Thursday, May 1, 2008

Buying A New Sewing Machine - Giving You The Power

Congratulations on deciding to buy a new sewing machine, it is a decision that should give you many hours of sewing pleasure and should be a decision you are comfortable and happy that you have made. Unfortunately quite often the shopping experience is not one that people have enjoyed, they sometimes feel that they have been pressured by sales people in to making decisions before they are ready to do so, they feel they have been persuaded into spending more than they planned to, they end up with a sewing machine that is not suitable for their requirements. If any of this sounds familiar then please read on as we aim to help you with some easy to follow tips that will put you back in charge of the buying process.

Knowing what you want, if you do not need a sewing machine that has 50 different features then do not buy one with all the bells and whistles. Quite often when you go in to a shop the sales person will be keen to sell you a particular machine, this might be the most expensive one they have or just the one with the best commission for the store, if you do not want that model or brand tell them. Before you go to the store I would create a list of the features I need my sewing machine to have, armed with this list I am able to tell the sales person what I want and I can check what he is showing me with my list of requirements and if they do not match then tell him he is not showing you what you want to buy.

Knowing what you do not want, this might sound a little strange, but if you are not happy with something on your current sewing machine, if the same thing keeps going wrong for example or if one part breaks more often than you feel it should, then tell the sales person this, you obviously do not want to have the same problems with your new machine that you had with your old one.

Test drive the sewing machine, when you have found a sewing machine that you are interested in ask the sales rep for a demonstration, please ask questions if you do not understand something they do or say as often the sales reps have a set demo and patter to go with it and this can seem a lot sleeker than it really is. You must also ask to test the sewing machine for yourself, take a swatch of your own fabric with you as an old trick amongst sales reps is to use stiff material that is much easier for some aspects of sewing and will therefore give you a false sense of confidence. Using your own swatches also means that you can carry it from machine to machine as well as shop to shop and get a true comparison between the different sewing machines on offer.

Please look out for part two of this series as we continue to put you in the driving seat when you go to purchase your new sewing machine.
Information and advice freely shared on all aspects of sewing machines by a sewing machine expert of many years here at http://www.my-sewing-machines.com a great deal of experience for you to use.

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Friday, April 11, 2008

Saving Money With Your Sewing Machine - Yes It Can Easily Be Done

If you want to save money then there are many things that you can do with a sewing machine. Of course the most obvious thing that you can do is to repair your family's clothes. This can save you a lot of money in buying new clothes when the old ones are not really all that bad. Of course you do not want to have clothes that are not going to look good, but if you are good with the machine then you can at least keep them looking good for a bit longer than they would have. It is also possible to save money with a sewing machine by buying in thrift stores as then you can always alter clothes that were not the right size and it allows you to have a wider choice in the store. The same is true of curtains, if you can alter them yourself then you can save a lot of money.

You can also make money with a sewing machine. If you have friends that are not so good with a sewing machine, then you can offer to do their repairs for them. If you do a good job then you will be much more likely to get more work as people recommend you to their friends. Then you could have a real business going. Not as much as a proper job maybe, but there are a lot of people that are not able to go out to work that are looking for a way to raise their income. If you have a sewing machine then it might be a good way to earn some extra cash. There are always people that need things altering and even if you only do simple things you might still be able to make some money.

If you are quite good with a sewing machine then you can make money from craft fairs.There is quite a good market for home made quilts and other items and if you can buy the cloth to make them from , you can make quite a good bit of extra money by doing craft items. It is a good market and the best thing is that you are your own boss. You decide what you are going to make and when you are going to work. If you have a good sewing machine then there are lots of ways that you can save money and even make some extra money as well.

For more information on sewing machine parts, sewing machines for sale, heavy duty sewing machines, Singer sewing machines and wholesale sewing machines please visit ShoppingForSewingMachines.info.

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Sunday, March 30, 2008

Comparison of Sewing Machine Prices and Features

When performing sewing machine comparisons, it is important to compare not only prices but features as well. Sometimes, obtaining the best price does not mean you get the best deal on your purchase.
Compare sewing machines by sitting at them as if you were sewing. Better yet, ask for a scrap of material and actually sew. Are the foot controls comfortable or, if you opt for a knee control, is it comfortable? Do your arms feel comfortable when guiding the fabric through the machine? Does the machine feel as if it is pulling the fabric away from you or does it gently feed the material? You want to find a sewing machine that is comfortable for you.
Of course, you have to do a sewing machine comparison on pricing. Purchase the best quality machine you can afford. Don't trade off crucial features to save only a few dollars. If you must choose a lower model to save money, select one with fewer of the 'whistles and bells' that you don't use often rather than an important feature you'll need regularly.
Sewing machines to consider with different function and prices:
Electronic sewing machines As with mechanical models electronic sewing machines also use a single motor along with cams and levers to power the needle with electronic features making it easier to precisely control settings. With the press of a button you are able to change stitches or adjust lengths in a much simpler manner than turner a less precise knob or lever. Stitches are more consistent, and adjustments are easier since they require pushing buttons instead of fiddling with knobs. The prices of electronic machines have dropped dramatically making it affordable for everyone.
Computerized sewing machines Depending on your needs you may require a computerized machine, which is coordinated by a computer microprocessor. One important thing about these machines is that they need hardly any maintenance. A basic computerized machine will allow you to embroider letters of the alphabet and a few small decorative motives. If you are intending to download designs from the internet your machine will need to be able to interface with a computer. These machines usually fall in the higher price range.
Embroidery machines The top of the range sewing machines will have hoop embroidery features. They will have a number of pre-programmed embroidery patterns and offer additional patterns on a memory card. Some machines have a special drive that will enable you to download patterns of the internet onto a memory card. With other machines you are able to scan images onto your computer and digitize it for embroidery. These types of machines can be very expensive.
Quilting machines Most sewing machines can be used for machine quilting with some requiring special considerations or adaptations. It would be wise to consult your dealer as to what these special consideration may be. One requirement that is especially important for making large quilts is the opening between the needle and the motor. The larger the opening the easier it will be to handle a large quilt.
It is important to ensure you have an in-store demonstration of whatever sewing machine you are considering purchasing. Be very aware of the warranty and service available on the machine.

