For my Christmas present this year I got some money to spend on a sewing machine.  Before I head out to the stores I thought I'd ask to see if anyone had any experiences to share - great service somewhere, a machine you're really happy with, or places to avoid?  I'm probably going to try some of the quilting places listed in the crafty directory.

Thanks!

Are there any Crafsters going to one of the shows who'd be willing to pick up one of the Sublime Stitching kits (www.sublimestitchin g.com/blog.html) and mail it to me?   I live in Calgary and can't make it to Vancouver to see them.  Of course I'd cover the costs (and knit you up a thank you!)   

I really like the look of the some of the sweaterdresses for fall.  I'm thinking of making myself one in a chunky tweed (similar to the Bebe sweaterdress in the current Marie Claire).  I was going to wing it - ie - a long sweater with extra shaping for the hips, etc.  Just wondering if anyone remembers seeing a general pattern somewhere?

Thanks!

Hi - I'm working on a lacy sweater set in alpaca and am finally at the point where I'm humming along, don't need to look the pattern, and can go quickly.  My problem is that I've been using my Denise Interchangables (plastic circulars), which have been fine for almost every project I've used them for except this one!  My stitches keep sliding around and it's driving me crazy!

Can anyone suggest a material type or brand of needle that would be more calming to use for light weight alpaca??    Thanks!