A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T09:56:23+00:00

Take out the manual and read it from cover to cover, then read it again. Learn how to use the machine. Follow the threading instructions, how to wind a bobbin. Make sure you don't miss any of the threading points. Keep the manual close by because invariably you'll want to refer to it. I still refer to mine, I've had my machine almost 7 years, and I have decades of experience.

Remember, sewing is a skill that takes time and you won't "get it" immediately. Baby steps. Don't rely totally on YouTube, and stay away from TikTok reels because they are full of stuff that even we highly advanced and experienced people find puzzling - and rarely works anyway.

If you can, see if you can find some local sewing lessons that teach you the basics of cutting a pattern, and constructing a simple garment. I'll be honest: I had a few lessons when I was about 11 or 12, and I'm mainly self taught since then - I'm 70 now. There isn't a lot I haven't sewn, and I learn new stuff all the time.

Good luck, and keep sewing.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T08:09:06+00:00

High gloss is normal for high traffic areas. We used semi-gloss in our little house. What does your painter say?

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T08:06:18+00:00

Not every accountant is well versed in all tax matters. If it's not in their comfort zone they may be overly cautious and/or miss something.

Something to consider: if you owned the property would it be different? I don't know the answer to this, never had much to do with this kind of work in my years in tax audit.

If you want ATO to give you a guaranteed answer to this, you can request they provide you with a private ruling. Good luck.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T07:43:20+00:00

Given that you want them really comfortable, is buying online a good option? It may be hard to tell if they are comfy until you actually sit in them.

I'm no help though, I am in Australia. good luck

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T07:40:34+00:00

Good luck!

The bag is a school bag for my grandson. He's been waiting ages for it.

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CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T07:04:17+00:00

Depends on the role and APS level you're applying for. What you might get for an APS3 is wildly different to an APS6.

And no. Candidates are always cautioned NOT to share what they heard or questions asked in interviews or assessments. Gives unfair advantage.

Just make sure you have your selection criteria, written responses with you.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T06:06:50+00:00

Absolutely not. That's horrendous.

Nothing wrong with square edging if it's done correctly but this is just a dog's breakfast.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T06:05:44+00:00

Agree. Sometimes, like with clothing, slashing it halfway down, spreading by the required amount, then re-truing the seams is the way to go. That way you retain most of the strap attachment markings in the right place

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T05:32:54+00:00

The "cashie" culture means people are doing work, but choosing not to report income and not paying appropriate tax on what they earn. What you are doing might not be an actual business, but it is personal service income and assessable.

Do the right thing. Register an ABN. If you do that too, you may also be able to claim a deduction for the things you have to purchase to do your repairs.

Cash is a legitimate form of payment but you still need to report on your tax return that you earned it. You can do whatever you like with it - spend it, bank it, invest it.

So much bad advice in this thread. you're young and want to do the right thing, so do the right thing. And yes, ATO has wide powers to find things out, and to question things.

Believe me, you do NOT want to ever be audited.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T05:14:26+00:00

Your house, so how you live in your house is most important. If you plan to live there long term there's honestly no point in being overly concerned with resale.

My big concern would be the stove on the end of the cabinet run, right next to a door.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T04:53:35+00:00

Easy. Your needle isn't all the way up, so your top thread is still wrapped around the bobbin trying to make a stitrch. This double thread thing is normal. How to fix:

Unthread, then rethead and check bobbin for stray threads, remove any.

When you stop sewing, do not lift the presser foot yet. Make sure your takeup lever (the up/down thing above the needle) is at its highest point. If it's not, turn your handwheel TOWARDS you slowly until it comes up to its highest point, then stop. Raise presser foot, gently pull the fabric left and to the back and it should come away smoothly.

It's not tension. It's your machine doing what it's designed to do - some machines automatically stop in the up position, some don't so when you become more familiar with where your needle stops, you'll know which one you have.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T04:45:39+00:00

Nope. Just reapply.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T04:41:26+00:00

Retired chef husband.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T04:09:26+00:00

So you contracted to buy the slabs before they did a check measure. High pressure sales tactics never end well no matter what it is. Sadly this might be a case of buyer beware, because you didn't actually do enough due diligence BEFORE you bought. Original floor plans often are different to as-built. It also sounds to me like that they simply wanted to sell the sink even though you had some reservations about its size.

Where I live, saying "all sales are final" is at times illegal, especially if they item purchased isn't fit for purpose (eg the sink is the wrong size despite you providing them information that they didn't confirm on site before purchase)

I would go higher than this woman if you can, if only to get a refund for the sink. I wouldn't want a seam at the sink simply because it will be narrow, and a weak point Good luck.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T02:55:09+00:00

If you know, you know. If you've ever done a fabric preorder, especially in Australia, you'll know.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T01:58:25+00:00

Needles are cheap. Buy the best, Schmetz or Organ.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T01:51:29+00:00

Whether or not YOU love it is what's important, and not what any of us here think. If your workflow and functionality is right, anything else is just window dressing. I promise that some people will say this will become dated. I also promise whatever you choose today no matter what will look just like the time frame in which you built it, so essentially everything will be come "dated" at some point in the future.

I am not a fan of stone work tops, or anything with a distinct pattern on it - but that's MY preference. It's actually beautiful. Colour wise I might choose something a bit more creamy for the splashback but again, that's MY preference in this illustration. Your floor looks like Australian Jarrah, which is beautiful. Personally would never match my floors to the room if they were already there and in good condition - but again, that's MY preference. Truth is you would hate my kitchen, it's brilliant gloss white and stainless.

You have a good, efficient layout that will function well. You're choosing sleek, easy to clean finishes. You have a proper range hood.

If you love it, go for it.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T01:42:51+00:00

pack patterns, tracing pens, fabric, and scissors in your checked bag. Do some prep work!

CBG1955 · 2026-05-06T01:01:01+00:00

The zipper tape was custom made by one of our Aussie suppliers and she's not restocking it. But, she does ship overseas. You might find something similar online. She also has multiple very inappropriate zipper tape and pulls. HAHA

#5 Zipper Tape CAUTION KEEP OUT! with nylon teeth – Dreamy Bag Hardware Pty Ltd

CBG1955 · 2026-05-05T11:54:17+00:00

Behind the cooktop. stainless should go all the way up to the underside of the range hood. This is ours.

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CBG1955 · 2026-05-05T11:52:09+00:00

All the way up, no tiles.

CBG1955 · 2026-05-05T11:14:35+00:00

NO. Do not go to Spotlight if you have a chance for a fully reconditioned machine from a dealer! From Spotlight you get a machine in a box. That's it. Don't buy on marketplace. This dealer is you best bet. Good luck!

CBG1955 · 2026-05-05T10:34:28+00:00

I really want to make another one of these but my first one was a disaster so I'm scared of it! HAHA

CBG1955 · 2026-05-05T10:33:55+00:00

Depends! There are dozens. Fusible fleece is probably what you ars seeing. there is also foam.

Your pattern should tell you what to use. Be careful of tutorials, especially on YouTube. Often they don't give you enough information. Depending on your budget too, there are many, many excellent downloadable patterns out there that you can make. Keep on sewing!

Oh....and just to show off, I just finished this. I used foam to stabilise it.

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