BOOK ON SEWING FOR ALL LEVELS
The sewing magazine Threads shares its wisdom in "Threads Sewing Guide," a compilation of its best information about sewing.
The book is intended for users of all sewing levels. It covers supplies, fabrics, fitting techniques and sewing pointers, from creating a seam to hand-stitching a couture garment.
It also contains sections about quick fixes and stain removal, useful information even for people who aren't interested in making their own clothes.
Threads Sewing Guide is published by Taunton Press and sells for $34.95 in hardcover.
ZIPPO LIGHTER HAS FLEXIBLE NECK
Light your fire more easily with Zippo's new Flexible Neck Utility Lighter.
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The lighter has a flexible, extended neck with a slim nozzle that fits into the openings on most grills and lanterns. The company says the lighter's dual flames burn hotter and stronger, so they start a fire faster and stay lighted even when it's windy.
Other features include a fuel-level indicator, an adjustable flame and a child-resistant safety button.
The lighter comes in a satin silver or rubberized flat black finish. Retail price is $19.95.
PAINTED CHAIR CAN BE REPAIRED
Q.: I have an antique rocking chair for a child covered in milk paint. I don't want to remove the paint, but there are patches on the seat and arms where the paint has worn off and the wood is so rough, you can't sit on the chair. How can I repair those patches to make the chair usable? I don't care about matching the original paint.
A.: Furniture refinisher John S. Wilkie of Ohio recommends smoothing the rough patches with 240-grit sandpaper. Then find a latex or acrylic paint that's as close to the original color as possible, thin it with water to make an opaque wash and apply it to the worn areas. You won't need a lot of paint, he said, so consider buying a sample-size bottle of latex paint from a paint store or a small bottle of acrylic craft paint from a craft store.