I got a few different colors of the Kukui Nut Leis when I was on vacation.  I love the way they look, but I knew they would just sit and collect dust as they were.  I let them feel loved, I decided to make bracelets with them.  I quickly figured out most of how I wanted them to look.
I am, however, having problems with the clasp.  My first idea was to make it adjustable, but that seems to be wearing on the cord I used faster than I would like it to.  I then thought I could add a magnetic clasp, but I'm not sure how to attach it.
I'm also not sure which look people might prefer, the floating pearl look, or the tied-in bead look.

Here is a picture that I hopes shows off both well enough.

I am hoping to go as Dawn/Hikari to a con sometime. I know she always has her piplup. I can't find a plushie the right size, and I probably wouldn't want to know what one that size would cost. I have decided that since I don't have a deadline, I could sew one.

Does anyone know of any good patterns I could use to try and make one?

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Also, just as a side question.
What kind of pleats do you think are on her skirt? I used to think regular ones, but now I'm wondering if they are box-pleats...
http://www.pokemon-pearl-diamond.com/characters/dawn-hikari.png

So I go a fun idea when I was on vacation.  I am going to be making a bracelet with some one of the souvenirs I got.(pics will come later)  I'm going to be starting this bracelet in the middle and working out to the ends.  I am going to be using the cobra knot (or square knot in hemp terms).  My only problem is that I want it to be tight when wearing it, but still be able to get it off.  In the store I've seen some nice looking sliding knots, but can't figure them out.
I've also been googling for some answers.  I've found two I'm considering, but more options is usually not a bad thing.

At first I was thinking something like http://www.how-to-make-jewelry.com/sliding-knot.html, only using one side as the middle and the other as the outer-pieces, instead of a new piece of string.
This is another I ran into that doesn't look too bad: http://www.handwork.org/chinese-knot/how-to-tie-a-sliding-button-knot.html

I'm going to have two strings per side when I'm done with the bracelet.

So I decided that I need to start making fleece hats.  I have my patterns all draw and I think they look pretty good.  It then got me thinking; should I serge the edges to give it a better look?  Also, I know a serger doesn't have much problem going along a right angle that sticks out, but can it handle an angle that goes inward (like the right side of an "L", but not that extreme).  This also led me to wonder, if I do serge them, should I serge each piece, then sew, or just serge it all together.

Also, for more detail.  I have a White model 534. (hey, I think someone was posting about one over in the sewing machine section!)

(~I'm beginning to wonder if this would do better in the clothing section~)

Not sure if I can get this completely right with words...so I'll add a pic or two.

So I found-out that the hole in E size beads are the perfect size for what I need.  Also, most of the time they are just-plain the perfect size.  I ran into a slight problem with one project.  While the hole and diameter are still perfect, they are a bit long for what I need.  Are there beads out there that are pretty much E beads, but not as long?

Kind of like this:

Not necessarily as thin as that, but thinner than most E beads are.

Here is a link if you haven't heard about them before:
http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/Bead-Glass-E-Beads-Size-5-0-Amber-118p7748.htm

I need to take better pics at some point, but here are the "Look what I made 2 seconds ago!" pictures!






I'm going in to work tomorrow and I hope I can find more of those bead packs in the clearance section!  I really need to stop being nice when it comes to clearance beads...

I know there is special fabric out there that says you can put it through your inkjet printer and have your photos become part of your quilt.  The package even says you can hand wash it.  That is wonderful and all, but I only need one piece, so it seems like that wouldn't be a wise way to do it.
I have heard that you can iron cotton onto freezer paper and that will help it run through your printer.  That sounds like a better option to me, but my only problem is with the inkjet ink.  I know if it gets wet it will run.  Is there anything I can do to treat the fabric before or after I print on it to make it behave?
I was thinking of putting mod-podge on it or something.

So I have an idea for some buttons/badges. I have used over-head transparency before and it has worked out well for those ideas.  My new idea involves more things being put into the button/badge "sandwich".  The overhead transparency would be too thick, so I was hoping that someone knew of something similar out there that was thinner.

6/9 Edit
I got an idea while I was at work... iron-on transfers! I'm not sure if they stick to paper or not, but for the fabric ideas it might work!

So here is how this question came to pass: I was at work and saw this lovely brocade that will work perfectly with a costume idea that has been stewing in my head for a few weeks.  I got the yard I'm pretty sure I need.
The more I looked at it the more I began to wonder if the back wasn't as good looking as the front.  One of my co-workers thought the front was a lot better because it was shinier and seemed to have a touch more detail.  Another co-worker thought they both looked equally pretty and suitable for the outside of a garment.
Since we are tied with me being undecided, I decided to ask for more opinions.
Here is a picture of the fabric in question:


Now go forth and discuss of it! (don't mind me, having fun trying to be dramatic ^.~)

I got a poor rubber stamp from my local craft store.  Someone had decided to put some sort of paint or ink on it.  I thought it would be fine and just look funny, but sometimes the color comes off when I'm using it.  I've tried soap and water, but that doesn't help.  My dad has suggested rubbing alcohol and paint thinner if that doesn't work.  While I wouldn't mind doing this, I don't want to start doing something that would really hurt the rubber on the stamp.
I got this one cheap, but if I wanted to get another, it's about $6.