The Sewing Place

Reception => Hi, I'm new... => Topic started by: JudyN on December 10, 2019, 15:43:44 PM

Title: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: JudyN on December 10, 2019, 15:43:44 PM
Hello all :)

I'm not much of a sewer... I am the proud owner of my mum's 60-year-old electric Singer 201K (she 'upgraded' years ago) and I did go through a phase of making clothes, but badly... I can't even stitch in a straight line :| However... I have sensory sensitivities which mean I can't stand tight waistbands and I have a few stretchy garments (including tights) that I'd like to try altering. But my trusty Singer only does straight stitch and I don't have a zig-zag foot for it so I'm wondering whether to hunt down a zig-zag foot or to take the plunge and buy a new sewing machine.

So that's me - I'll post for advice in the appropriate section later (when I've worked out which the correct section is!) :)
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: snoozi soozi on December 10, 2019, 16:34:41 PM
@JudyN hello, welcome, I too cannot sew in a straight line but it never stops me from trying  0_0
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Acorn on December 10, 2019, 17:02:01 PM
Welcome!   :drink:  :)

My lines aren't particularly straight, but it's amazing how often it doesn't show!!
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Flobear on December 10, 2019, 17:05:26 PM
Hello @JudyN and welcome.
Another Dorset resident here - east side of the county. You'll find lots of advice, help and encouragement in TSP and, probably, like me, you'll end up buying doing things you'd never imagined!
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Helen M on December 10, 2019, 17:10:51 PM
Hello @JudyN , welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Lilian on December 10, 2019, 17:15:53 PM
Welcome @JudyN  :drink: :)
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Ohsewsimple on December 10, 2019, 17:54:15 PM
Welcome to the forum.  Sewing in straight lines is just a matter of practise.  You can use an old needle, remove the thread and use some lined paper to practise  on.  However, don’t get too hung up on it to start with.  Just enjoy the process of sewing.  Who cares if the lines aren’t straight at the start.   :)
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Iminei on December 10, 2019, 18:01:11 PM
Welcome from myself, located in Deepest Darkest Dorset ... Where abouts are you????

At this rate next year we could have a TSP Christmas party!!!!

Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: fajita on December 10, 2019, 18:58:41 PM
Welcome, @JudyN  :flower: :drink:
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: JudyN on December 10, 2019, 19:13:42 PM
Welcome from myself, located in Deepest Darkest Dorset ... Where abouts are you????

At this rate next year we could have a TSP Christmas party!!!!

Ooh, party!!! 0_0 I'm definitely not in one of the deep and dark parts of Dorset - I'm close to Poole. Where are you?

Thank you everyone for the lovely welcome. I've spotted a couple of dog avatars... might just add my dog as mine!
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Puzzler on December 10, 2019, 19:56:29 PM
Can I come to the party? I am from south eastern Dorset - well not originally but as of last March. Welcome Judy and to your  :woof:
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: JudyN on December 10, 2019, 20:40:53 PM
Can I come to the party? I am from south eastern Dorset

Same as me then :) It's a small world!
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Tim Sr on December 10, 2019, 21:15:48 PM
@JudyN  Welcome to a very friendly place, AND HELPFUL!
"I can't even stitch in a straight line" ...Me either!
I am new here and glad you are hopping into the the TSP pool, pool of some of the nicest people I have met.

Welcome!
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: BrendaP on December 10, 2019, 22:03:26 PM
Welcome to TSP

Sewing in a straight line is only practice, more important is being able to sew parallel to the cut edge with the stitching the correct distance from that edge.

The Singer 201s are greatt workhorses, but they have their limitations; ie only straight stitch.  Whilst my go-to machine for patchwork and straight seams is a 201 I wouldn't be without something that can do zig-zag and a few other utility stitches.  I also wouldn't want to be without an overlocker with all the stretchy fabrics that are around nowadays.

I have a Singer zig-zagger but it's not that good.  On the other hand the Singer buttonholers are brilliant, better than most modern fancy modern machines can do.
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: pip on December 10, 2019, 22:24:58 PM
Hi JudyN, and welcome from me also. I think if you're thinking of getting back into sewing it'd be worth getting another machine which does more, even a second hand one. Sewing a straight line isn't as easy as one might think!  ;)
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Sewingsue on December 10, 2019, 22:32:50 PM
Hello and welcome.
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Greybird on December 10, 2019, 22:55:37 PM
Hello and welcome! I'm not too far from you either.
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Iminei on December 11, 2019, 07:42:21 AM
Welcome JudyN, I used  to live in Poole but migrated further west ... You get a lot more bang for your buck, housing wise!

Oh yes .... The TSP (DDD sector) 2020 Christmas party is shaping up nicely methinks!   :devil:
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: snoozi soozi on December 11, 2019, 09:56:56 AM
Hi @JudyN just seen your new avatar, now you have my attention. What a gorge hound, tell me about him/her  :)
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: JudyN on December 11, 2019, 10:19:22 AM
Hi @JudyN just seen your new avatar, now you have my attention. What a gorge hound, tell me about him/her  :)

Thank you, Snoozi, I'd clocked your lovely dogs too but didn't think I should descend into dog talk too soon....! That's Jasper, my greyhound/deerhound/Beddie/Irish terrier x lurcher, aka Hound of the Basketcases. It's his 10th birthday today!
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Kenora on December 11, 2019, 11:21:32 AM
Welcome from me too @JudyN - and Happy Birthday to Jasper. :)
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Flobear on December 11, 2019, 12:05:37 PM
Love 'Hound of the Basket-cases' as a description @JudyN
I thought I could see Deerhound in there.
We do have a thread somewhere that I started not long after i joined earlier this year, to post pooch piccies and wax lyrical about pets. I will go and look for it.
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: snoozi soozi on December 11, 2019, 13:12:01 PM
@JudyN happy birthday Jasper  :cake:

It's never too early to talk about loony lurchers  :loveit:
Title: Re: Hi from Dorset, UK
Post by: Kitten on December 11, 2019, 16:51:03 PM
Welcome from me too.