Elizabeth Lynn Casey - Southern Sewing Circle 08 - Remnants of Murder (32 page)

Rose stamped her foot. “Don’t say it. I’m perfectly capable of making this wedding dress. All you have to do is say yes.”

Tori felt the tears just before they began the journey down her face, Rose’s offer making it difficult to do anything other than cry. “Are—are you sure?” she asked in the steadiest voice she could manage amid all the emotion.

“I just ask one thing in return.”

“Anything,” she whispered.

“I’d like to be in the room when you put it on that day. And if it’s okay with you, I’d like to button the back of your dress … if my hands will cooperate.”

She allowed her gaze to leave Rose long enough to mouth a thank-you to the man who not only
listened
, but also
heard
—a rare but winning combination she was truly blessed to have found in a lifelong mate. Then, turning back to her cherished friend, Tori gave the only answer that felt right …

“It’s a deal.”

Reader-Suggested
Sewing Tips

From Sandra in Slidell, Louisiana:

Small hair scrunchies are superb for putting around spools of thread and keeping the thread from coming unraveled. In addition they are just the right size for slipping around partially used packages of rickrack/bias tape,
etc.
to keep them from coming undone, as well.
Use an old medicine bottle for dull needles and pins. Put them in the bottle until it’s full then throw that away instead of the separate pins and needles that might fall out and harm someone. You can even melt a small hole in the top of the bottle so you don’t have to open it each time. To melt a hole in the bottle, use a nail and a pair of pliers. Heat the nail on a burner, use the pliers to hold the nail, and melt an opening for the pins,
etc.

From Martha L. via my Fan Page on Facebook:

Transfer all of your craft paper patterns onto cardboard (I used the lids and bottoms of old gift boxes). Then cover them with clear packing tape to protect them from spills and tears.

From Megan B. via my Fan Page on Facebook:

Use a lanyard to keep your trimming scissors handy.

From Marlene W. via my Fan Page on Facebook:

Change the needle in your sewing machine after about ten hours of sewing. A new needle makes for much smoother sewing. Always change when starting a special project.

Placemats

Pattern

Placemats, like Tori and the gang make in
Remnants of Murder
, can be made of most any fabric—plain, print, whimsical, or serious!

Simply take (and cut) two pieces of fabric. A good rule of thumb on size is 15 inches by 21 inches per placemat.

Place the fabric pieces with the right sides together and pin in place. Stitch, leaving a 3-inch opening that will allow you to turn the work right side out. Once it is right side out, press the edges and stitch the opening closed.

Placemats can be decorated with paint, glitter, cutouts, and special occasion detailing (a child’s handprint for Thanksgiving, or snowflakes for winter, etc.).