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Topics - Elnnina

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16
Please does anyone have this Bernina Artista 200 machine along with the buttonhole foot 3A which is the slide and has a sensor on the side?

I have successfully sewn many buttonholes on this machine in the past, sometimes I have had trouble with it misbehaving and found this was due to fluff or debris up on the inbuilt sensor which is situated up in the machine near the needle and thus I now always make sure that I have cleaned away any debris - this is where a dental mirror is so useful.

However all this week I have been trying to sew buttonholes, and yesterday thought I had got this all sorted but no.  I have my previous notes on how I did the buttonholes and the settings, but this time around I can do a perfect buttonhole but when I go to do another one all I get is a straight continuous line of satin stitches, it does not stop and go back up to stitch the top bar and then the  second bead.

I am at a loss to understand why it is doing this, I have saved the settings and luckily I have not yet tried sewing the buttonholes on my top - anyway as it is a type of cotton lawn I do not think this would tolerate too much unpicking.

I have three other tops all ready cut out waiting to be put together and they all need buttonholes.

I am obviously doing something wrong but I do not know what - can anyone help please - thanks.


17
Machine Accessories / Sewing machine light
« on: July 13, 2019, 11:49:07 AM »

The other week there was a mention of a sewing machine lamp that fastens on to the end of the machine and a flexible tube with an LED light in the end that will come round so you can position the light just where you need it on the sewing machine bed, i.e. right by the foot.

I had also gone into our county town to Hobbycraft with the sole intention of buying one of these as they had them available on line, but was disappointed that they do not sell these in the actual shops only on line.

Well I eventually tracked one down, this is by The Daylight Company, and it has just arrived, and oh what a dinky little gadget it is, extremely light, and whilst I was concerned about yet another electrical cable on my sewing table, this comes with some self adhesive clips that you can position along the back of the machine body high up so there is no chance of fabric going through the machine and getting caught up with the cable.  Needless to say I am looking forward to setting this up and seeing if this will help me to see what I am doing better.  It better had as I went for an eye test yesterday and need a new pair of glasses and they are costing me an absolute fortune, so combined with the lamp there should be no stopping me now.

18
The Haberdashery / Surgical forceps
« on: July 13, 2019, 11:43:40 AM »
By chance I came across the final of the very first Great British Sewing Bee programme the other night.  The first challenge was to make a man’s shirt, and it was whilst they were doing this that a reference to turning out the points on a collar that I picked up on, Ann Rowley the winner of that first series said that she used a pair of dolphin nosed surgical forceps and that they were excellent for getting the corners turned out neatly.

Going way back I happened to mention just how useful surgical forceps were to our sewing, they have so many uses, and for those who haven’t heard of them before they are roughly  13cms long although they can come in many sizes.  I have been lucky in that I have a very obliging chiropodist who will order these for me, failing that there is always a chance that a local pharmacy will order but I have never tried.

You can get these surgical forceps in straight tops - they look just like a pair of dolphin nosed scissors, or you can get them so that the tips are curved –  still dolphin nosed -  excellent  for getting into awkward and small spaces and for me a must have when threading up the overlocker.

Most of mine are the 13cm length, and I have one much smaller pair that came over from Canada and are kept with my embroidery equipment.

19
Publications / Threads Magazine - June/July 2019 issue 203
« on: June 16, 2019, 14:37:54 PM »
I picked up my copy of Threads magazine yesterday, and the main thing that caught my eye was a 10 page article called Get Started with Draping, oh she does go into so much detail I shall have to try this.  Then there is an interesting article called Trench Coat Appeal - 6 pages covering finer details which looks interesting.  Lastly an article about The Double-Eye Machine needle - this explores its decorative and utilitarian functions.  I had only heard about this needle from Twopence earier in the  week, sounds like a useful addition to the needle collection.

I do enjoy reading Threads, there is normally always something of interest, and of course where there are diagrams to follow these are easy to follow.  I certainly won't be parting with my copies of this magazine, they are very well read as well.

20
Vintage Machines / Just look at this beauty
« on: May 28, 2019, 14:45:17 PM »
I mentioned in one of my other posts the most beautiful Fiddle Base treadle machine and I have found this You tube.
It is called 1888 Singer No.12 Ruffler on VS2 treadle Machine.  Isn't it the most beautiful machine and the lady who owns this is extremely lucky indeed to have this.  Not only is it in superb condition, it really does glow, and both the body of the machine and the treadle base are in excellent condition and as for the little cases of attachments just wow.

Now that is the type of treadle and machine that I would love to own - oh why isn't in this country and why isn't it up for sale???

