https://theschooloflostarts.com/2017/02/23/dreams/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/winter-598632_1920.jpgwinter-598632_1920Dreamy....https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/cottage-1030975_1920.jpgcottage-1030975_19202017-02-24T00:18:26+00:00monthlyhttps://theschooloflostarts.com/2017/02/21/publication-day/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/suitcase-1910966_960_720.jpgsuitcase-1910966_960_720https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/old-print-press-1520124_960_720.jpgold-print-press-1520124_960_720https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/discovery-space-shuttle-1665191_960_720.jpgdiscovery-space-shuttle-1665191_960_720https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/church-1787195_960_720.jpgchurch-1787195_960_7202017-02-23T13:29:44+00:00monthlyhttps://theschooloflostarts.com/2017/02/05/blast-off/2017-02-21T10:19:05+00:00monthlyhttps://theschooloflostarts.com/2016/12/10/traditions/2017-02-21T09:14:03+00:00monthlyhttps://theschooloflostarts.com/2016/09/15/ch-ch-ch-changes/2017-02-21T08:59:40+00:00monthlyhttps://theschooloflostarts.com/sewing/2016-10-17T19:51:24+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/2016/06/21/reaching-goals/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/screenshot_20160630-121001.pngScreenshot_20160630-121001Unsolicited Testimonial from Virginia Spotts.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2-16-twitter-free-gifts-contributing-author-available-now-1024x341.jpg2.16-twitter-free-gifts-contributing-author-available-now-1024x341365 Moments of Grace is available June 21, 2016. Order now via one of the links below and receive your bonus gifts! (Bonuses available for a limited time only.)2016-06-30T18:14:25+00:00monthlyhttps://theschooloflostarts.com/2016/06/28/surprised-by-grace/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/20160618_122750.jpg20160618_122750Tent Rocks, New Mexico https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/20160618_121456.jpg20160618_121456https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/20160618_083729.jpg20160618_083729I don't think tires are supposed to have holes in them like that!2016-06-29T07:43:25+00:00monthlyhttps://theschooloflostarts.com/blog/2016-06-28T23:38:39+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/2016/06/24/reaching-the-top/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/20160625_153008.jpg20160625_153008Happy, silly selfie of me with 365 Moments of Grace. https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/13516151_10154259117453245_6233013520599978412_n.jpg13516151_10154259117453245_6233013520599978412_nWe reached #1 best seller status in four categories in the U.S. and three in Canada!2016-06-28T22:54:20+00:00monthlyhttps://theschooloflostarts.com/2016/06/10/author-spotlight/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/grace-cover-1.jpggrace-cover-1My piece, "Named by Grace," is on page 38 of "365 Moments of Grace."2016-06-21T02:51:17+00:00monthlyhttps://theschooloflostarts.com/2016/06/16/my-author-page-on-amazon/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2-16-twitter-contributing-author-1-1024x341.jpg2.16-twitter-contributing-author-1-1024x341I'm a contributing author in "365 Moments of Grace" - my piece is entitled "Named by Grace."2016-06-21T02:37:55+00:00monthlyhttps://theschooloflostarts.com/download-free-report/2016-06-21T02:17:02+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/cooking/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/food-1253393_1920.jpgSpaghettiThis is what my famous one-pot spaghetti looked like.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/yeast-dough-238750_1920.jpgyeast-dough-238750_1920At least these biscuits were hand-rolled instead of from a can! Probably from a mix, though, even though making them "from scratch" is just as easy!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/betty-crocker-for-boys-and-girls.jpgbetty crocker for boys and girlsThis is the classic 1965 version I was given.2016-06-20T21:04:55+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/maintenance/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/20160620_143219_004.jpgVice grip pliers and a butter knifeMy college era toolkit looked very much like this: vice grip pliers and a butter knife!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/engine-1100588_1920.jpgCar engineI don't think my car's engine was ever this clean, except the first month or so I owned it. :)https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/renovate-1186336_1920.jpgpainting wallsTaping off the edges, edging with a brush, using a roller - I learned it all!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/vine-921715_1920.jpgBrick wall with vineIt was a brick house, so he learned framing, roofing, and masonry to build a brick garage!2016-06-20T20:52:24+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/the-crafts/2016-06-07T00:28:52+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/signup/2016-06-06T22:52:31+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/free-report/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/icanttoididit_reportcover-e1465036343410.pngFrom I Can't to I DID IT!From I Can't to I DID IT! - Learning Confidence, Competence and Creativity, Developing the Skills to Survive and Thrive in Today's Complex Worldhttps://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/icanttoididit_cover.jpgFrom I Can't to I DID IT!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/belly-2473_1920.jpgjeans too bigOkay, so taking in jeans isn't that easy. But taking in a skirt, is!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/worried-girl-413690_1920.jpgdepressed girlI hate feeling like this!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/child-652552_1280.jpgAnger & frustrationArgh!!!!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/girl-504315_1920.jpgFacepalmOh, my!2016-06-06T20:19:02+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/sewing/drafting-a-sloper-skirt/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/03evenskirt.jpg03evenskirtThis A-line skirt fits properly. The hem is level and the side seam goes straight up and down.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/01measurehip-waist.jpg01measurehip-waistThe essential measurements are at the waist, hips, and two lengths: the distance between the waist and hips, and the distance between the waist and the desired length of the skirt.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/12converttopattern.jpg12converttopatternWearing Ease, Design Ease, and Seam Allowances are added to the basic sloper to make a sewing pattern.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/11stepfive.jpg11stepfiveSmooth out the curves, and make the sloping waist adjustment to finish your draft sloper.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/10stepfour.jpg10stepfourThe dart for the back sloper is added in a similar manner.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/09stepthree.jpg09stepthreeOutline the draft sloper and add the front dart.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/08steptwo.jpg08steptwoThe outer point of the waist line, called the waist dot, is raised by 3/8 inch.