For more information about sewing machines visit www.sewingmachinesforyou.com

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Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Hardanger Embroidery

My home growing up was with filled with Hardanger embroidery. When I was older I realized what a treasure these linens were and I now keep them carefully stored and display them for special occasions only. My grandmother was from Norway and despite emigrating to a new country and helping run a fishing camp, she still found time to carry on this lovely tradition. You can see some examples of the linens by clicking the link at the bottom of this article.

Hardangers?m (or Hardangersaum), is Norwegian for 'embroidery from Hardanger', and refers to the style of needlework that many of us know as Hardanger embroidery It takes its current name from a town on the southwestern coast of Norway, in a mountainous area at the head of the Hardanger fjord.

Hardanger is a form of cutwork embroidery which is believed to have originated in Asia and Persia. Hardanger has also been referred to as Norwegian lacemaking because of the way it looks. Portions of the background fabric are cut away and discarded, with the edges worked over in buttonhole stitches. It is worked on white even weave fabric, usually linen or cotton, using linen or pearl cotton threads.

The patterns were used as a favourite decoration worked in bands of embroidery across tablecloths, napkins, towels, bedspreads, pillows and curtains and clothing items such as aprons, shirts, and Norwegian folk costumes.

In simpler forms of hardanger, the holes themselves decorate the fabric but in more advanced techniques, the holes can be filled in with threads in various patterns to create a more elaborate design. You can see both examples in the pictures.

The traditional designs are geometric and based on several shapes: square, rectangle, triangle, diamond, diagonal, zig-zag and cross. These shapes are put together to form many different designs but never created pictures. Patterns varied greatly from one family to another and from village to village. Eventually specific designs came to be associated with specific places.

Hardanger uses many easy-to-learn stitches of two basic types. The first is counted thread embroidery with simple stitches which can be altered slightly or combined in many interesting ways to create limitless designs. Together with drawn-thread or cut-work embroidery, this leads to a stunning effect!

It often featured:

  • diamond, triangular or square motifs of cutwork
  • satin stitching in rectangular blocks (kloster blocks) and other shapes
  • pulled thread work in the form of four-sided stitch
  • cable stitch
  • eyelets

    Karens Variety is a craft patterns retail site, http://www.karensvariety.com with a large selection of new and used crochet, knitting, needlework, cross stitch, plastic canvas, tatting, embroidery, macrame, dolls and sewing patterns, craft books and PDF reproductions of vintage patterns and pattern books. Learn more by visiting the site Newsletter. Enter the monthly Contest

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Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Colors Used In Embroidery Digitizing

Embroidery digitizing is an interesting concept of beautifying clothing and fabrics. Today practically all types of fabrics can be embroidered using the right stabilizer in embroidery digitizing. Though the practice of embroidery digitizing is rather easy where only a computer and embroidery digitizing software is required, there is always the possibility of complications arising with embroidery digitizing. However, with the right information and tips on embroidery digitizing, it is possible to come up with a design that is the eye of envy to everyone.

The most commonly used embroidery thread weight is 40wt thread while 60wt or 90wt thread is used as the bobbin thread. The number of thread breaks and problems that may occur in embroidery digitizing is greatly affected by the quality of thread used for it. The best thread to use is polyester thread as it is the most color safe and durable.

In embroidery digitizing, there is no problem in using different colors from the colors found in a design. There is also no need of fretting if you don?t have the same colors or brand of thread used in the design. Slight changes in the shades and tones of the colored threads don?t pose to be quite noticeable on the completion of the design.

Embroidery digitizing proves to be more interesting if you can adjust different colors for different fabrics colors. It is better to use the background color change feature found in the embroidery digitizing software to determine which color looks the best on the fabric you use. If this feature is absent in your software, keep different colors of felt and fabric nearby to test the different colors on them before starting on the design.

When starting on creating an embroidery digitizing design, it proves to be beneficial to go through the entire design collection to find out where the design look can be changed just with a color change. Even fruits and flower designs look different and more attractive with a color change in the design. So it can be seen that embroidery digitizing does not mean you have to follow the design that you find in the design book or software. You can create much more interesting and appealing designs by using your imagination and color instincts to make the design more interesting.

Sahel is the Sales/Support representative of Cheap Digitizing. You can find more information on Embroidery Digitizing on www.cheapdigitizing.com.

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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Indian Embroidery Stitches Up Into A More Organised Sector

Indian embroidery has gained a new horizon

Embroidery is one of the oldest and most accepted styles of surface ornamentation of fabrics and garments, and India is among the leading producer of embroidered fabrics and garments worldwide.

