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Topics - Sewot

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1
Technical Help / 70's double breasted suit poject
« on: December 26, 2020, 21:33:48 PM »
Hey Dad!
I have a project for you!
I want you to make me a double breasted suit in time for March whereas I will be best man at a wedding, but don't worry I have ordered the pattern!!!!
AHHHHH!...
I Know I am not up to this but my son thinks I can do just anything...
That's my fault for bringing them up to take anything on and not to shy away because things incurr determination and degrees of difficulty.
So there we are....I am now in a pickle!
I have told him there are some things I cannot do.
Mhhhh...looks like I have to go for it.
The only way it will happen is with a positive mindset and determination.
So here goes.
I will keep you posted.
It will be a big kick if it's a success.
For the expert Taylors amongst you I will appreciate all help I ask for.
I know!
I am crazy.

2
Embroidery and Embellishment / Can anyone make me a miniature teddy bear?
« on: November 19, 2020, 23:38:48 PM »
Odd request.
Let me explain.
The model yachts I build are built from plans drawn up by a lovely old man who, having built his model yachts  has them operated by a BEAR at the helm.
The bear operates the helm wheel and turns his head by radio control.
Their fim goes under the name of Bearospace industries and I think the bears are so cute.
Always did like teddy bears.
I will take care of the head turning and arm movements but I would like some one to hand sew up a bear for me about 5" high stood up.
I would like him to look old, with loss of fur almost down to the skin and to look cute.
I naturally expect to pay out for this.
If any of you are talented in this area, have a few remnants of old looking mohair and want a challenge then please pm me and we can discuss the project.
It means more to me to have an individually sewn bear.
I had a go at it myself with some miniature plans but like quilting, there is a black art to it that is beyond my skills.
Unless you know differently.
Mhhhh maybe I see a bear comp coming up?
Hee hee.
Come on be honest.
We all love teddies??
Pete

3
Fun with Fabric / A Bad case of Triangulitis!!!
« on: November 18, 2020, 01:09:46 AM »
HI all.
I hope this ends up in the " Fun with Fabric " corner as I am deffo having that albeit frustrating.
I am making sails for my Radio Controlled model yachts.
With the larger sails already sewn it is not so noticeable but I am trying to sew a very small Top Sail which is supposed to be Triangular with STRAIGHT sides and the process is giving me grief.
I just cannot, however hard I try, get the sides straight.
I really would appreciate any pointers you may have to offer if you could spare me your time.
The first two attempts in yellow poplin ( 80% synthetic) are really bad.
The third attempt with Egyptian cotton is getting there but still niggling me.
I have tested my machine tensions to exhaustion and as far as I see it, it is perfectly set but I may be missing something vital here?
Less tension??
Has anyone sewn a triangle and experienced this please?
Pete

4
Fun with Fabric / The right side and the other side!
« on: August 24, 2020, 04:03:41 AM »
I have problems sometimes in deciding which side is the " Right " side .
With some fabrics it can be very challenging.
Is there a secret?
Pete

5
Machine Accessories / Anti " chase yer foot pedal " gizmo
« on: August 12, 2020, 09:25:35 AM »
I got really miffed with chasing my foot pedal around so made this.
Its just a hunk of hardwood that resembles a foot with anti skid rubber matting on the top and bottom.
Gift OH or DH  or if that doesnt apply DIY!!!
With a jigsaw and file to get the edges right.
Very simple but a nerve calmer.
Or just use a plank of unshaped wood!!!
Pete

6
Machine Accessories / DIY thread distributor
« on: August 12, 2020, 09:11:45 AM »
I hope this is the right thread for this.
A table mounted thread distribution unit.
A piece of heavy Ironbark wood ( bit of a tree) drilled to accept the reel pin and piece of wire.
Simple as can be.
I made a deluxe version for my Singer 201 but it does not work so well as this.
Thanks @Kwaaked  for the idea of using cups to hold the reel and pieces of wire.
You are right!!!!
It works!
Pete

7
Vintage Machines / Singer 237 review by Sewot
« on: August 10, 2020, 12:11:49 PM »
Well she has arrived and wow what a machine.
She looks to be made yesterday and not 50 years ago.
The first thing I did was test her as is.
Beautifully quiet with accurate stitching.
She can sew a lovely satin stitch and an excellent button hole although being a simple machine.
Manuela on this forum uses a very similar machine to make the most gorgeous dresses.
It is her influence that made me go for this model.
I am lucky...she is pristine.
The main body is made from cast iron which is good for stability and a long lasting machine as the bearings will not wear out.
The top cover, face plate and other minor items are of plastic.
But it is 60s plastic which is thicker and harder.
The Singer emblem and markings are not transfers but engraved into the plastic and then coloured with paint.
The presser foot lever, tensioner knob and all other levers are chrome plated steel.
The needle  has three positions.
The feed dogs can be lowered.
It has fully adjustable zig zag.
It is fully mechanical and easy to clean and oil.
No adjustments ( servicing) was necessary.
Just a good clean and oiling.
It is a wonderful machine.
Not as quiet as a Singer 201 but none the less quiet enough for me and I like quiet machines.
It came in a horrid plastic case which I did not like so I have mounted it in the Singer 201 wooden base which has its top to match.
The good thing about Singers is that they standardised things so differrent models fit in the same case and to change a motor and belt it's just one bolt.
Its a good machine.
I have called her " Pearl".
Pearl's a Singer?
Heres a few pics of the strip down and clean.
I will post a few later tomorrow when shes all back together again.


