Value-wise you have stumbled upon a real gem, ESP if it's in as good as condition as it seems to be. I've been hoping to come upon a crazy awesome deal like this for one of those 301 models (in black though) for quite a while. I see, also that yours is a long bed, an even BIGGER PLUS.. very popluar with the quilting crowd. If you check Ebay you'll see that these go for $100+ usually Mid $100's but have gotten more on auction. I've seen tham listed on Craigslist for $200, and they SELL on CL for that much.

I like that they are GEAR driven rather than belt driven.. makes am a real little workhorse.. a lightweight aluminum Workhorse!! GOOD SCORE!! congrats!

Yup Maggie that is EXACTLY how this happened...be warned!

 I mean REALLY? When walmart is getting rid of ALL of their fabric (foreeeeevvvverrrrr!) and they are having a 75% off sale you gotta buy all you can, right?  and who can pass up Silk Dupioni 2.50 p/yd at Hancock? Some sort of crazy system error that it was ringing up so dirt cheap... what's a girl to do? BUY ALL OF IT, of course! and DON't EVEn get me started on Joanns and crazy awesome fabrics I find online. Curse you EBAAAAYY!

I also have a tendency to see fabric for it's potential and what it "can become" images of glorious gowns and frocks and coats (oh my) swirl through my mind's eye... too bad my mind's eye doesn't supply me with the design plans for a time-freeze machine!!

I'm currently undergoing a fabric stash overhaul and reorganization. It has gotten OUT OF CONTROL... I'm afraid my friends and fam might call A&E and stage an "Intervention"... well that or "Hoarders".... I'm seriously thinking about opening a thread just for my project: "organize the madness" .. 80)

Tthis pic is probably 1/3 of my complete stash, right now it's organized by color (mostly) but I do have several sections that are designated for "African Wax and prints", decorator weights and knits. I'm thinking I"m going to have to change it all around though.
IKEA Expedit Cabinet BIG version




This is another "smaller" part of the monster stash. I USED to have it neatly folded and stored in these hangin closet organizers. These things are SURPRISINGLY strong and worked fantastically for the past two years, but alas my stash has outgrown them 80(... the closet runs behind the FULL length behind the wall and I have LOADS more stashed behind/beside the hanging organizers.
Before:
 

During:




(Expedit cabinet, IKEA... a fabric freek's dream)


I haven't taken anypics of the cabinet all filled up, I haven't organized it all yet, but I'll snap one soon and post it.


Here is a shoot after the "Mountain" was moved... and my dressform is no longer Neked!


.... AND where the MAGIC happens!



Once I get everything all tidied up I'll post photos of how I have my OTHER side of the closet organized where I keep the Bolts and also the storage boxes I use for my insane pattern collection, you can see some of them in the last pic above the workstation on the shelf)....

~ ERIN

OH yes, that's what came to mind when I read the thread title... There is also a bunch over on Etsy if that's the one you are looking for.

There's a book.... (running off to find it in my stash.........)

http://www.amazon.com/Making-Leather-Handbags-Stylish-Accessories/dp/1592530761/ref=pd_sim_b_1
 
Though it's geared towards handbags and such it has some great pointers in it which will work on all leather sewing applications... things such as making sure you use a "leather needle" use a non stick foot for your machine (teflon coated) and using paperclips (binder clips, clothes pins) rather than pinning your pieces together, you can even use rubber cement in the seam allowance if you like... OH and also use a heavy thread preferrably synthetic upholstery-ish weight, as cotton thread will rot.

I read alot through online forums and Craftster threads to figure it out, much of it though was trial and error.

hope this helps!

Ohh Ohh Ohh Ohh!! Pick me Pick me *waving my arm in the air like a raving fool!*

How bout a SEXY cool drape fron backless halter top for the holidays? One in RED and one in GOLD.. SPARKLY stuff is IN this season .... I have a black one similar to the one in the link made from the same fabric you have.

Like this
http://www.shopleisamarie.com/7802.html?utm_source=shareasale&utm_medium=datafeed&SSAID=198698

... ORRRR maybe some thing like this, or merge the two?

Guuurl I feel your pain, though my catch up isn't darts (this time) I have totally chomped up a nearly finished dress with my serger knife that rendered it complete "scrap" material. I'm so bummed I havent been back in my sewing room for nearly 3 weeks now.

I don't even know what to suggest since you have already shortened the darn thing by 2 inches already, could it just be maybe the ironing?

  She did not teach me, but I was surrounded by some impressive old sergers and overlocks as well as an array of gorgeous textiles.  I can't stop analyzing stitches on people's clothing and I love touching fabric.  I must look like a total pervert.

... um yeah... I'm a total fabric perv too.   

Hmmm, yes please post a photo of the fabric. The first thing that came to mind for me was Crazy awesome LEGGINGS!!! .. maybe the fabric is suitable for that?

Soooo, are you responsible for purchasing the supplies or is the client?

I remember last year there being tutes and such all over the place on how to make them..... I'll have to look around to see if I can find one again. You might check over on Burdastyle.com for starters, for some reason I have a sense I had seen one there.