Be it Chickankari from Lucknow or Phulkari from Punjab or Ari or Kutchi embroidery from Kutch, each is being valued and have their own consumer. Indian embroidery has gained a new horizon and has created a niche for itself in the world market. Their exclusive style and stitches imitates the ethos and culture of their region.

The increasing demand of embroidered wear as ethnic wear in youths

Today, in India embroidered Salwar-kameez, Lehnga-cholis and Sarees, Sherwani, Kurta-pyjama with stole, Churidar, in various traditional designs are popular and demanded as 'Ethnic Wear' or 'Heritage Wear'. Jeans and jackets with embroidered pockets and in various designs in front or backside are very much demanded; even embroidered neckties and t-shirts are also very much demanded as a latest trend. Even these traditional Indian wears or ethnic wears are being more popular in Western countries too.

In recent time the demand of garments with embroidery is more than that with prints in ladies and girls apparels. Embroidery is favored over prints because of its eco-friendly characteristics. Garments with sequins and crochet laces (of Indian looks) are well recognized by foreign customers and now such works are available and very much demanded in sleepwear too. Even home furnishing products like bed sheets, tapestry, bed linen, kitchen linen etc are also more demanded with various traditional embroideries.

Traditionally, embroidery is utilized for embellishing of apparel and products such as undergarment have not occupied with much of embroidery. This type of embellishment is only now accepting for menswear.

India is still an undeveloped market for embroideries. Studies have revealed that consumption of embroidery per person in India is Rs 8 per annum. The market size of the Indian embroidery is slated to be approximately Rs 800-900 crore per annum and embroidery market of India is increasing at 20 percent per annum. This shows the enormous prospective market of embroidery in the country, which requires more efforts to tap the market.

The efforts for getting organized

With its traditional embroidery garment demands, the local embroidery production is almost totally unorganized with very small units located in scattered areas of the country. These are like a cottage industry. Majority of the exporters in this segment do not have any production facilities, but get the jobs done from such small units.

Surat, Ahmedabad, Kutch and Mumbai are the major embroidery centers in the country, and Bareilly, Muradabad, etc are well known for their beadwork. Surat is holding a strong position in this segment.

Furthermore, the demands in the domestic market for very small lots and very large varieties only help to the small units. Many exporters into embroidered and printed fabrics of Mumbai get its orders done by units located in Dharavi and Govandi areas. But, it is not easy to get established soon in the domestic market, as local competition and small units are operating with their traditional embroidery skills.

Typically with 2 and 4 embroidery machines and very small units, till a decade ago embroidery business of India was considered as unorganized. But at present, 60 percent of the market is attributed by organized players.

The export market is more organized and majority of professional producers exports their products to the UK, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Egypt. Many exporters are exporting to their products in various countries, depending upon the demands and are growing at a rate of 15-20 per cent per annum.

In the international market and in India, the demand for garments embellished with embroideries with sequins and crystals is high. Though, embroidery is utilized in a whole lot of products internationally, the market has still a large gap, and it needs to fill up this gap with the exact requirement of consumers of worldwide as well as Indian.

In recent time, some large players have taken interest in to enter in the sector after realizing the huge potential and to fill up this gap and have been making efforts for getting more organized. Nearly 3,500 multi-head computerized embroidery machines are being set up in Surat; nearly 1,500 such machines are setting up in Mumbai, and a similar number each in Tirupur, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Ludhiana. All these units will need best quality embroidery yarns.

With capacity of 5 billion stitches per annum, Pioneer Industries is the biggest in Asia for crochet laces and schiflli embroidered fabrics.

Surat: in the race of becoming a hub of the embroidery

Textile industrialists of Surat city of Gujarat foresee a huge potential for clothes embellished with chic embroidery work, in both in the foreign and Indian market. In Surat, by many textile industrialists more than 3,500 latest embroidery machines have been established in the last one year to satisfy the growing demand of embroidered clothes in the country and abroad. Many textile industrialists of Surat aim to make Surat as the hub of the embroidery industry with these embroidery machines having an inbuilt capacity of manufacturing multiple designs.

These machines were imported from the countries like China, Korea and Germany, the costs of each machines range between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 2 crore. These machines are operated with computerized system. The designs are all set on the computer and then it is ready for embroidery work on the machines.

These embroidery machines have substituted the old-fashioned Jackard and Doby machines, which were utilized to make designs on the sarees and dress materials. Though, the industrialists believe that the embroidery machines are designed to offer 110 percent output against the Jackard and Doby machines which provide only 10 to 20 percent output.

The scenario has changed in the last two years with the arrival of latest embroidery machines. Though, it is not easy to compare the art of machine to that of human hands, but these machines offer the quality of work and save human hours. Also it is not easy to evaluate the cost of embroidery done on machines and those done by hands. The embroidery made on machine is much cheaper than hand-embroidery.

In Surat, by this way old technology is being substituted by the new technology and this is the right approach to value addition, really Surat has the potential to develop the embroidery industry. In Surat, at present the 3,500 odd-embroidery machines are producing more than one lakh meters of cloth per day and it is estimated to increase three-fold in the next two years. Majority of producers are exporting around 60 per cent of embroidered clothes to foreign countries and also doing job-work for the different companies and fashion houses across the country. Besides casual wears and dress materials, the fashion of wearing embroidered undergarments is also going to increase.

