Mason jar pincushion would make a cute and clever gift

Dear Vicki: I would like a suggestion for a sewing gift for my mother-in-law. She loves to sew, and so do I. No clothing please, just a really clever cute thing for her birthday. Thanks for your input.

— Liz B.

Dear Liz: I love this pincushion from Jennifer Jangles. It’s call the Farmer’s Market Mason Jar Pin Cushion. It ends up being the size of a small 6-inch mason jar. Applique patterns are included for pickles, tomatoes and all sorts of fruits and veggies. I think they are addictive, and you will end up making some for yourself and other friends.

As always, look for this pattern at your local shop, but if you can’t find it, then send me a check for $10.50 and I will send the pattern to you.

Dear Vicki: I am going to make a chiffon dress. Because I’ve never worked with chiffon before, could you give me some tips on cutting it out? I started to lay it out, and the fabric slipped all over. I’ve already begun to wish I never bought this fabric. Do you have any tips for me? Thanks. Cynthia B.

Dear Cynthia: First of all, be patient. This is not a fabric for beginners. Sewing expert Sandra Betzina gives this advice: Lay out tissue paper or doctor’s examining room paper. Place the chiffon on this and pin it in place. Pin your pattern on top and cut through all layers.

All this having been said, chiffon — both silk and polyester — is transparent and soft and is easily distorted by overhandling and over-fitting. It can easily be damaged by pins and needles, so pin only in the seam allowances and be sure to use only perfect, new, very fine-sized needles. You will be better off choosing georgette, a double woven sheer that is similar to chiffon but much easier to handle.

Each week I share a reader’s tip and thank him or her with a set of 100 fine English handsewing needles. This week the tip is from Elizabeth Clemente, of Morristown, N.Y. She has two tips for you: (1) To turn a tube from wrong side out to right side, ease the inside seam along with the eraser end of a pencil. (2) Your own saliva will get blood spots out of fabric if it’s your blood. So will soap (like Ivory), not detergent.