31
Sewing Spaces and Furniture / Re: drawer space in sewing room
« on: August 12, 2022, 13:48:31 PM »
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32
Sewing Spaces and Furniture / Re: drawer space in sewing room
« on: August 10, 2022, 20:52:21 PM »
LeilaMay, I agree with you! I have a ragbag of old chocolate boxes, desk trays, and yes, shoe boxes! Happy with some bits, but could do a lot better on others!
33
Sewing Spaces and Furniture / Re: drawer space in sewing room
« on: August 10, 2022, 18:05:24 PM »
It gives the size, and they do fit into my deep drawers. However, I think some things are always a bit messy, interfacing especially as there are so many kinds and we keep odd scraps.
34
Sewing Spaces and Furniture / Re: drawer space in sewing room
« on: August 10, 2022, 14:32:56 PM »
Thanks! I do know at least about the top drawers - I have organisers in there with all my pins, scissors, chalk etc. so that they are easily to hand.
Reading these posts gave me thought - and I thought I might buy one of 2 things to try. I bought these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09XXKBG5C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I am trying patterns in one, and folded bits of interfacing in another. If they work then I might buy more.
Reading these posts gave me thought - and I thought I might buy one of 2 things to try. I bought these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09XXKBG5C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I am trying patterns in one, and folded bits of interfacing in another. If they work then I might buy more.
35
Sewing Spaces and Furniture / Re: drawer space in sewing room
« on: July 26, 2022, 08:04:25 AM »
Thank you all very much! A gremlin got into my computer (and the grandchildren got into my house!) and I haven't been able to reply - whilst being able to view your replies. No TMI at all!
Kids still here, so no time to reply in detail, but I will consider all carefully & let you know!
Kids still here, so no time to reply in detail, but I will consider all carefully & let you know!
36
Sewing Spaces and Furniture / drawer space in sewing room
« on: July 23, 2022, 16:03:41 PM »
Hello all, my sewing room is due a bit of a refurb, I've been meandering about here, but would like some specific advice about drawers.
I have: open shelves that store boxes of fabric and notions, books, and there is a hanging space.
I currently have a custom made (DH) 'desk' with 2 pedestals of drawers. DH is going to extend the 'desk top' to be 70cms. deep and 2.5m long, so that I can do most of my cutting out on it*.
This means I can have another pedestal of drawers. However, I am not happy with how I currently use mine and wanted to get some ideas.
I am happy with my drawer space for needles, threads & bobbins, and cutting out stuff like scissors, pins, rulers etc. One deep drawer holds my tracing paper and pens etc. but always feels a bit of a mess. Another deep drawer holds 'craft stuff' (I don't do much, but occasionally need paper, glue, beads etc.)
It seems that in the drawers I should have things that I might need 'handy', and things like fabric and patterns aren't needed so often.
Anyway, all advice gratefully received!
*To clarify, I have a cardboard craft board on a large bed on which I lay out fabric, but it is getting difficult for me to cut out on it. By having a deep desk, I can do a rough cut on the bed, and a proper cut on the desk (which is covered with cutting boards cut to fit)
I have: open shelves that store boxes of fabric and notions, books, and there is a hanging space.
I currently have a custom made (DH) 'desk' with 2 pedestals of drawers. DH is going to extend the 'desk top' to be 70cms. deep and 2.5m long, so that I can do most of my cutting out on it*.
This means I can have another pedestal of drawers. However, I am not happy with how I currently use mine and wanted to get some ideas.
I am happy with my drawer space for needles, threads & bobbins, and cutting out stuff like scissors, pins, rulers etc. One deep drawer holds my tracing paper and pens etc. but always feels a bit of a mess. Another deep drawer holds 'craft stuff' (I don't do much, but occasionally need paper, glue, beads etc.)
It seems that in the drawers I should have things that I might need 'handy', and things like fabric and patterns aren't needed so often.
Anyway, all advice gratefully received!
*To clarify, I have a cardboard craft board on a large bed on which I lay out fabric, but it is getting difficult for me to cut out on it. By having a deep desk, I can do a rough cut on the bed, and a proper cut on the desk (which is covered with cutting boards cut to fit)
37
Sewing Machines / Re: the etiquette of buying a sewing machine
« on: June 29, 2022, 22:02:50 PM »
Oh dear! Mind you that does sound more bother than tacking by hand.
