parasal from unbrella

 
 

I have been wanting to make this for some time, I covered an existing unbrella that had a few holes with home -dec fabric ( thank you Carrie!), I pinned the fabric together over the umbrella for the pattern but still had fitting issues - although the cells appear the same they are not symetrical at all. Next time I make one I will use thinner material, the dotted fabric adds a little weight but it keeps the sun out, perfect for the beach!

neglected sewing machine

well, I knew the last time a needle broke was a bad one but I just kept going on, until I kept breaking threads and snagging fabric. here is my throat plate, you can see the gashes that have been snagging, the one on the left is huge and there is a sliver of metal hanging off!

then I discovered the underneath...YUK!

Zipper repair in pants for Flor

this is my first ever zipper replacement, I don't know how I have avoided these so long but I am surprised how well it went together. Of course I couldn't find the same color zipper to match the beige pants but I am please with the light cream. and it save Flor from loosing her favorite beige pants.
I removed the original zipper carefully keeping it in place with pins then slipped the new zipper exactly in same position then sewed carefully. I would really have to love a pair of pant to do this again though.