Threads and yarns

Threads, the vital part of this sector, are easily available in the country. Consumption of embroidery yarns in the country exists at nearly 11,000 tones per annum, of which viscose has a major share. Demand for embroidery thread in the country is increasing at a rate of about seven percent per annum. In India, threads are easily obtainable, but there is possibility for improvement in quality. And majority of thread producers are planning to expand capacities.

Indian Rayon has planned the production of viscose embroidery yarns realizing the requirement for quality embroidery yarns with yarns' capacity of 850 stitches per minute. To fine-tune the quality of the yarn, Indian Rayon is now stabilizing the dyeing processes, and also planning to improve the colour fastness of the yarns, ensuring azo-free dyeing, etc. They will be starting commercial production by December 2005, or by January 2006 with the aim of receiving 10 percent of the market share by 2006-07.

Viscose yarns are largely used in embroidery, cotton, polyester and metallic yarns are also utilized for making embroidered products.

Latest embroidery machineries

For completing big orders, it is not feasible to completely depend on hand-made works and there is a requirement to mechanize all the hand works.

Many embroidery garment exporters are importing their embroidery machines from Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and China. Many players use only German and Japanese embroidery machines those who can compromise on quality go for Chinese makes.

But looking to the price factor the industry is coming across a decision that Chinese machines are just as good. These machines are performing well for those who need 6-12 head embroidery systems. The price differentiation is huge; for Japanese, Korea against China. Chinese machineries are cheaper than Japanese, Korean and Germany and hence this attracts people to purchase Chinese machines.

Pioneer Industries produces its schiflli embroidered products on Swiss machines and multi-head embroidered products on German machines. Garment Machinery System is intending to bring in machines that can sew beads, in February 2006. ZSK has approached with a new technique in embellishment called StitchTuft, a soft, though stable cut pile.

Tajima has introduced a new embroidery machine for chenille stitch with sequin. Its TCMX series, the chenille embroidery heads work at 750 rpm. Combination of chenille embroidery in six colours and by using alternatives like high speed sequin device gives high precision and higher-value added embroidery.

Indian embroidery

In India, according to the community or region there are many embroidery styles and designs available, which include mirrors, beads, stones, shell, jute ropes etc.

Banjara tribal women located near by Hyderabad wear blouses and head scarves embroidered and decorated with mirrors. Embleshied with motifs of flowers, creepers and chinar leaves, mango the Kashmiri embroidery or kashida and Zardozi are very much popular, and Amritsar is well know for making kashida work.

While prepared with the help of an awl, Ari embroidery of Kutch is popular for its heavy work. Rabari embroidery of Gujarat is well-known and widely available, the women of this community wear black skirts with various embroidered designs; even children wear heavily embroidered salwars and shirts. There are many communities in Kutch like Sodha, Jats, Aahirs, Dhebaria Rabari, Mochi (Cobbler community), Meghwal, Mutwa, and Node? Jats, which make embroidery (Rabari embroidery, Ahir embroidery, Sindhi embroidery, Banni embroidery, Mutwa embroidery, Ari embroidery, Soof embroidery) on various garments according to their traditional designs. Besides these, in Gujarat Kanbi, Ahir and Kathiawari communities make embroidery in their traditional styles.

Dating back to 15th century Punjab's Phulakari embroidery (significantly divided into two words - Phul meaning flower and Kari meaning work that means floral work) created for Punjabi women to embellish their Odhnis, Chaddars, Shawls and Blouses. Besides their textiles and stitches, Phulkari itself is categorized into various types- Chope, Sainichi, Seeshadar and the bagh. The Bagh is one of the popular Phulakari and generally worn in parties and ceremonies.

The "Chikankari" embroidery is largely practiced in the city of Lucknow, the Nawabs of India were used to wear their clothes with this embroidery. Along with heavily worked out Zardosi or other traditional Indian embroidery, the Chikankari embroidery is available with stitches in the patterns of flowers, paisleys and various Indian motifs and is most popular in embellishing ghagra cholis, full-length dresses etc.

Hand embroidery embellished in their traditional patterns with various designs covering mirror, are very popular. Kasuti embroidery (Dharwar, Karnataka) done on handloom saris is well recognized among Indian women.

Besides these, there is also availability of readymade shapes of the material with names such as nakshi, sadi, kora and kangani are stitched on to form of zardozi patterns. This material is get by weight and is readily available in bunches known as lachhis.

It is still to articulate, there is only one aspect that is identify Indian styles and culture worldwide, is the Indian embroidery, which cannot be replicated elsewhere. It is the expertise and talent that goes into embroidery, which provides an Indian garment its distinctive look. The demand of Indian embroidery products will remain forever with its various cultural and regional styles and preference of design of numbers of communities.

Fibre2fashion has emerged as a distinctive B2B platform for global Textile, Apparel, Fashion and Retail and allied industries. Fibre2fashion.com offers business solutions, news, articles and information that help to survive and sustain in the most hostile and competitive business environment.

To read more articles on Textile, Fashion, Apparel, Technology, Retail and General please visit http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article If you wish to download/republish the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source?. Also, you have to make it hyperlinked to our site.

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Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Some information on Embroidery

Embroidery is the detail work for sewing. It is the small, intricate designs on fabric that make it so beautiful. A good eye and much talent produces a beautiful design whether it is on a pillow case, a table cloth, or even the cuff of a dress shirt. Whether it is machine embroidery or hand done, it adds an extra elegance to an item. Embroidery designs, while widely available in fabric stores, can also be found online. Free embroidery designs are also available, mostly for trade online as well.