8
Vintage Machines / My Singer 237 is on the way!
« on: August 04, 2020, 07:50:31 AM »
I often cannot help myself when I see a nice pristine well kept machine.
So I bought a Singer 237 and eagerly await its arrival in about a weeks time.
The main body and working parts are all metal but Singer started to introduce plastic at this stage.
No big deal as the plastic parts are the sort that do not wear out... ie...gear teeth.
I have been very much inspired by Manuella's creations and skill in using basic machines.
My ethos is...if she can do that on simple machines using skill!! Then I can at least have a bash at doing the same.
I love old machines. ( and trying to be skillful)
They all have stories to tell but keep quiet about them.
I have watched a vid on how somebody produced a perfect button hole using this model of machine.
I am very impressed.
Does anyone else on the forum own and use this model please?
I will be interested to know your views on it.
Many thanks for checking me out.


9
Patterns Discussion / Cutting your own patterns
« on: July 30, 2020, 02:14:26 AM »
I am about to venture into cutting my own patterns.
I have done it before using brown paper.
I want to make body form blocks and masters for making my own clothing.
Well....I already do but want to up my standard.
What do YOU use for pattern making templates plesae?

10
Sewing Machines / Singer Plus One computer machine
« on: July 30, 2020, 02:04:49 AM »
I have one of these.
Does anyone else have one and what do you think of it?    :thread:

11
Patterns Discussion / Pattern makers rulers help?
« on: July 23, 2020, 05:50:15 AM »
You might have seen the shirts I made in the wardrobe.
I plan to make trousers next to my own design that will be in the style of loose fitting jogging pants but from lighter material.
I have sent off for two books on mens pattern making.
I just want to continue making clothes for myself as I enjoy sewing and sewing machines and get to wear what I have made.
I have no illusions of being a top male fashion designer...no no.
I notice that on googling pattern makers rulers the whole world had jumped on the band wagon wanting to sell me complete cased outfits for professional pattern designers or on the opposite side cheap Chinese plastic sets that are likely to snap as the plastic is too brittle.
As far as I can make out, the french curve for arm holes and crotch lines seems what I need.
What do " you" use please?
What would be a good brand?
I'd rather spend out once than be sorry I bought cheap rubbish.
I rather like the idea of the old wooden ones but they could be out of fashion like the Singer 201K.
Ahem!!....
I hope you get my drift!
I have a Singer 201.
Maybe a vintage ruler might be better?
All help appreciated.
Pete

12
In the wardrobe / Me and my shirts
« on: July 17, 2020, 02:36:31 AM »
Gday everyone.
If this is posted in the wrong place please put it in the right one for me.
Thanks in advance.
Heres a few shirts I have made.
I hate collars as they serve no function on casual mens shirts.
Didnt like button holes either but now I am not afraid of them.
Simple slip over shirts with boot lace tie.
If its not in fashion for oldies I just don't care and maybe it should be!!!!
Pete.
Apologies for the unsightly model wearing it!!

13
Vintage Machines / Thread delivery gizmo for a vintage machine
« on: July 17, 2020, 01:49:17 AM »
I have been doing a lot of reading about thread delivery sytems and the differences between how certain spools are wound ...... Stack or cross wound both of which should be delivered from their spools in different ways.
I have knocked up this Gizmo so that it can deliver cross wound thread as it should...ie from the top of the spool without it turning.
A big thank you to Kwaaked for the education.
The gizmo is designed to be dead simple.
It simply lifts on and off the already fitted spool pin.
It is made from a block of wood to a certain shape, has leather strips on the underside to protect the machine and a tapered dowel pin to accept all my bobbins.
The small ones fit as well.
They just slide on the tapered pin until wedged on.
The pin is set at an angle and correct height to point directly to the first thread guide.
For stack wound bobbins just lift it off and use the existing spool pin.
Simple eh?
Oh!!!
I have added a pin cushion so you dont have to wrap a rag around the machine, poke pins in it and scratch the blazers out of the poor machine!
 :thumbsup:
Pete

14
Fun with Fabric / 100% linen from Ikea
« on: July 16, 2020, 05:36:11 AM »
If you like Linen then go to Ikea and buy their 100% Linen sheets.
Far cheaper than a fabric shop!
I love the feel and look of linen.
The oldest fabric known to us.
I make my shirts from it.
Sometimes I iron it and sometimes I just scum bag it and don't bother.
Either way it is happy and looks good.
I also French Polish my hand made Ukuleles.
I need to use Linseed oil with the process.
Here is the link...
LIN.....
Linseed oil is made from the flax of LIN en!!!
All good stuff To know.
Or maybe Not.
Thought I'd throw it in anyway.
Pete

15
Vintage Machines / My beautiful Singer 201P
« on: July 16, 2020, 00:40:30 AM »
Here she is pictured today in the glorious Australian morning sunshine.
I know.....Its not Black!!!!
I got it crazy cheap.
The wiring was lethal so I rewired the complete machine.
The case is beautifully made.
I don't know if it is an original Singer but I have read that the Australian assembled Singers had their own cases built for them out here.
The Singer parts were sent to Oz and the 201Ps were assembled in Penrith.
Sounds like somewhere in Cornwall.
It has " Made in Great Britain" stamped on it.
I have cleaned and oiled it and it works superbly.
I made and stuck some leather patches on the case interior as the felt ones were a bit stinkey.
I made up some simple bags and filled them up with freshly planed Camphor wood shavings.
This makes her smell nice as well!.
You can see by the condition of the box that it has hardly been used.
It has had one owner since new who has now passed away and her daughter sold the machine to me.
It was only used a few times to repair odd things.
This was apparent by all the different coloured bits of thread on the three bobbins which probs came with the machine.
Even a spare belt and different feet.
Love it!!!

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