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Here are some tips for saving on your shipping needs when you choose to ship with the United States Postal Service.
USPS offers a
Pay, Print & Ship online service that saves you money in a few ways.
Did you know that you can save money by preparing packages and printing postage labels at home?
And...you can save on time and gas expenses because you don't even
have to make a trip the post office to get your supplies or to get your
items mailed.
My favorite way to ship is flat rate Priority Mail, because if it
fits, it ships at a set rate (up to 70lbs) . You can fit quite a lot
into one box if you arrange your items carefully and strategically.
Here's how to save:
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Go to USPS.com and create or log in to your account. You will be able to enter all the shipping information, choose your service, and pay for postage online.
When you pay for your postage and print your label in this way, you get
instant savings off of the set rate for your service. You will also
receive a free delivery confirmation when you ship online. I saved 50
cents by using Pay, Print & Ship and printing my shipping label for my Medium Flat Rate Priority Mail box at home.
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Schedule a free pickup if you are using Priority Mail or Express Mail and your carrier will pick up your package during regular mail delivery.
If you do not want to send your item(s) by Priority Mail, then you can use these tools to calculate a price or use this guide for deciding which service is right for you.
Great news! The Blurb 25% off sale has been extended!
Today through Monday, 12/3 create the perfect personalized gift and get 25% Off with Blurb
when you use promo code HOLIDAYTHANKS.
Blurb books are a great way to
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To receive your Blurb Book by Christmas,
using ground shipping, the deadline is 12/10!
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So, it's confession time.
I've had a serger machine for a couple of years and never learned how to use it. I love making things and when I found a great deal on my serger, I thought I'd be making all kinds of neat things right out of the box. The truth is, I got overwhelmed and didn't know where to start so I put it back in the sewing cabinet and there it waited. I never had the courage and never set aside the extra time to devote to deciphering the manual and the printed material because I am one who learns from seeing it happen.
When Craftsy offered me the opportunity to take a free Craftsy class, and write a blog post about it I was really excited. I went on to the Craftsy website to see what classes might interest me, and there it was: Beginner Serging: Machine Basics & Techniques with Amy Alan.
I was really anxious to get going, and I found that almost immediately, I became more relaxed about the whole process because the class instruction videos are well organized and it was like being in a classroom. I was able to learn about my machine step-by-step. My very favorite thing about the videos is that you can do a quick 30
second repeat, make video notes as you go along, and watch the
instructional videos as much as you want because access to your course
never expires.
The video lesson walk-through on the parts and function of my serger was so helpful. Amy shows in detail the parts and function of three brands of sergers: the Bernina, Janome, and the Brother. If you have a different kind, you can post a question relative to your machine and she will respond to you and help you along. During this course, you will create a serger stitch book where you will
keep a record of all the stitches you learn and the specific settings you used for that stitch on
your machine. There are a total of nine lessons and three projects to complete.
I do still need a lot of practice, but I love the fact that I can come
back to my course at any time and review the information as I work with
my machine and take on new projects.
Most Craftsy classes range from $9.99-$39.99, and your access to the class never expires. If you want to get your feet wet and try out a Craftsy class, there are some mini-classes available free of charge. I am already signed up for the free mini-class Bag Making Basics: Reversible Tote and Zipper Pouch.
From a frugal standpoint, it is important to me that when I invest in Craftsy classes I am able to learn new skills that will save me money over time. Many of the projects I make with using my newly gleaned serger skills will be given as gifts.
By the way, Project Upcycle: Thrifty Sewing Projects is the next class on my list. I love the idea of
using sewing techniques and yard sale finds to create something new.
Project Upcycle: Thrifty Sewing Projects - $19.99
Retail Price: $29.99
You Save: $10.00
Free Shipping on orders of $49 or more through December 31st.