To learn to embroider or the art of embroidery, much information and training is required. Mainly, this can be done through experience. Too find information on the skill and techniques, check out a few how to books at the local library or purchase them at a nearby book store. Or, if the beginner is Internet savvy, doing some simple research online will also produce a wide selection of knowledge. Knowing someone who is experienced in this area will also benefit the student.

Whether a small flower or a detailed design of an animal, embroidery is very well sought after. There is a large market out there for handmade designs like this. Someone who is advanced enough to do detail work, can earn an income from doing it. There is a large market for finely produced work online as well. People who frequent online auction websites are willing to pay for quality work. Or, it is possible to find a company willing to provide work. Another place to sell embroidery designs and work is at local craft fairs where people can browse through finished products to purchase.

Many people who do embroidery, do so as a hobby though. Maybe they are creating an heirloom to hand down to their grandchildren. Maybe they are creating a design with their family name and their descendants or ancestors on it. Definitely a way to use skills and talents! Well worth the effort and hard work!
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-fabric-4u.com/


Nervous Cats, Winning the Trust of a Timid Cat.Larry ChamberlainNervous cats hide from people, they do not readily present themselves for petting, and may seem downright scared of you.

Probably, this was not exactly what you had in mind when you decided to get yourself a pet. So, is it at all possible for nervous cats to overcome their timidity and learn to trust you? The answer is yes, but you will need patience, patience, and patience.

It is usual for a kitten to be cautious and timid for the first week or so in its new home, but some kitties remain nervous of you no matter how loving and caring you are to them. Kittens that spent the first weeks of their life in the company of humans and other pets, along with the associated sounds and smells, are far less likely to be nervous cats. They will accept sharing their living space with humans more readily, and be more likely to accept petting. Your cat may have had a nasty experience before coming to your home, and is naturally apprehensive of a reoccurrence.

One way to gradually get a nervous cat used to petting is to gently wrap your pet in a thick towel, to prevent it from scratching you, and gently stroke its head. Talk to your cat softly as you do so, and only use a light grip never hold your cat extremely tight. Set aside a time each day to perform this bonding ritual and your shy cat may grow to trust you enough to stroke it without the towel, remember patience pays.

Great results have been obtained by owners of nervous cats by using a pet crate. Cover the sides of the crate with card or a blanket so that your cat can see through the front but still feels protected. Put the litter tray in the crate and perhaps your cats favorite toy. Start by using the crate in a room that humans are not using, but from where your cat can hear the sounds of the house. Then, move to a place where the humans of the house can be seen carrying on their normal activity, talk to your pet soothingly. Gradually your cat may learn that there is no threat to it from you, and you may achieve enjoying your cat's company outside the crate without any sign of nervousness.

Bribery can often work wonders with nervous cats. Try a offering a tempting healthy treat, if your cat is hungry enough to overcome its fear and stay still to eat its treat, stroke it gently, don't make sudden movements! You may have to persevere, but often your pet will eventually accept and enjoy your petting.

Never lose patience, and remember that your nervous cat is not rejecting you, it is just an in built protective reaction to something that has given kitty cause to be wary of humans. Love and perseverance will often win the day, and you will be rewarded by your cat's affection.
If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to

http://www.best-cat-art.com

Cat art posters, art prints, cat calendars and cat collectibles. Great cat gifts for yourself or your cat loving friends.
Leap of fact Brenda KoritkoHave you been contacting companies in growth sectors? Do
you know how many companies hire people with your skills?
Are you getting the response you expect when you submit your
resume? Knowing where to look for rewarding opportunities
is the first step in an effective job search strategy.
Develop a career plan based on an understanding of the
current job market.

Knowing how to locate opportunities in emerging or growth
sectors will help you find and secure rewarding positions -
often before they are posted. The amount of preparation you
do before sending your resume to potential employers will
also impact the number of interviews secure. You will be
surprised at how quickly you can get the job you really
want.

Understand the opportunities that exist in your current
industry, but also recognize the limitations. Don't chance
missing key opportunities by limiting your job search to
your existing industry. Advance your career by paying
attention to trends and events - even outside your
specialty.

Every industry hires workers from a wide variety of
disciplines. To understand the scope of opportunities
available for people with your skills, you must review
information from many sectors and gather the most current
information from a variety of sources. This does not need
to be a daunting task. You will find that you can gather
most of the information you require online. For example,
banks and other financial institutions provide economic
information and reports for their customers, and government
or company press releases answer many questions.

Look for answers to some, or all, of the following
questions. Have they developed, or will they be developing
any new products in the near future? Have they received a
government contract recently? Does the contract include
funds to hire new workers? What results do they expect in
the next few quarters?

The right information will increase the effectiveness of
your job search and change your resume into an attention
grabber. Use the industry keywords that you gather as you
explore various industries to create resumes and letters
that establish at a glance that you understand their needs!
Know what they expect and impress them when you speak their
language during your interview. Your chances for moving
beyond the original pile increase every time you make a
connection with a reader.

Globalization, new technology, corporate restructuring, and
other unforeseen factors are changing our lives daily. Our
approach to our careers must also change. There was a time
when workers followed career paths determined by their
company. Today, most companies do not plan the future of
their workers. Successful workers in the 21st century
manage their own career through one or multiple
organizations.

