When I teach sewing, keeping seams straight and having an even seam allowance seems to be one of the biggest challenges. A seam allowance seams like an awfully tiny thing the first time you are trying to make a 1/4" seam allowance. Even though it is a challenge, it is a worthy of learning lesson. If your seams aren't even, the pieces aren't going to fit together properly and odds are, the finished item is not going to look like something you can be proud of. Learning the basics is the best way to be sure you sew things that you will be proud of!

• Learning to Sew Seams

Between the holidays is a great time! The kids are off from school and everyone is kind of in a "chill" pattern after the hustle and bustle. What better time to teach someone to sew? Someone you know may have gotten a new sewing machine for Christmas... give them a few hours of your time to learn the basics. Here are eight basic steps to helping anyone learn to operate a sewing machine and mastering the machine like a pro. Let the kids experiment with scraps of fabric and then help them achieve a simple beginner project.

• Sewing Machine Operation 101 - Operating a Sewing Machine

• Simple Beginner Projects - 10 Free Easiest Sewing Patterns

I actually took the time to finish something for ME! My coat is done and I must say it's exactly what I want from a winter coat! I don't like a coat that keeps hitting me in the face with puffy collars or hoods. I like a coat that is warm but not so overwhelming that I am sweating when I run in a store... bottom line... I like MY NEW COAT!

Happy Holidays to All! I may not be able to answer email as quickly as the questions come in from people who were lucky and received new sewing machines but having a little difficulty getting used to the new machine. Please remember that the forum is always open and there are sewing machine articles to help.

• Sewing Machines 101

• Sewing Forum