Official NEC-magical gift post

[damiller1]

Because the Post Reply doesn't bring up a new window, I can't see who wrote what and my memory for names is awful. But here goes...

I haven't yet found a way to apply the ribbon on to the rim of the toe ring bag and not have it gather. Physics say because the ribbon is being applied to a round object it's going to gather. I'm working on concepts one of which is to apply the ribbon before making the cone.

I'll have to cut the top to straighten it first... We'll see. I'll just mess around a bit.

Sent in my second sample yesterday. I KNOW it won't pass. The cone was worse than the first on but there was no way to take it a part once the glue set.

Yup, I didn't expect my first sample to pass either but I did remember to send the signed agreement along with a stamped 9x12 this time.

Kudos to all who are getting paid and to all of us who are not allowing frustration to rule us.

We rock!!!

Lastly, I think the idea of posting instructions in a seperate folder is a jim-dandy.

[kcduffer]

Although at first thought the idea of posting instructions in a separate folder sounds good, I don't think that NEC would like it. After all, these instructions are their 'property'. They sell them to us with the provision that we don't make and sell these projects to anyone other than them. If these instructions were 'public', anyone could make them and not have to sign the form to make them exclusively for NEC.

[chek101]

Have you tried putting a little cut along the ribbon's edges (without cutting all the way across it of course)? If I want a ribbon to wrap around a circle without gathering or pleating, I take my scissors and snip along the ribbon's edges (but NOT all the way across the ribbon) at various points along its perimeter - kind've like the way a slit in a skirt might look. I just make these little snips here and there along side the ribbon's edge as I go. Then at the point where I made the snips, I fold the left part of the slit over the right part and tack it down or glue it as I go ... I do this all along the circle's edge. It doesn't make any difference which part gets folded over what part. Try it.

And I agree, a file on Instructions would be a big help. I don't know how it can be done here other than we could set aside a few pages ... say pages 600 to 604 ... (however many pages it would need) and just keep that range of page numbers just for the instructions. This way we could just go to those specific page numbers when we wanna check out a kit's instructions. Of course the files will be somewhat chaotic looking in the beginning, but as we near the end and have rounded up all the instructions, it would become more refined and straight forward.

Or ... I could just keep a record of the instructions as they come rolling in ... letting you know which ones I have and which ones I don't have, then when the list is complete I could post it here for all of you to record or keep in your own file. I actually don't even know how to put up an attachment here ... don't see where it says anything about that, here. How's that done? Also any suggestions as to how to go about starting this file system for the instructions would be appreciated. For now ... maybe everybody here could just tell us which instructions they have. I have the Carousel Horse. What ones do you all have? chek

[chek101]

I thought I responded to this, but I don't think it went in for some reason, so at the risk of repeating myself I will try this again ...

Yes ... I think you are right, so scrap that idea about the instructions list. I kindve thought there would be some legality involved. All I wanted tho was to know what materials are worked with before I buy a kit as I prefer to work only with certain materials. NEC doesn't tell you what materials, just what technique is involved. I don't care about how the thing is made ... just what I have to work with material-wise. I would have to buy all their kits to find that out and that could prove very costly. I suspect that this is how they really make their money anyway, and don't get me wrong, I have no problem with that; it is after all "their" idea and quite brilliant at that, too! Unlike mine! Anyway, like I said, forget about the instructions idea, I guess I will have to go at this in baby steps, hoping i pick the right kits instead of throwing good money out the window because I won't work a kit where I don't like working with the materials involved.
chek

[Ruschele]

Originally Posted by chek101

I thought I responded to this, but I don't think it went in for some reason, so at the risk of repeating myself I will try this again ...

Yes ... I think you are right, so scrap that idea about the instructions list. I kindve thought there would be some legality involved. All I wanted tho was to know what materials are worked with before I buy a kit as I prefer to work only with certain materials. NEC doesn't tell you what materials, just what technique is involved. I don't care about how the thing is made ... just what I have to work with material-wise. I would have to buy all their kits to find that out and that could prove very costly. I suspect that this is how they really make their money anyway, and don't get me wrong, I have no problem with that; it is after all "their" idea and quite brilliant at that, too! Unlike mine! Anyway, like I said, forget about the instructions idea, I guess I will have to go at this in baby steps, hoping i pick the right kits instead of throwing good money out the window because I won't work a kit where I don't like working with the materials involved.
chek

Chek,
You should look at thier list of project and see what interests you..then before you buy them give NEC a call and they will gladly tell you what materials are involved with each kit. They have always answered any questions I've ever had for them. For example if you know you don't like working with feathers, you can ask them which kits have feathers (if you can't figure it out from the pictures themself), and they will tell you which ones have feathers...and you know to stay away from those kits....they actually encourage you to call them before ordering if you have any questions....

[chek101]

LOL ... sometimes my brain needs a good sock to get it to work right. Yup ... that solves that; I should just call and ask what materials are involved ... need I repeat "duh!" I will do that from now on. In the mean time, I am anxious to send out my finished kit, but I promised my co-worker (and good friend) I'd show it to her first before I do that. That won't be till Sunday, but first thing Monday "OUT" it goes!

Say, I am wondering ... is there a kit that moves fast? I mean is there one I can turn a lot out on? I grew up as a kid working in a factory doing piecework starting when I was 8 yrs old, so I like doing things that my hands can work, fast.

chek (Patty)
I am used to my "chek" on line screen name, either one is just fine with me.

[Fun2Craft]

Hi Crafters!
I am so excited that I got the kits. I just can not wait to get start it. I have Toe Ring Set. Any suggestion or warning....I appreciate your helps.

[fool_in_cali]

Hi, everyone!

damiller1, I'm the one having issues with the toe ring bag. I noticed that the one they sent the person had cut the ribbon and hid the cuts behind the sequins but since the instructions didn't state to cut ribbon into two pieces I'm trying to avoid that. That material reminds me of oil cloth or a vinyl tablecloth and once the hot glue dries on the inner portion, if it isn't right its ruin.

Chek, that is a great idea! I hadn't thought of taking snips on the ribbon. One problem I am having is the hot glue is drying too quickly to work it, so I thought I would use a dab of tacky glue on the inside area. We'll see.

I figure on the Tropical Birdhouse I did send in it will be the cord (sucker kept unraveling) possibly not enough glitter. I was REALLY careful with the glue so fingers crossed.

Happy Halloween!!!

Maggie

[KathrynM]

Hey everyone, I've been reading the latest discussions and I agree with KCDuffer about the instructions, There would be some kind of copyright infringement, however, if you have any questions about how something is made or need help with a current project someone here can help or the people at NEC are always helpful.

Patty - look back through the posts for the freezer paper tips for cutting the felt, that has really helped me with the carousel horse for smoother edges.

Approval on the carousel horse took me 6 tries and the tropical birdhouse took 5, so don't get discouraged with your critiques. Use them as a tool to improve your technique.

Good Luck to you all!

[chek101]

I just read back a few pages and happen to come across something somebody said about "you better like the kit you are working on because once approved, you'll have to make 50 of them down the road." Does that mean you have to STAY with it??

Patty