Managing your career benefits you. Be proactive. Don't
wait for others to decide when you deserve to advance.
Expedite your career by communicating to employers that you
have the skills they require and you will make a difference
- today. You can get the response you expect when you
contact employers.
The Benefits of Employing Your Children Collin Almeida

The Benefits of Employing Your Children

by Collin Almeida
How many times a week do you hear, "Mom, I need a new pair
of shoes!" or "Dad, can I have money to go to a movie?" Not
to mention the cost of school supplies, braces, and college
tuition that haunt every parent. If you're like the
average parent, you probably spend several thousand dollars
a year providing for all the needs and wants of your
children. But unlike most Americans, if you are a home-based
business owner, you can make those thousands work for you.

The IRS allows you to hire your school-age children as part-
time employees for your business. Then, you pay them a
reasonable salary for their work that is then used to cover
all their expenses. And their salary is completely tax
deductible. Plus, as employees, their medical expenses can
also count as tax deductions.

For example, if you have two children, one age 10 and
another age 17, you can officially and legally hire them to
work for you. Perhaps the ten year old can clean up your
home office or sort mail while the older child could answer
phones, handle filing, or type correspondence. No matter
what responsibilities you elect for your offspring, make
sure to prepare a formal employment agreement between you,
as business owner, and your child. Make sure your
agreement includes a list of duties, the compensation
arrangement, and any special details you want to have in
writing. In addition to the official agreement, you can
create a job title and description for your new "employee".
Not only will this help to audit-proof the deduction, it
will also clearly spell out for your child what his or her
responsibilities are.

There are some restrictions, however. For instance, the
child's yearly income (according to 2001 tax regulations)
can be no more than $4550. Additionally, the pay rate must
be comparable to similar services offered by professionals.
If you are paying your child for vacuuming or dusting, you
should contact cleaning services in your area for a written
estimate and base his or her wage accordingly. Also, the
child must maintain a record of his or her work. The log
must include the date, type of work, time worked, and
hourly rate. The last restriction is that the child must be
paid what he or she earns. So you will need to open
separate checking accounts for the children in which to
deposit their salaries. All the expenses then can be
covered from that account, including entertainment, clothes,
school expenses, or even a car or college tuition.

The IRS also allows all medical benefits provided by a
business to its employees to be claimed as tax deductions,
so if your child is your employee and you have to pay for
his or her braces that hefty expenses can be completely tax
deductible. Even if your child is covered by your spouse's
insurance plan, you can claim all co-payments or non-
covered medical charges. There are no minimum or maximum
levels either: every dollar you pay out can be counted as a
tax deduction. However, your policy for covering these
expenses must be in writing and copies of all receipts and
bills should be maintained for your business records.

Besides the obvious benefits of being able to write-off
these costs, hiring your child as an employee can have
other positive effects. You will save time because of the
additional help your new staff will provide. While they
handle the menial duties, you can concentrate on running a
successful business and earning more money. And with your
children on the staff and on the payroll, they - and your
spouse - will be more likely to support your venture.
There's also no better way to teach your children the value
of money than by having them work for it and get Uncle
Sam to pay for it.
Discover little known but highly lucrative tax advantages
you can legally claim as a home based business owner by
visiting http://www.homebusinesstaxsecrets.com Get the
FREE REPORT: "5 Hidden Tax Dangers..." that shows you how
to save $1000's in taxes and avoid costly audits.

CLUTTER'S SIDE EFFECTS: How the State of Your Home Affects Your Life Stephanie RobertsEach area of your home has a symbolic meaning with which
you resonate on a subconscious level. Clutter and
untidiness within each of these areas causes constriction
and inertia in the corresponding aspects of your life.

CLUTTER IN THE KITCHEN
The kitchen has been called the "heart of the home," and
with good reason. Here we are nourished and provided for,
even if we are dining on a frozen entre zapped in the
microwave rather than a homemade meal lovingly presented
by Mom. An untidy and disorganized kitchen makes it hard
to nourish yourself and others, on both physical and
metaphysical levels. How you care for your kitchen is a
clue about whether you are giving proper attention to your
own nourishment and sources of abundance. Cleaning up and
de-cluttering your kitchen opens up space for you to
receive the support and comfort that you need in life.

LIVING AND DINING ROOM CLUTTER
These are spaces where you mingle with and honor your
relationships with family and friends. Here you engage
with the world while being at home through watching
television, reading the paper, or arguing politics with
old friends over dinner. Clutter can turn these social
spaces into dens of isolation, especially if the mess is
so bad that it has been years since you've invited people
over. Look around your living and dining rooms to see what
they say about your relationship with the rest of the
world. Are you hiding your true self from others, burying
it in clutter, or putting it on display here?

CLUTTERED HALLWAYS
Hallways are the arteries and highways of your home.
Think of clutter in your hallways as a traffic jam that
prevents important connections between different areas of
your home and your life. Look at your hallways to see how
you feel about your life's path: are they well lit and
easily navigable, or do they trip you up? If you feel a
disconnect between work and family, self and others, what
you need and your obligations, it may be time to give your
hallways a good clearing out.

