Dear Ruth, 
    If you do try to sew leather with a standard machine, remember what 
i said about how long a machine lasts doing that-not long.    Be sure to 
get a heavy leather needle and 'button and carpet' thread.    One 
problem with using that thread on a sewing machine is that if you get a 
snarrleup,  you absolutely can't get it out by just pulling. You would 
cut your hand or bend the metal before the blooming stuff will break. 
                                                                 
  As for the punch, the multiple , rake like ones are what i have, 
several.   The problem there is that the sharp curve in the end of the 
sleeve is always running the punch off the edge.  That leaves  a 
weakened and raggedy edge.    The machine is doing ok.   
   Sara is doing fine except she is over running her vitality, trying to 
do all the things she didn't have time for while she was working.  Both 
her husband and i try to slow her down so that her body has the energy 
to heal. 
   I have been spending an hour a day on an inter BBS game.  I find that 
it is all attack and war.   That's not my style.   I Opped out day 
before yesterday.  I have also been doing a lot of chat lines.  Try as 
i may,  i rarely find anyone interested in crafting, gardening or the 
SCA.   I am always very polite but usually get answers like  "not 
Interested",  "go away LilyLady" or no response at all.  All they seem 
interested in is where are you from, what is your sex and age or 
suggestive remarks.  There seems to be little substance on there.  I am 
very much inclined to cut that from my schedule too.   Heaven knows i 
have plenty else to keep me busy. 
    Today the wedding dress,raincoat and street dress plus a commercial 
pack of accessories went out to our great grandaughter.   Whoooo! glad to 
see them done.    I also finally managed to connect with another 
rubberstamper down here.  Unfortunately she is laid up after a fall too. 
She promises to call back next week when her doctor has promised to let 
her do a little 'running around'.  We also share several other crafts. 
I'm so pleased. 
      Shalom,  ll 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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