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/07stepone.jpg07steponeWe start by drawing in the center line on the left side, and the waist line, hip line, and hem line.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/06straightskirtsevenhems.jpg06straightskirtsevenhemsProper fit with straight skirts. The hems are even and the side seams are straight up and down.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/05bothskirtsevenhems.jpg05bothskirtsevenhemsProper fit with A-line skirts. The hems are even and the side 2016-04-20T16:48:21+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/about/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/12800107_1162142743825968_7692647981153069043_n.jpg12800107_1162142743825968_7692647981153069043_nThis is my Vesta Vibrating Shuttle handcrank. It's a half-size sewing machine but all metal and very heavy!2016-04-06T00:12:08+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/basic-sewing-101-three-basic-stitches/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/overcast.jpgovercastDiagram of the edge of the fabric with four overcast stitches.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/3basicstitches15-overcast5.jpg3basicstitches15-overcast5The edge of the fabric is protected with the overcast stitch.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/3basicstitches13-overcast3.jpg3basicstitches13-overcast3Bring the needle up again, about 1/4 inch from the edge of the fabric, and 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch away.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/3basicstitches12-overcast2.jpg3basicstitches12-overcast2Start by bringing the needle and thread up about 1/4 inch from the edge of the fabric.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/3basicstitches11-overcast1.jpg3basicstitches11-overcast1Uh-oh! This edge will fray! (You also see the back of the back stitch sample.)https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/20160301_130407.jpg20160301_130407Bonnie the dog loves "her" throw pillows!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/3basicstitches10-back4.jpg3basicstitches10-back4Continue to the end of the seam.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/back.jpgbackCutaway edge view of the back stitch. Up at A, first stitch down at B and up at C. Then down at B, up at D; down at C, up at E; down at D, up at F.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/3basicstitches09-back3.jpg3basicstitches09-back3Taking the third back stitch. https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/3basicstitches08-back2.jpg3basicstitches08-back2For the back stitch, "take a step backwards" when inserting the needle for the second stitch.2016-03-14T00:10:11+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/basic-sewing-101-securing-your-stitches/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/securingstitches10.jpgsecuringstitches10https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/securingstitches06.jpgsecuringstitches06First knot in place. It is best to make two or three knots in the same place. You can pass the tip of the needle under your last small stitch rather than raking another stitch.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/securingstitches05.jpgsecuringstitches05The loop forms a knot as it closes.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/securingstitches04.jpgsecuringstitches04Then finish pulling the loop closed.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/securingstitches03.jpgsecuringstitches03Pass the needle through the loop.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/securingstitches02.jpgsecuringstitches02Pull the thread most of the way through but not quite all the way!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/sew-630973_640.jpgsew-630973_640How do you keep stitches from pulling back out?https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/securingstitches01.jpgsecuringstitches01Start by taking a very small stitch in place, right where you were last sewing.2016-03-13T23:48:53+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/basic-sewing-101-threading-a-needle/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/needle-672396_1920.jpgneedle-672396_1920How do you get the thread through that tiny little hole?https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/threading-11-pinchit7.jpgthreading-11-pinchit7And the needle is threaded!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/threading-10-pinchit6.jpgthreading-10-pinchit6Pull the thread the rest of the way through the eye of the needle.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/threading-09-pinchit5.jpgthreading-09-pinchit5The fold of the thread has been pinched through the eye of the needle.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/threading-08-pinchit4pushthrough2.jpgthreading-08-pinchit4pushthrough2Roll your fingertips back as you press the needle against your fingertips.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/threading-07-pinchit3pushthrough1.jpgthreading-07-pinchit3pushthrough1Place the eye of the needle directly over the V-point of the folded thread.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/threading-06-pinchit2.jpgthreading-06-pinchit2Pinch the fold between thumb and forefinger, then slip the needle out of the folded thread. Keep it tightly pinched together.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/threading-05-pinchit1.jpgthreading-05-pinchit1Fold the thread around the needle.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/threading-04-lickit.jpgthreading-04-lickitLicking the tip can help the fibers to "stick" together.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/threading-03-push2.jpgthreading-03-push2Pushing the tip through the needle can cause the fibers to separate and fray.2016-03-13T23:09:23+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.com/basic-sewing-101-knotting-the-thread/https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/sewing-1092797_1920.jpgsewing-1092797_1920How do you keep the thread from pulling all the way through? Knot it!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/knotthread14.jpgknotthread14A knot magically appears!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/knotthread13.jpgknotthread13Almost done!https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/knotthread12.jpgknotthread12Nearing the end...keep going...https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/knotthread11.jpgknotthread11Keep the wraps pinched together.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/knotthread10.jpgknotthread10Keep pinching the wraps together as you pull the needle and thread through them.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/knotthread09.jpgknotthread09Pull up the needle with your other hand.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/knotthread08.jpgknotthread08Pinch the wraps together near the bottom of the needle.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/knotthread07.jpgknotthread07Slide the wraps down the needle.https://theschooloflostarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/knotthread06.jpgknotthread06Wrapping complete.2016-03-13T23:06:52+00:00weekly0.6https://theschooloflostarts.comdaily1.02017-02-24T00:18:26+00:00