BATHROOM CLUTTER
Bathing and anointing the body is a preparatory ritual for
many religious rites both ancient and contemporary. On a
daily basis we use this space to prepare ourselves to meet
the world. Clutter in the bathroom can indicate a
devaluation of self-worth, a lack of attention to self
that goes beyond the physical. A clean, well-decorated
bathroom can become a tranquil sanctuary for rejuvenation
and self-care. Scented soaps, attractive accessories, and
fragrant candles have a place here. Beautifying your
bathroom by eliminating clutter and disorder and transforming
it into a place of refuge will bring a sense of the sacred
into your morning and evening personal-care rituals.

CLUTTER IN THE BEDROOM
Adults' bedrooms are for sleeping and intimacy, and they
should function as places of renewal for self and
relationships. Clutter in the bedroom is enervating without
being restful. If you feel "wired and tired," creating order
out of chaos in this most personal space can help you relax
and let go of the stress of the day. Then you can get a good
night's sleep or enjoy some special time with your partner.

CLUTTERED CLOSETS
Closets represent things that are hidden, unknown, or
unrecognized. When we fill our closets with clutter, we
stifle our ability to be intuitive and insightful. Cluttered
closets can indicate problems that you may not be consciously
aware of but which impede your progress through life, work,
and relationships nonetheless. Keeping the closet door closed
is not an effective solution.

ATTIC AND BASEMENT CLUTTER
A cluttered attic creates a feeling of being under pressure.
It's hard to feel optimistic about the future when there's
so much stuff "hanging over your head." Ancestor issues
reside up there, along with all those boxes and chests
holding the detritus of generations. And the basement and
other below-ground storage areas are considered abodes of
the subconscious, so watch your step and get that clutter
cleaned up!

CLUTTER IN YOUR GARAGE
Think of your car as a symbol of your mobility, independence,
and ability to be self-directed in life. If there's so much
stuff piled up in your garage that you can barely fit the
car in there, you may be hampered or overly cautious moving
forward in life as well.

Stop thinking of clutter-clearing as a tremendous chore, and
start thinking of it as one of the most effective self-
improvement tactics available to you. Every magazine and
piece of paper you recycle, every book you give to the
library, every knick-knack and item of clothing you release
to a new owner creates space in your life for new insight,
energy, joy, and experiences to come in!

The Prophecy of Suffering Angelique WatkinsPlease visit the link to adopt a troop and pray for him or her daily. I have adopted my troop and he is in the army. Do visit the link: http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/adoptatroop.php

Think on this thought first: If you only had two (2) weeks and two (2) days to live what changes would you make? My thoughts have been on my mother(my mother passed away on March 7, 2000) because two years ago that is all I would have had left to see her.

My only resource that I depend on is the Inspired Written Word of Yahweh (God). I am not a pastor nor do I hold a clergy position but I have been appointed a gift for my journey/mission.

Let's journey back in time between 701 and 681 B.C. and visit Jerusalem to meet the Prophet Isaiah. The Prophecy of Isaiah is one of the world's greatest masterpieces. Isaiah will tell us that his name means "Salvation of Jehovah"

Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?

verse 3...He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

verse 4...Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

verse 5...He was wounded for our transgression, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

verse 6...All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah was the greatest of the Writing Prophets and he writes about God's judgment and salvation. Isaiah reminds the people to be on Alert for future threats in the northern kingdom and danger in the south. During my review of biblical lessons that referenced "Isaiah" I could even see where it could be applied to me today for more detail study and I do recommend reading the entire book of Isaiah for February through March.

We are entering the "Lent..Passover..Easter" season. During Lent our attention should be on worshipping the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Lent is a time of special weekday opportunities to worship the Lamb that was slain for us.

Man's wickedness and sin did increase to large proportions. Mankind was lose according to The Divine Inspired Word of God.

Something had to be done. God sent Himself, a third part of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). HE stepped out of ETERNITY to be born of a human virgin female. HE stepped off the highest throne created. He did pay the price for every imaginable sin you can possibly think of.

It is mankind who cheated on God. We have placed everything from money to drugs and others things above Him.

I may say I forgive you, but is it really in the back of my mind forever? So you see, I (maybe you) are very weak and fragile creatures.

As I (We) try to faithfully follow Jesus/Yeshua (Hebrew name for Jesus which means Salvation) from the upper room to the cross of Calvary, we are comforted by the fact that in suffering Jesus was bearing our grief and and carrying our sorrows. HE died and has overcome for us all the enemies,evil one attacks of our soul's salvation. Sin. The Evil One. The Devil, may accuse us, but the Anointed, our Advocate before the Father, is our Shield against all the foes of our soul. Jesus is indeed my Shield to protect and provide for me in perfect security in the salvation He has won for me and all who choose HIM.

And back to my mother, something that I thought about at her death bed there were two of us on each side, my sister and me. I thank Jesus for this thought. Amen

Biblical truths: God's Protection. Psalm 84:11...For the Lord is a sun and shield; He bestows favor and honor.

The Lesson: Among the things God provides for the protection of HIS children is the ministry of HIS holy angels.

Prayer: Father, God of Issac, Abraham and Jacob thank you for this privilege to share, thank you for your holy angels that are encamped around us, keep and protect us from the evil one(s), open our eyes to see the crafts and assaults of the evil one. Teach us how to love ALL Mankind. Amen...

