Topics so far:

Poet's Shirts
Down and Regular Feathers
Uses for Barbies
Scrapbooking Sonograms
Reader's Opinion on Being Gothic
Where to Find Fishnet Fabric
Will You Make It For Me?

Question from Mooreclasian:

Do you know of a pattern I could use to make a Poet's shirt?

Answer:

I have used in the past, a very cool company called Folkwear. They have a pattern that is called very simply, Poet's Shirt. The order number on that is #1-57933-072-X. It retails for $14.95 which is very reasonable compared to McCall's, Simplicity, and Butterick normal prices.

This question got me to thinking, I usually buy patterns when they're on sale for a lot less than that, so I'm sure I have one to alter. This week, I'm going to work on altering one and then I'll post the results in Bad Things.

I recently found this pattern from Butterick, pattern 3556, which has a pilgrim, jail bird, uncle Sam, and this, a pirate. This shirt could easily be altered into a poet's shirt. Just add some eyelettes and string it up. Voila!

The thing about this pattern as opposed to the Folkwear one, is that at fabric stores, you can almost always find a place with Butterick on sale. Where as, Folkwear, you actually have to search for and aside from getting a pattern at an online auction, you probably won't find a sale.

Question from me to Martha Stewart:

What is the difference between down and regular feathers?

Answer:

After recently deciding that I wanted to look into making my own feather bed and down comforter for the coming Winter, I decided I would take advantage of my subscription to Martha Stewart Living, and write a letter to the askMartha column to find out the difference between down and regular feathers.

To my surprise, I received an answer by mail. Apparently, if they have the answer and you send a self-addressed business sized envelope, they will mail a response. So, to see a copy of the article sent to me, click here. To write for your own answers, write to Martha Stewart Living, ATTN: Customer Relations, 11 W 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.

Question from ICanBeMonica:

Any suggestions on what I could use my old childhood Barbie dolls for?

What a great question! I have a number of things I have used them for. This actually required a full page response, so please look for the answer in Tips, coming soon! I think you won't be disappointed! Also, check out the Gothic Bridal Barbie Cake in the Kitchen section of Bad Things. Coming soon, how you can use Ken for a Bridal Shower cake.

Question from Wendy:

I have a sonogram that is printed out; not on photo paper. I know that I can't laminate because the heat will destroy the image. Do you have a way to preserve it?

OK, here's the deal with those kind of sonograms. They are printed on Thermographic paper and there is nothing you can do to preserve it. It will eventually turn completely black. You are going to have to make a copy at the copy store (yes this paper is archival quality) or scan it into your computer and print it out. But even better in this instance, since you are saving this as baby's first photo, take the sonogram to your local Walmart (find one near you) and use their Kodak Picture Maker. This way it's photo quality, and if you like, you can enlarge it or make extras because you arrange them on an 8x10 sheet.

Comment from Spring:

I was looking at "How To Be Gothic (in less than an hour)" page and found that it is actually misleading in the facts that were given. (click here for full letter)

The page she is talking about is actually from my old links page. It is titled, "How to Be Gothic (in Less Than An Hour)" and I have no affiliation with the site whatsoever. It is something I have run across in my surfing of the web and it gave me a chuckle. Obviously it is done as a parody and I'm sure the Web Master meant no disrespect to any Goths out there.

Ironically, the same time I received this letter, I had already decided to do a small, but serious, article on how to be Goth. I've found some really cool resources for those of us who are comfortable with our Gothinticity, and some information for those who may just be stumbling across their joy of the lifestyle. This article will be in the tips section.

And again, that site does not reflect my views and opinions on Gothic it was just posted for entertainment's sake.

Question from Rose:

I need a few yards of black fishnet fabric. Where can I find some?

Question from a random reader:

Will you please make me some black lace curtains? With valence??

When I answered this question, I don't think she like the response. I actually found it a little flattering that someone wanted my craftsmanship in their home. But as I told her, it was going to cost. Black lace is sold anywhere from $10 to $20 per yard, so she would need to decide how many windows and the lengths plus widths. I said my time would be relatively cheap, but finding the black lace would be the cost. I never heard from her again.

I am willing to hear anyone's request. I may or may not be able to help, and it may or may not be cheap. A lot of my decor and crafts are cheap because I get the supplies when I find the deals and decide how to use them later. That's my best money saver tip. As a Goth, buy Black when you see it because it's not always around!! But really, this site is designed to help you be creative, so please don't be disappointed if I tell you no.