21
Vintage Machines / Vintage CWS Federation sewing machine
« on: May 18, 2019, 13:45:26 PM »
Right I have never got dressed so quickly before as I did this morning,  I get up late, have breakfast, eventually shower and get dressed, and the morning is gone.  So what was different this morning, my husband came back in from shopping and said there is a sewing machine in our village's charity shop window and it says CWS Federation.  Quite a pretty machine,  Trouble is the shop was closing in less than 20 minutes.  Well I got in there with five minutes to spare - it does need a lot of TLC, it has a shuttle and from one bobbin I could see that it had wound and piled up one side (I remember this happening on my mother's machine)  No needle in situ but there was one in the side box - no lid to the box.

I intend to go back and have a closer look on Monday morning - I will be popular!!!!  Now something is ringing alarm bells in my head and that is needles.  So far I have learnt that Jones made this badged machine for CWS Federation back in the 1920's.  I believe those of you who have ventured into the vintage side that Jones needles for this type of vintage machine are extremely difficult to get hold of.

Now why do I want this - well something in me has hankered after an old pretty - pretty being the operative word here - machine for a long time, ideally I would love a wrought iron based treadle but it is getting it to my home.  This  CWS machine is a hand turned one so should be easily transportable.

My husband is sort of egging me on it is only £15, and although I would want this to be a decorative machine, it would of course be nice if it worked.  So those of you who have tinkered with these old beauties, i.e. taken them apart, got them working, cleaned up the chrome and the body work, would this be an easy machine to try and sort out?  The chrome on the hand wheel from what I could see looked okay needs a good clean and polish, and the chrome plates covering the shuttle, and the end plate  also need the same attention.  I did not look to see if the shuttle case was there.

So please any feed back from anyone over this over this weekend really would be appreciated.  If I am right on the needles is there anywhere I could get them - or should I just give this vintage machine a clear miss?

By the way the two ladies on duty in the shop today were saying it could not be taken out of the window until they change the display - well I have had things out of the window before and of course on Monday it will be a different team in there, so I intend to have it brought out so I can see it more closely and I shall have some thread with me!!


22
The Haberdashery / Wooden Pressing Tools
« on: December 14, 2018, 11:15:27 AM »
I received an e-mail today from a place called Islander Sewing Systems in the USA (they recently took on selling Connie Crawford’s patterns and books) and today’s e-mail had details of a sale of their wooden pressing tools and there is a five minute video to watch on how to use them.

Now only a week or so ago I suggested to Sonatine and SewRuthieSews  the use of a clapper, and an alternative to a clapper was to use a wooden rolling pin.  Well if you go on to Islander’s web site and can find this video link – it is called Pressing Matters she is showing how to use the point presser (this often comes as a combined point presser and clapper), and  a clapper on its own, she is also using a long piece of half round wood stick which she  has called a  Seam Solution – this a is strip of half round wood 24” in length and she is showing how you would use it for pressing open the seam on trousers.  By the way she mentions that the wood used in these gadgets is hard wood.

I just thought this would be interesting for those who are venturing into coat making.  Interestingly she also mentions how when pressing a piece of poly crepe that despite using a steam iron the crease does not hold, so she tried using the clapper on this and what a difference.

23
Dress Forms / My dress stand
« on: December 12, 2018, 16:12:45 PM »
I have spent months upon months working on  a princess line sloper, made more toiles than I care to admit to, and with the last efforts, have now padded my dress form out so that she fills the sloper – so no wiggle room – this is deliberate so that I can pin securely into her to get the fit right – oh she is not a pretty sight!!!!

My husband came into my room with a cup of tea and saw what I was doing on the stand and made a comment, why had I not mentioned what I have done on TSP.  So here goes.  On top of my original double made from brown paper parcel tape and moulded to my body – well I have also put on some weight unfortunately, I have several layers of  M&S men’s thermal vests, and in between I have some wadding stitched through to a layer underneath and then covered with a final vest.  As these vests are ribbed, it is easy enough to get a good CB and CF line tacked in place and over this tacking line I have sewn some lead curtain string weights, and left the end dangling but weighted – so these are my plumb lines and I have also got them positioned from the underarms as well – each one carries an extra weight at the  end.  The reason for using these leaded string weights and having them sewn on to the stand is that I can feel the ridges through whatever I am trying to fit.  I have run out of this leaded curtain weight, but intend to get some more and then I will sew these on where the shoulder princess seam is both back and front and also along the shoulder line and probably around the armholes as well

24
Sewing Machines / ITV's Love your Garden shown 7th August
« on: August 08, 2018, 17:54:53 PM »
Did anyone else notice a turquoise Toyota sewing machine being put in place in the new summerhouse on last night’s programme, and at the very end of the programme when they flash back to seeing how  the person is using the garden - she was using the sewing machine.  Now was this the Toyota Oekaki that Acorn was having all the trouble with?

25
Fun with Fabric / Linen
« on: July 31, 2018, 11:11:49 AM »
I have just been asked to look at a linen jacket (unlined) that is so comfortable to wear with a view to making a new one.  Where is the best place to go for linen other than Stones Fabrics in Totnes, Devon?  Can anyone help me please?  Thank you so much.

