Do a search for "gif" the .gif files are the files you see on webpages that move. There are numerous sites that offer them for free. You just have to search. Usually I will type in "animated gif free" or something like that. Just make sure you read the terms of the site before using their gif. Most sites also explain how to save them on your computer. One other thing, they must be opened in your internet browser to work. You didn't specify what your project was so I am guessing it is something that will be on the internet or use a browser. -renee

You'll need some digitizing software, and to make sure that the clipart is royalty-free so that you have the right to digitize it. I can't remember what the Singer software is called, is it PSW2 or something like that? I use Embird, so I'm not completely sure of the Singer version, although I do have the XL6000. I just love Embird and never saw the need to spend more $$ on their software. Suffice it to say that without some version of digitizing software and knowing how to use it, there is no way to take a piece of clipart and have the machine sew it out. If it's royalty free and a fairly simple pattern, you could send it to me and I might be able to digitize it for you. I'm fairly busy the next few days tho, so it might take a week or so. Laura

Patterns: I have a box specifically made to store patterns--it's roughly the size of a pattern standing on its end, and you can flip through them like index cards. Nancy's Notions sells them for about $13. I keep all my stuff in these neato rectangular plastic food containers that don't have lips on the ends of the lids, so they work like drawers w/ lids (the lack of a lip ont he end means I can pull out the middle one in the stack easily, bcs you don't have to lift them up to get them over the lip). They don't make this design anymore, I'm sad to say. I guard mine very carefully now. I really like the "shallow drawer" concept for sewing notions, etc. Bcs the stuff is small, and I want to be able to see it easily. And I take the "drawer" out and set it on the table while I'm working. This company has boxes that let you pull the middle one out easily. The sweater size might be good for threads and tools, etc. Though it may be a tad too deep (4.75 inches; mine are about 3.5, and that's deep enough). I don't know how sturdy they are. And I SO understand that you need a place to put in-progress stuff. Can you use one of those collapsible triple cooling racks on a shelf to make extra layers of drying space?? Or a basket? I used to fantasize about peg-board over a sewing table, w/ a large basket or shelf that was reserved for in-progress stuff. Maybe you just need to designate a spot (in a basket or box, or on a shelf--whatever works) for the in-progress stuff. Label it, if you find you need to keep yourself honest?

Yippee Becky!! I've been mulling the thought over about making some porceline tiles to use in mosaics And also to make some nice dichroic glass nuggets for said mosaics!! It's all about the mosaic materials!!! Hope you are enjoying your class and will post pics, if not here, then on the conversation side!