Wednesday, February 16, 2005
By BARBARA GASH
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
It's late at night and you need advice on the best way to rip out rows of serger stitching. You don't have to wake a sewing buddy!
Just turn on your computer and get the answer online by clicking on a discussion board.
They're free and available to you anytime. Here are some examples:
UThe Creative Machine Online Discussion forum was started by the newsletter of the same name, now discontinued. Currently run by Threads magazine, the forum explores the many creative uses of the sewing machine and serger. Daily postings cover a wide range of topics, from specific garment patterns to collecting machines. Guest hosts include authors, educators, manufacturers, store owners and other sewing enthusiasts. Go to www.taunton.com/threads/-pages/cm--discuss--jump.asp.
UAlso from Threads is Gatherings, inviting chats about all things related to the fiber arts, including sewing, quilting, embroidery and knitting. This community welcomes beginners looking for help with a first project, as well as experts eager to pass along time-savers, techniques and tips. Currently there are over 3,800 posted messages. Find this one at http://forums.taunton.com/tp-gatherings/.
UOn www.quiltropolis.com you can select a subject from the digest to get information about all kinds of sewing subjects from A to Z. This is a very popular e-mail discussion board, and you can sign up for a daily newsletter.
UA lively discussion site that focuses on specific patterns, with problem solving, photos and general comments is www.patternreview.com.
Do you have a favorite sewing discussion board? Please share, and I'll add more in future columns.