Please start with sewing and auto, Kat?

I think I'd rather sew than clean my bathroom. But, really, all I've ever sewn is buttons on and some really atrociously bad seam/rip repairs.

I did use my mother's sewing machine once for a sewing project in home ec. The one and only time I used a sewing machine.

For example (what, you guys started me off on clothing modification, one of my fave pastimes): just about any blazer I buy, be it off-the-rack or from a thrift store, goes through what I consider a "basic" round of alterations. I unpick the back seam of the lining so I can take in the center darts/seams to make it more fitted through the waist. I split and finish the back two side seams up to just above the hips, so the bottom of the jacket will lay smoothly over petticoats. I usually end up adding extra buttons and button holes, because most blazers don't have enough to deal with my bosom-to-waist ratio.

Yes, that's what I consider to be basic alterations. I know, I'm crazy.

Oh wait! Not beginner... it should be tyro, dilettante and enthusiast.

heee!

I can tailor, sort of, but mostly my skills are used for hemming at this point. Or redoing Grace's soccer uniform to fit her. I hemmed it too small, but the darts I put in the back make the top more fitted without losing the jersey number nor the seaming/decoration.

I just mailed an envelope of poop to someone.

I just mailed an envelope of poop to someone.

Non sequitur!

Yes, that's what I consider to be basic alterations. I know, I'm crazy.

Crazy awesome. I'd love to have those skills. They'd serve me well, because I know many a time I've had to not buy something that would have looked great if I could have taken the waist from one size, the arms from the next size up, and let the hem down about an inch.

I've watched Jilli do alterations. For SA, actually! It's extremely impressive. I want Jilli to teach me to sew.

Oh! I missed the Sparky news but am wishing good things to come from it!!

I am lisah in this one!

And I am Kat!

I want Jilli to teach me to sew.

If you were only in the PNW, you could be part of the Great Jam Economy, where we barter skills. I'm serious. I do alterations for other people, they make me jam. Or pressure can chicken broth and tomato sauce. Or come over and make me food.

because I know many a time I've had to not buy something that would have looked great if I could have taken the waist from one size, the arms from the next size up, and let the hem down about an inch.

My default for most jackets is to buy a size 14, and then tailor it down to a busty size 12.

I've been fascinated by some "extra petite" blogs that talk about and show alterations (my current fave is "Alterations Needed"). And it's got me thinking about getting more of my stuff tailored. But yes, that's expensive. And I change sizes.

I totally want "casual enthusiast" classes! Home maintenance and auto and sewing would be spiffy.

I find being forced to take an Armed Service Aptitude test very uncool. WTF?? On the other hand, I would support required service (military or opt into Americorps type thing) like they have in some countries. I think it would be good for people.

Erin, have you done media training? Your post to Sparky was right on!

Nope, but I read a lot of weird shit, and was a makeup-artist in grad school, did some freelance gigs for photographers, and my friend owns a photo studio/business.