain.. heck it is nice to feel that and I am "allowing" myself to be the kid in a candy store for the moment. But as in the practice cuts, I am throwing everything I have at scrap materials and such, so as to make a few mistakes, since it seems I learn by making mistakes. I craft once I conquer the mistake. So it is going to be a long time before I know I will be crafting. Until that time YOU (The Forum) have to put up with me posting mistakes and horrible looking oops. Forgive me but I do think it is good to share the ugly learning part, that maybe someone out there could benefit from that. But I will amend my attitude a bit as when it comes to safety, I put the kid away and weigh my approach carefully. (Now to find a seam ripper to free my fingers from each other)
This has been a fun day, Thank you to everyone for this.
Tim
Are you an instrument-maker, by profession? We would love to see pictures of your work. As to your sewing mistakes, do post them. By seeing them, we may be better able to offer suggestions for improvement.
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Are you an instrument-maker, by profession? We would love to see pictures of your work. As to your sewing mistakes, do post them. By seeing them, we may be better able to offer suggestions for improvement.
@Sara-S I shall oblige with a few photos, though it will be a bit before I can access them. The joys of moving and priorities. I will probably be working on some bows after the 1st of the year and will gladly post a few pics of that. I still do the old historical methods so it takes a while to make one and I will be happy to post a bit while making one. Yes Violin making was one of my professions. I now only keep my hand in it as I am able. Thank you for asking :)
Tim
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Welcome from me too, Tim. It's wonderful that you're having a go at something new. I have 2 tips, which is to look at the youtube tutorials on whatever aspect you're interested in or having difficulty with. I think they are even better than real life sewing lessons because you can watch bits over and over till you get it. The other is that once you have mastered the easier things you could make simple things like shorts for your boys if you wanted. The tutorials often have links to free patterns. Anyway I think you'll enjoy sewing!
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Mea Culpa - I've just noticed I didn't say hello to you @Tim Sr . Thought I'd done it -oops, in my defence your honour we're not very well chez Catllar at the moment. So I'd like to offer you a bottle of my finest artisan :gin: gin and a :cake: large cake!
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Mea Culpa - I've just noticed I didn't say hello to you @Tim Sr . Thought I'd done it -oops, in my defence your honour we're not very well chez Catllar at the moment. So I'd like to offer you a bottle of my finest artisan :gin: gin and a :cake: large cake!
Thank you @Catllar I have to be honest and admit to thinking I had responded earlier, dang memory failure here for sure. I thought we had bumped into each other in another thread, or it was me admiring your work while read through a lot of old threads. :) Thank you
Tim
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Hi Tim,
Welcome from another newbie. Rest assured that there is someone here who knows less than you :)
bm
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Hi Tim, I just noticed, to my embarrassment, that I had told you you could make 'shorts for your boys', not realizing your boys are cats! :meow: :meow:It evokes a funny visual image! I hadn't read thru everything when I gave you that tip! I think it'd be hard to get shorts on them :|
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Hi Tim, I just noticed, to my embarrassment, that I had told you you could make 'shorts for your boys', not realizing your boys are cats! :meow: :meow:It evokes a funny visual image! I hadn't read thru everything when I gave you that tip! I think it'd be hard to get shorts on them :|
@pip Oh no, please don't be embarrassed! Not many people refer to their animals/pets as "The Boys" :meow: :meow: or the Lads :meow: :meow:. I have to apologize for not being clearer here. And I really do like the idea for shorts for the Boys!! I could just buy a pair each, yes they are available now at the pet stores. It is all the rave these days to costume or dress up your pet. Now everyone thought Sunshine was a girl and wouldn't believe he was a he, so maybe a small skirt for him?
Tim
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Skirt would be easy to make!
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@pip Oh no, please don't be embarrassed! Not many people refer to their animals/pets as "The Boys" :meow: :meow: or the Lads :meow: :meow:. I have to apologize for not being clearer here. And I really do like the idea for shorts for the Boys!! I could just buy a pair each, yes they are available now at the pet stores. It is all the rave these days to costume or dress up your pet. Now everyone thought Sunshine was a girl and wouldn't believe he was a he, so maybe a small skirt for him?
Tim
Make the skirt plaid and tell everyone you got him in Scotland! ;)
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Make the skirt plaid and tell everyone you got him in Scotland! ;)
Now I like that idea, but try to take measurements on a cat with a floppy dangle tape measure!! (Play toy?)
Tim
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Now I like that idea, but try to take measurements on a cat with a floppy dangle tape measure!! (Play toy?)
Tim
:D :D :D :D
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Skirt would be easy to make!
And easier to fit. :D