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Topics - Addiscomber

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1
A Good Yarn / Monster "crochet" hooks
« on: May 24, 2021, 16:32:54 PM »
In amongst a mixed lot of knitting needles that I bought on ebay several years ago were the following huge hooks

6.5mm - 34cm long
6mm - 34cm long
5mm - 30cm long
4.5mm - 30cm long (x2)

Can anyone tell me what craft they would used for, please?

2
I have reluctantly accepted that it is too uncomfortable for me to use a sewing machine for the moment, and so I think it is time to try some patchwork and quilting by hand. I have done some research and decided what I would like to do but I am totally confused by which thread to use.

Some books and Internet pages are adamant that only cotton should be used, whilst others (including The Quilter's Bible) say that regular sewing thread is fine for piecing. Being a garment maker up until now I have a range of colours in good quality polyester thread, and I do not want to buy more thread if it isn't necessary, so can I use them to sew my patches together, or will the sky fall in?

3
House Beautiful / Corded curtain rails - a question
« on: December 05, 2020, 20:18:24 PM »
I am disabled and spend most of my day sitting in an armchair fairly close to our south facing bay window. When the sun is lower in the sky during autumn/winter and spring, we have to play silly games pulling each curtain separately to avoid glare on the TV and my computer screen during the morning, followed by the other curtain later in the day to avoid the sun shining right into my eyes. There is no way of re-arranging the room.

This hasn't been a problem until the last week or so when we bought a huge cat tree (hint: measure the space before buying. We have high ceilings and were so focused on getting one the right height that we didn't give any consideration to the width etc). Cookie loves the tree but it is now quite difficult for DH to get to a point where he can reach the curtains.

If we bought a corded curtain rail is there any way to adjust/replace the cording so that I could control the curtains individually from my chair? Or is there a way of doing something with the existing rail and hooks? The rail was already up when we bought the house in 1992 so we don't know what make it is.

4
The Haberdashery / Magnetic seam allowance guides for scissors
« on: June 28, 2020, 17:41:48 PM »
https://www.debondtbv.com/magnetische-afstandhouder-voor-schaar-5-10mm-3x10st-663590.html?option=65043



These were suggested when I asked on a Dutch doll clothes FB page if there was a nifty gadget for adding seam allowances to paper patterns that don't have them, as I am afraid to just add as I am cutting fabric because I would almost certainly forget to do it every time. They don't seem to be available in the UK (although Barnyarns sell a different idea which attaches to scissors but I am not finding them easy to use). I have found them on sale in a Dutch online shop but the P&P makes them prohibitive for a single pair. P&P doesn't increase for at least 15 sets and so I wondered if there would be any interest if I bought several sets and sold them on the selling pages here? I don't want to profit from this idea, just bring down the cost of my own set. I have calculated that if I bought 5 they should be under £8 a set with postage within the UK, and that would reduce if more than 4 people wanted to join in.

5
A Good Yarn / Suggestions sought please for 450g of lace weight yarn
« on: February 12, 2020, 19:47:31 PM »
I have bought approx 450g (in 9 balls) of lace weight yarn from ebay, in my daughter in law's favourite colour - purple. I want to knit something for her birthday which is at the end of August.

I don't think a shawl or a stole/wrap would be much good for her as they don't go to many events where one might be useful, and she travels on a very crowded and unreliable train line when she goes to work so doesn't need to be worrying about anything sliding off whilst she travels. So, ideally something with sleeves, but can anyone suggest where I could look for a pattern? I don't mind paying for one, but am reluctant to buy an expensive book of several designs if I cannot see the designs clearly.

6
Patterns Discussion / Sewdirect Vogue 50% off and Simplicity 40% off
« on: September 20, 2019, 11:05:39 AM »
Noticed this today - cannot see how long offer is for. Same offers at Jaycotts.

7
Just wondering if anyone has Simplicity sewing pattern 5554 for Doll's Carry cot and Changing bag that they no longer require?

8
Vintage Machines / Accessories -How to refurbish?
« on: September 09, 2019, 20:31:58 PM »
I bought a huge box of accessories and feet several years ago. Had great fun sorting them out to see what I had got. Some of them are decidedly grubby and I wondered if any one knows how to clean them, and do any of the rufflers etc need oiling?

9
Vintage Machines / I got this for my birthday!
« on: July 14, 2019, 12:54:06 PM »
Many furtive goings on in Addiscombe nearly 2 weeks ago, involving me being banned from even looking in the integral garage. On the morning of my birthday I was presented with this, from my eldest son and daughter-in-law, who have not been here since Easter. It needs quite a bit of TLC as although it doesn't look too bad in the photo, it has rust on the bobbin winder and on the rods underneath, and turns very stiffly. I'm sure that you recognise it as a class 15, and it dates from 1949. I wouldn't have bought a second treadle as we really don't have room for one, but I am thrilled that they got it whereas I am usually teased about my sewing hobby.


11
About 25-30 years ago I acquired a set of samples of fabric from Village Fabrics in Wallingford. Amongst them were some really tiny prints. I couldn't afford them at the time, but have more spending money now but Village Fabrics only sell a few pre-packs on line and there is no way that I can get there in person.

I have spent hours searching in vain, and I have no idea of a manufacturer to narrow my search down. Does anyone have any idea whether such fabrics are available now, and if so, where? (I know about http://www.littletrimmings.com/FabricsMenu.aspx but they do not have anything like the range that I am looking for.)

12
Publications / Betty Foster pattern paper
« on: December 15, 2018, 13:33:29 PM »
Wasn't sure where to put this, but as it was used with her books, this section seemed the best option.

Does any one have any of her pattern paper in sizes other than 12 and 14 and would be prepared to measure the size of the squares for me, please?

13
Sewing Machines / Blue plastic sewing machine feet
« on: July 15, 2018, 14:26:36 PM »
Does any body know which manufacturer uses/used blue plastic clip on feet? I have acquired some with some vintage feet that I bought, and would like to identify them.

14
Fun with Fabric / Flameproofed fabric for children's nightwear
« on: June 07, 2018, 16:20:15 PM »
Does anyone have an online source for flameproofed fabric for nightwear, or do people not bother?

15
Dolls and Toys / Sewing for dolls - mostly 18 inch like American Girl
« on: June 01, 2018, 11:23:36 AM »
www.pixiefaire.com/  give away a free pattern every Friday. You need to sign up to their newsletter, but they generally only send 2 a week and one is announcing the free pattern. Scroll right down the home page for where to sign up.

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