26
Sewing Machines / Sewing machines out of doors
« on: June 29, 2018, 14:42:34 PM »
A couple of times I have read recently about people taking their machines outdoors in order to sew.  May I please give a warning.  I happen to have my instruction manual out for my Bernina Artista - they call this the Sewing Computer, and thought I ought to read the important safety regulations again as I have read somewhere today that again someone was taking their machine outside.

My instruction manual clearly says DO NOT USE OUTDOORS.

So please if anyone is thinking of sewing with their machine outdoors, please go and read your sewing machine manual - after all it is best to be safe than sorry and a hefty repair bill if insects or the like manage to fly into the vents on the machine.

By all means the good old reliable handcrank and treadle machines  are suitable for taking outside if you can carry them, but today's expensive computer driven machines are another matter all together.

27
Fun with Fabric / Bamboo Jersey
« on: April 15, 2018, 14:56:22 PM »
Please can anyone help me in my search for some Bamboo Jersey.  I like the sound of this especially as it is gentle on the skin, but I would like to find somewhere that will send a sample.  In particular I am after a white, ivory, cream and perhaps some other colours.  I am also hoping that this lovely sounding fabric will be a bit thicker than the normal single jersey.

If anyone can help in pointing me in the right direction I would be really grateful.  Thanks in advance.

28
When I saw Twopence on Thursday I happened to mention Bamboo Jersey and the lack of anywhere near here that sells this.  Instead she told me about a place called the Fabric HQ which is a lovely little place set among other craft orientated places at the Bucks Goat Centre near Aylesbury.

So I went out that way to see for myself, and it is a lovely place, I only went to the fabric shop!!!, but I found some knit fabric that is thicker than the normal thin single jersey knit, and generally I was very impressed with their set up.  It was light and airy, plenty of room lots of lovely fabrics, mostly patchwork and quilting, some good haberdashery, some dress patterns not the usual Vogue, Mccalls and Butterick type but others I had heard of but had never seen, Mettler threads, and something called Aurofill which they say is the best thread – but I wouldn’t know, and they do classes in all sorts, and they also do a few dress making fabrics.  However their knit  fabric section was much bigger than other places I have seen, different thicknesses, some patterned and some plain,  I also spotted and bought some Mary Ellen’s  Best Press which is a Clear Starch and Sizing Alternative.

They have a a website  and are found on facebook – facebook.com/fabrichq, on pinterest – pinterest,com/fabrichq, on twitter – twitter.com/fabrichq and on instagram – instagram.com/fabrichq

So whilst other places around us here in Bucks., are closing down  it is nice to know that there are other places opening up.

Sadly I must say that Just Sew that was over in Northwood, Middlesex, has now closed down completely.  Such a shame as I had bought some very nice fabrics over there since I discovered them a couple of years ago.

29

Someone was asking about adding just a ¼” seam allowance which apparently is what is used in patchwork and quilting.  There is a nifty little gadget called Quilters Wonder Wheel which is  made of brass, so a tiny wheel with a hole in the middle in which you insert a pencil and then position the wheel against your pattern/template edge and just draw around the shape you need, excellent on curves and on straight lines.

It is a product from the USA and I found mine years ago in a quilting and patchwork shop that has now long gone.    From the packaging I will say this is one that was marketed by W.H. Collins, Inc. in the USA.

Just one of those many useful haberdashery items that we see from time to time and buy because we can see a use for this.


30
Fun with Fabric / Help please - Sewing on knitted fabric
« on: December 17, 2017, 15:43:04 PM »
 
Oh it is a very long time since I sewed using knitted fabric and then it was on a straight stitch machine.

So why is it now the week before Christmas and I need something made in a hurry, so my question is what is the best way to stitch the seams on a knit top – down to thighs, set in sleeves and a cowl collar?  Think this is single knit as the edges are curling.   I have various stretch stitches on the sewing machine and also the superb triple straight stitch, but that is a tiny stitch and a so and so to unpick if unpicking needs to be done,  I also have a super overlocker.

I know that some of you say whizzing a knit up on the overlocker is a doddle and so quick, but then what have you used, four thread or three thread?  Next what about pressing, I don’t want signs of seams showing through, and I am proposing shoulder princess seaming, so if I use the overlocker then the seams need to be pressed to one side i.e. towards the centre front/centre back.  I will probably use the triple straight stitch for setting in the sleeves as I know around the armhole is the most likely place for any seam to pop.  Next question have any of you used a stretchable interfacing?  I have some from Michele Pye, but as you can guess this will be the first time I have used this.  Have you used some sort of tape on the shoulder seams to stop these from stretching?

Again looking at the various stretch stitches  on  the sewing machine some look as though they are going into the seam allowance, so what about pressing these?

I have a length of some very nice knit fabric in the washing machine at the moment just in case it decides to shrink, but any help anyone can give me would be much appreciated.

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