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Remember the old movies where the actress or actor would slip behind a decorative folding screen to discreetly change clothes while still conversing with a guest in the room? Those quaint folding screens, also called privacy screens, are still in vogue today. They have many uses, and they're not necessarily related to apparel change.

"What makes a gourd desirable?" my husband asked, calling from a farmer's roadside stand where I'd sent him in a panic to find pumpkins and gourds for my fall open house. Everyone has her own answer to that question. Some love gourds with traditional shapes and colors of red, buttery yellow and persimmon orange.

Q: We recently had a new roof, windows and siding installed on our two-story home. All of the old shingles were removed and replaced with a 25-year-warranty shingle. We then had new vinyl siding installed over the old wood siding as well as new vinyl-replacement windows. We are now experiencing problems with roof leaks in our family-room addition.

I'm always on the lookout for really special fabric flowers that have a vintage feel. Carefully arranged, they can become a one-of-a-kind centerpiece that is always in season. My Sizzix die-cutter is perfect for this project, and it's a staple in my crafts room. It is a small crank-powered machine made by Ellison.

A slumber party is a rite of passage for preteens. What could be better than hanging out with a group of your best friends, sleeping in sleeping bags on the floor (or outside in a tent), having pillow fights and staying up late playing with the Ouija board? But for parents, sleepovers are another story altogether.

No homeowner or renter should be without the following items because they make everyday tasks simple. If you don't already have them, it's time to stock up.

Are you good with your hands, needles, yarn and thread? Want to help others with your work? Here are some opportunities to get you started or inspire you to start your own group.

Make scarves for veterans with Knit Your Bit. Get patterns at www.nationalww2museum.org/education/for-general-public/knit-your-bit.html

Betsy Greer comes wielding needles. She's not afraid to use them.

With her knitting needles, the Carrboro, N.C., woman hopes to inspire people to reach out to their communities and challenge the world with their crafts, one stitch at a time.

Labor Day is your opportunity to give summer one last hurrah before buckling down and getting back to work, school or "normal" life. If you're one of the millions wondering what you should do for fun, we've got lots of ideas for making the most of your weekend without breaking the bank.

1. Hit the Parade

Q: We're doing a minor bathroom renovation that will include a new toilet, shower door, sink and faucet. The problem is with the new sink. I want a pedestal sink, and my husband wants to stay with a vanity sink. He claims that the pedestal sink will put us over budget, but I don't agree. Can we install a pedestal sink for about the same price as a vanity sink? -- Jennifer, Utah