61
Hi, I'm new... / Re: New Member - First Post
« on: January 08, 2024, 11:23:43 AM »
Hello from me too. I'm from a wee bitty doon the Tay from you but have been dahn sarf for over 4 decades now.
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62
Fun with Fabric / Re: Waterproof Realtree Fabric
« on: December 19, 2023, 18:56:21 PM »
https://www.profabrics.co.uk/ are also a good source of outdoor stuff, attachments, etc.
63
Hi, I'm new... / Re: Hi all
« on: December 19, 2023, 16:45:29 PM »
If I hadn't been really disciplined I'd have five by now, but I moved DH's granny's Singer 15 onto a charity and I've resisted taking on my late godmother's Janome on the grounds that it's totally seized, having never been used since the day her sister (died 1988) bought it for her.
So now I have my turn-of-the-millennium Brother electronic and my own mum's 1978 Singer 522, which I keep because its straight stitching knocks spots off the Brother, although the Brother does good automatic buttonholes and a wider range of utility stitches. Those two and my overlocker - no more room at the inn!
Don't ask me about the fabric stash, though....
So now I have my turn-of-the-millennium Brother electronic and my own mum's 1978 Singer 522, which I keep because its straight stitching knocks spots off the Brother, although the Brother does good automatic buttonholes and a wider range of utility stitches. Those two and my overlocker - no more room at the inn!
Don't ask me about the fabric stash, though....
64
Sewing Machines / Re: Brother A16 ????
« on: December 18, 2023, 11:46:36 AM »
Shout out here for https://www.empressmills.co.uk/ as a source of thread, wadding and assorted habby. They sell thread in 1000m and 5000m cops so if you are going to buy some of their specialist thread, it's probably a good idea to buy a neutral shade that will blend with lots of things. If you call them they will send you, at a modest cost, a wrapped shade card so you can colour-match properly if colour really matters.
They do Schmetz needles - the jeans ones are useful for tougher fabrics.
Sometimes their web site plays up (though they may have fixed it - it's been a while since I ordered anything) but if that happens they are very good at answering the phone and their service level is commendable.
They do Schmetz needles - the jeans ones are useful for tougher fabrics.
Sometimes their web site plays up (though they may have fixed it - it's been a while since I ordered anything) but if that happens they are very good at answering the phone and their service level is commendable.
65
Vintage Machines / Re: My next Project Universal Cleaning
« on: December 13, 2023, 16:58:15 PM »
I did notice that the knee pedal is not very controlled, it is either stop or fast.
It's the rheostat that's going in that case. I had that problem with a Singer foot pedal years ago. You will probably have to order a new part or else switch to foot pedal operation.
66
Patterns Discussion / Re: Simple gathered dress for a child
« on: December 13, 2023, 12:03:11 PM »
I would say, it depends: the weight of the fabric and how much fullness you want will govern things. I would do a measured length of 5mm running stitch in a similar fabric and draw it up until you like it. Then measure the length of the gathered section and compare with the original length to give a multiple for the width you need when cutting out.
67
Vintage Machines / Re: My 930
« on: December 12, 2023, 11:52:45 AM »
I had exactly that happen with my mum's old Singer 522. The smell was awful so I put it on a low wall in the back garden to stop it stinking the house out and for fear it might smoulder on. A very nice man in Baldock, 20 minutes away, took it in and replaced the offending part. He gave me the busted component when I came to collect the machine - it was a right mess.
68
Technical Help / Re: stretchy and not stretchy together
« on: December 11, 2023, 16:52:54 PM »
Could you stabilise the stretchy stuff with something? I'm thinking stretch interfacing but maybe the hive mind has some better suggestions?