Scripture Reference: Crusade @ Bible Publishers, Inc. 1970, Mt. Juliet, Tn, USA, 37122

"Women and Divorce: How Women Should Protect Themselves Financially Regarding Divorce"Karl AugustineWomen who believe a divorce is a possibility or who think that their husband will be asking about getting a divorce at some point should put their emotions aside and plan "just in case" their intuition is correct that a divorce may be coming in the near future. If women who believe that the "divorce discussion" may be lurking, they should make it a point to look for solid signs that their husband will indeed ask for a divorce...then they should plan accordingly.

Women who think that they are signs that her husband may ask for a divorce but haven't thought about it deeply or who think that a divorce would better suit them rather than their husbands, should view the situation realistically and as stoically as possible. This will ensure that plan they take is calculated, logical and will benefit them based on what they want the end result to yield.

Often times women refuse to think that a divorce could happen to them and one day their husband comes home and says "There's something I have been meaning to talk to you about..." or "I think we should get a divorce." or something similar. If the situation has reached this point, its too late for women to start planning for their financial future after divorce.

So what do women who think a divorce is eminent or who want a divorce for themselves do in order to ensure they aren't left in financial ruin?

There's certainly a myriad of tactics that can be used and each woman's situation is different regarding divorce, but here's some tactics that will help:

Women and divorce tactic 1:
Once women validate their own reasons for divorce and are sure that divorce is the right path, they should make a plan and keep it to themselves. They shouldn't let anyone know what they've decided to do. They should not tell their friends, co-workers, or family...no one.

And they certainly shouldn't lead on to their husband that they want a divorce if they are the ones who will be making the first move to end the marriage.

Women and divorce tactic 2:
Women in divorce should realize that the plan they take may require several months to implement and they should be patient and plan logically. Women should learn how much money it would take to support themselves (and children if the situation warrants it), how much money is actually available to them now, and how they can adjust their lifestyle to make sure they can financially survive.

Women and divorce tactic 3:
Women who may be facing divorce should look at the household wills. In some cases, it may be legal to take someone out of a will or put someone into a will without that person knowing.

Women and divorce tactic 4:
Women who want to plan for divorce should try to put away cash in the event something dramatic happens unexpectedly. Bit by bit, putting cash away somewhere in a place that cannot be found by heir husband will allow women to make sure they can survive in the event of "unforeseen circumstances".

Women and divorce tactic 5:
Women who plan on getting divorced should document any events that will strengthen their case against their husband. Occurrences such as physical abuse, verbal abuse, mental abuse, and drunken stupors that end in embaraasment or abuse are examples or instances that should be documented because these happeneings strengthen any case the women have against their husband.

Women and divorce tactic 6:
Women who know that divorce is in their future should do all they can to decrease liabilities and increase their access to money. This includes paying down mutual debt, establishing credit of their own if they do not have credit already, and making sure that the mortgage (if there is one) is paid down as much as possible.

Women and divorce tactic 7:
Women who are serious about getting a divorce or who think that their husband might ask for a divorce in the future should gather all documents that have to do with anything financial that has their name listed. They should make a list of all these items with financial institution name, address, account number, balance, interest rate, etc.

Knowing exactly what is at stake financially will help alleviate surprises later.

Planning a divorce can be as painful for women as it can be for men. Generally, women aren't the breadwinners (although things are getting a lot closer to being 'new age' than in previous decades) and getting surprised with divorce papers can have long term financial affects to women who don't plan accordingly and protect themselves financially.
Karl Augustine
 "A Practical Guide To
Deciding Whether Or Not To Get A
Divorce", the eBook recommended by
counselors to thier clients.

Proven "Actions Items" to help you decide!
women and divorce
Your Cat The Hunter...Larry ChamberlainYour Cat The Hunter...
Many cat owners believe that their good little kitty would not even dream of going hunting.
After all, their cat is loved and well fed. Why should their pet bother hunting down birds, mice and other wildlife? If a domestic cat has any access at all to the outside world then it will hunt, no doubt about it, it's all part of being a cat.
Here are some of the myths and old wives tales about cats and hunting.
Pet cats are just too lazy to hunt.
In no way is this true, domestic cats may sleep away two thirds of their day but they are shallow sleepers and alert to all sound, and movements, that take place around them. Cats are designed to use high levels of energy in relatively short bursts, and then rest to recuperate.
A cat that is well fed will not hunt.
This is simply untrue. A cat will hunt whether it is hungry or not, hunting is an instinctive need within your cat. The fact is a well fed and healthy cat is more likely to be an effective hunter of prey, than an ill fed feral cat.
Cats that have been declawed will not hunt.
This is a misconception. A cat that has been deprived of its claws will use its front legs to give a paralyzing blow to its prey, and then, as any cat does, use its powerful jaws and needle sharp teeth to bite its victims neck. Declawing a cat for this reason would be pointless - in any event declawing is a cruel and unnecessary process.
Domestic cats prefer hunting mice to hunting birds.
Cats are opportunistic hunters and in metropolitan areas where rodent populations are kept under control, the most plentiful supply of prey is birds. In country areas some studies have shown that birds make up only twenty percent of a domestic cats prey. You may see cats catching more birds than mice, voles and rats, this is because the birds are prey that is available during the daytime, rodents are usually caught at night.
Kittens must be shown how to hunt by their mother.
Only partly true. Kittens are born with a natural hunting instinct, but if the mother cat is on hand to teach her kittens the necessary skills, they will be able to become more proficient hunters.
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Cat art posters, art prints, cat calendars and cat collectibles. Great cat gifts for yourself or your cat loving friends.

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