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Messages - WildAtlanticWay

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1
Machine Accessories / Re: Scissors
« on: March 14, 2024, 09:05:00 AM »
I have a few pairs of scissors for sewing inc. two old Fiskars that are brilliant. I also treated myself to a pretty pair from Liberty’s in a box that I haven’t opened yet.🫣  I think we still have my DH’s grandad’s tailoring shears somewhere. He died in the early 60’s so I know the scissors are pretty old.

I also own several pairs of quite expensive Japanese hairdressing scissors as you need different blades and sizes for different techniques. (Took an advanced cutting course at Sassoon Academy in London). I usually post my scissors to a chap in Scotland for a service but I’ll check out the Prosharp site next time they need doing. 👍

2
Overlockers & Coverstitchers / Re: New overlocker tips
« on: March 01, 2024, 07:21:37 AM »
I’ve also been looking at Overlockers and I’m thinking about buying the Bernina L460. I’ve read reviews and watched some online videos where it sounds pretty quiet in action and doesn’t hop about when on full speed.

The thing that makes me prefer this model to the L450 which is €200 cheaper is that it apparently has a DC motor and is a lot more powerful and able to tackle thicker fabric seams.

My current Brother will noisily tackle medium thick fabrics but a friend borrowed it and used it on a thicker coat fabric and I think that damaged it slightly. I’ve had it serviced but it’s not the same.

Yes, I’ve learnt my lesson about lending out machines and have said no twice since then. 😜

3
Sewing Machines / Re: Celia’s new machine
« on: February 24, 2024, 14:26:20 PM »
Great choice!!! I was torn between this model and the 475 and I think you’ll both be very happy. 😍

4
I’ve also wondered about what’s required to teach (basic) sewing skills.

Looking on YouTube, there are a number of sewers (both self taught and formally trained) producing “How to” videos for specific skills or run through making a complete item and some feel very professionally produced.

Formal training courses run by local colleges tend to focus on fashion design/pattern cutting/tailoring and can be lengthy to complete. I looked at what’s available locally and they had a 3yr course which covered additional subjects I’d no interest in studying.

The thing about sewing is it’s very much a hands on practical skill and used to be taught as an apprenticeship type programme in many textile businesses.

I’m not sure I’d want to sign up to an online short course as often they’re not externally validated so it’s tricky to determine their quality and value for money, before parting with your cash.

At the moment, I’m happy to host an informal Ladies sewing group and teach the absolute basics and refer them to books and YouTube for anything more complicated. 🤔

As you’re already a qualified teacher, could you not work out a programme to cover basic beginners skills? I’ve got my ladies sewing straight lines and curves, making bunting, a simple tote bag, chicken shape phone holder, pin cushion, simple patchwork, an easy Apron etc. before jumping into more complicated dressmaking projects.

5
Your Favourite Suppliers / Re: Online fabric shops new thread for 2024
« on: February 23, 2024, 16:11:51 PM »
Didn’t want to appear churlish with my previous comment.

In case anyone’s looking for European suppliers, here’s my current list.

Das Humpfende Komma - https://www.das-huepfende-komma.de/
(Holland)https://www.driessenstoffen.nl
Selfmade (used to be Stoff & Still) - https://www.selfmade.com/
My Fabrics (for your country): https://www.myfabrics.co.uk/
Hemmers - https://www.fabrics-hemmers.com/
Nunoya (Spain) - https://nunoya.com/
Indigo Fabrics (Spain) - they are currently updating their website: https://indigofabrics.net/en/
Rijs Textiles : https://www.rijstextiles.com/en/
Atelier Brunette - https://atelierbrunette.com/

6
Your Favourite Suppliers / Re: Online fabric shops new thread for 2024
« on: February 23, 2024, 13:14:27 PM »
Might be worth making it clear that this thread is for U.K. based stores?

With the fiasco that is Brexit, probably not much point me posting any European sites?

7
Sewing Machines / Re: Smallish good sewing machines ideas
« on: February 21, 2024, 11:05:38 AM »
Exactly @Bill   The Bernina speed is at least 1000 spm but they didn’t comment in the programme on the fact their machines had been swapped again after episode 3, which was the one where they used old Singers from the 1950’s.

However, my eagle eyes spotted the Bernina straight away. 😂

@Celia   The needle threader on that Elna is the same as the Bernette I have and so one I’d avoid if a decent needle threader was an important consideration.

8
Sewing Machines / Re: Smallish good sewing machines ideas
« on: February 21, 2024, 07:46:34 AM »
I was re-watching series 3 of the GBSB recently on iPlayer and noticed that they swapped the sewing machines after the first couple of episodes from Janome to a Bernina 3 series. (I think it was the 350 that’s been superseded now). I hadn’t noticed that before. 😳


@Sara-S. Yes, our machines are probably the same Brother models with a different badge due to the different voltage used. I love Brother machines and was waiting for Brother to add a thread cutter to the mid range computerised machines before I bought mine, as I use the thread cutter all the time now and found it frustrating not having it on my previous model I took with me. Plus I think their updated auto threaders are the best I’ve ever used and much prefer it to the one on the Bernina and the Bernette one is really basic in comparison.

9
Sewing Machines / Re: Smallish good sewing machines ideas
« on: February 20, 2024, 14:35:30 PM »
I bought my Brother Innovis A65 sewing machine for taking to my sewing group. It’s the newer advanced version of the A60 special edition. (£499)
It’s light enough to carry and has speed slider, needle up/down, probably the best automatic needle threader on the market, auto thread cutter and tie off function. I absolutely love it.

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

10
Current Projects / Re: Ideas for scrap quilt designs
« on: February 17, 2024, 11:33:42 AM »
Bonnie Hunter is the queen of scrappy quilts so there are a gazillion ideas and some free patterns on her website https://quiltville.com/index.html. ETA She also has a YouTube channel, @Lowena .

Really interesting website. Thank you for posting the link.

Looks like she’s involved/organised a group tour to Ireland this summer from the States. It’s a shame they didn’t liaise with the Irish Patchwork Society and take in a quilting exhibition or two…😊

11
Thanks @realale   :hug:

I spent a wee while looking at some of her videos. I do have bin bags of scraps and after watching, I feel more able to sort the bags out now and actually bin more bits and start a proper project.

Seriously, this could be life changing for a person like me who struggles with sorting stuff out. I get easily overwhelmed when the piles start to grow, then hit a wall and feel paralysed and can’t move forwards.

12
I fancy trying a scrappy quilt but no idea how to do one. I love watching YouTube videos too. ☺️

Please repost the link @SewRuthieSews 🙏

13
Sewing Machines / Re: Bills New Machine
« on: February 13, 2024, 19:03:33 PM »
@Bill can I come and live with you???

What a wonderful set up you have there. I’ve got machine envy just looking at it. Drool. 😍

14
Overlockers & Coverstitchers / Re: Help me with my Singer 14u12a
« on: January 28, 2024, 13:59:00 PM »
As @Ouryve say, new needles and check tension for different fabric combinations.

Often just changing the needles can resolve simple stitching problems and I’ll often do this before faffing with the tension.

15
The Haberdashery / Re: Cone to spool?
« on: December 24, 2023, 14:19:46 PM »
Yes, abiding by Important Rules is a definitely a Brit thing, no-one much cares for rules over here I’ve learnt. 😂
Don’t let it put you off posting otherwise it gets very quiet on here.




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