69
Patterns Discussion / Re: mix and match info for novice
« on: December 08, 2023, 14:50:14 PM »
If you look at the shapes of the necks on this page
https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/c/mens/jackets/vests-gilets.html
you'll see that the collars are almost cylindrical. Is this the shape (if not the fabric) that you're after? If so, keep the sewing line of your pattern piece unchanged so it fits the stitching line of the front/back neck steam and extend the height of the pattern piece cylindrically. Check it out on some buckshee fabric first to make sure you're happy with the fit - depending on your neck size and shape you may need to adjust the cylinder to a slightly tapered, or indeed flared, shape. Don't forget to allow for seam allowances when fitting and cutting out.
https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/c/mens/jackets/vests-gilets.html
you'll see that the collars are almost cylindrical. Is this the shape (if not the fabric) that you're after? If so, keep the sewing line of your pattern piece unchanged so it fits the stitching line of the front/back neck steam and extend the height of the pattern piece cylindrically. Check it out on some buckshee fabric first to make sure you're happy with the fit - depending on your neck size and shape you may need to adjust the cylinder to a slightly tapered, or indeed flared, shape. Don't forget to allow for seam allowances when fitting and cutting out.
71
A Good Yarn / Re: Anyone subscribe to Inside Crochet magazine?
« on: November 27, 2023, 14:05:31 PM »
Just had a ferret online looking for the garment I made when in my teens and found it! I don't think it will work nowadays - not warm enough apart from anything else!
I made it in peacock shades and again in the shades used on the pattern for my mother.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/232829387/crochet-pattern-1970s-waistcoat-laced?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_e-craft_supplies_and_tools-other&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAiAmZGrBhAnEiwAo9qHiXN5QBYVn9veePY-OT4pQqFGy1LP6__Kg_GrNFCGbvfJyooPNvyKGhoCAe8QAvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_326242848_20237113368_88513780608_pla-106551294035_c__232829387engb_527671787&utm_custom2=326242848&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmZGrBhAnEiwAo9qHiXN5QBYVn9veePY-OT4pQqFGy1LP6__Kg_GrNFCGbvfJyooPNvyKGhoCAe8QAvD_BwE
I made it in peacock shades and again in the shades used on the pattern for my mother.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/232829387/crochet-pattern-1970s-waistcoat-laced?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_e-craft_supplies_and_tools-other&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAiAmZGrBhAnEiwAo9qHiXN5QBYVn9veePY-OT4pQqFGy1LP6__Kg_GrNFCGbvfJyooPNvyKGhoCAe8QAvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_326242848_20237113368_88513780608_pla-106551294035_c__232829387engb_527671787&utm_custom2=326242848&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmZGrBhAnEiwAo9qHiXN5QBYVn9veePY-OT4pQqFGy1LP6__Kg_GrNFCGbvfJyooPNvyKGhoCAe8QAvD_BwE
72
Vintage Machines / Re: Feet?
« on: November 25, 2023, 10:58:58 AM »
The one at the front has an adjustable slider. You run the 'spade' shaped end along your previous line of stitching to obtain parallel rows.
73
A Good Yarn / Re: Anyone subscribe to Inside Crochet magazine?
« on: November 24, 2023, 12:41:48 PM »74
A Good Yarn / Anyone subscribe to Inside Crochet magazine?
« on: November 23, 2023, 15:01:10 PM »
I decided to get back into crochet as I think it will be less stress on the dodgy back than either sewing or knitting. I haven't made a crochet garment for myself since my teens so where to start? I had a look on the mag stand in the supermarket and picked up Inside Crochet (issue 163). As well as the cover pic sweater, which I could see myself wearing, albeit with a higher neckline, I was taken with the Spirit of Flora designs by Jane Crowfoot. I could imagine those being incorporated into a cardigan or jacket.
You can see what these medallions look like here
Does anyone subscribe to this magazine and, if so, please PM me if you think you can furnish me with scans of the previous designs. Back numbers are about £8 a pop and these designs have been running since January!
Thank you
You can see what these medallions look like here
Does anyone subscribe to this magazine and, if so, please PM me if you think you can furnish me with scans of the previous designs. Back numbers are about £8 a pop and these designs have been running since January!
Thank you
75
Sewing Spaces and Furniture / Re: RMF Create Your Space
« on: November 18, 2023, 14:29:06 PM »
Extended Modular is what I'm dreaming about, but with the sewing machine on that corner unit rather than drawers and the overlocker to the right hand side so one can swivel to access it.
I don't even have room for one of this range , which I first encountered at a K&S show years ago
I don't even have room for one of this range , which I first encountered at a K&S show years ago