38
Sewing Machines / Re: the etiquette of buying a sewing machine
« on: June 28, 2022, 08:41:32 AM »
Thanks all for your interest.
I received the machine back from Janome yesterday evening, and did a quick 'thread'. It was fine and felt completely different to the first time I tried it.
In the stupid way of things, I now have 5 days of medical appointments & family commitments, so won't get to use it properly until after the weekend!
However, it now feels 'right' so am a lot happier, but quite unable to help anyone else with their threading issues! Janome's collection & delivery were very efficient.
Everything else about the machine is excellent. I did a 'trial piece' - the Mallow top from Tauko #3. This patches woven scraps and uses them to bind & decorate a knit top. So I used lots of different stitches. Scraps from previous projects, and a knit from a 'lucky dip' box; but I have ended up with a very decent top, so am pleased
I received the machine back from Janome yesterday evening, and did a quick 'thread'. It was fine and felt completely different to the first time I tried it.
In the stupid way of things, I now have 5 days of medical appointments & family commitments, so won't get to use it properly until after the weekend!
However, it now feels 'right' so am a lot happier, but quite unable to help anyone else with their threading issues! Janome's collection & delivery were very efficient.
Everything else about the machine is excellent. I did a 'trial piece' - the Mallow top from Tauko #3. This patches woven scraps and uses them to bind & decorate a knit top. So I used lots of different stitches. Scraps from previous projects, and a knit from a 'lucky dip' box; but I have ended up with a very decent top, so am pleased
39
Sewing Machines / Re: Where do I go from here?
« on: June 05, 2022, 14:27:52 PM »
Sorry, I misunderstood! I have re-read.
I don't do such tricky work (original mild clumsiness and later arthritis mean I stick to the basics). The machine does have a 'straight needle plate' which I believe is for such situations, but I am still getting to know it. It also has, to my delight a 'curve stitch'. Indeed, my advancing arthritis was one reason for getting a more 'steady' machine.
I have become aware that the 'craft' side of sewing has become more popular - it is reflected in the fabric shops as well
I don't do such tricky work (original mild clumsiness and later arthritis mean I stick to the basics). The machine does have a 'straight needle plate' which I believe is for such situations, but I am still getting to know it. It also has, to my delight a 'curve stitch'. Indeed, my advancing arthritis was one reason for getting a more 'steady' machine.
I have become aware that the 'craft' side of sewing has become more popular - it is reflected in the fabric shops as well
40
Sewing Machines / Re: the etiquette of buying a sewing machine
« on: June 03, 2022, 13:41:51 PM »
Yes, of course I'm sympathetic. Your post made me smile as I wondered how often one would have buy a £1k machine to be deemed a 'regular'! I have, on average, bought a new machine every 20 years!
And there is a similar problem with fabric - my local shop stocks entirely for 'crafting'.
And there is a similar problem with fabric - my local shop stocks entirely for 'crafting'.
41
Sewing Machines / Re: Where do I go from here?
« on: June 03, 2022, 13:36:06 PM »
Hello, I don't often post, but hope this might be helpful. I have just bought a Janome atelier 7, which goes up to a 9mm stitch width. List price is £1500.
I am a dressmaker, and it has some lovely features. If you've seen the thread above, you'll know it was just the needle threader that is faulty and needs sorting out - the machine itself is a joy to use.
There are 2 cheaper models in the range, but I don't know what width they go up to.
The very helpful shop that I bought from pointed out that the 7 has all the features that dressmakers need, and the 'top of the range' machine is only worth the extra grand for embroidery.
I tried the equivalent Juki that the engineer said was, in his opinion, stronger and easier to service, but I did not like it at all.
Hope you find something that suits!
I am a dressmaker, and it has some lovely features. If you've seen the thread above, you'll know it was just the needle threader that is faulty and needs sorting out - the machine itself is a joy to use.
There are 2 cheaper models in the range, but I don't know what width they go up to.
The very helpful shop that I bought from pointed out that the 7 has all the features that dressmakers need, and the 'top of the range' machine is only worth the extra grand for embroidery.
I tried the equivalent Juki that the engineer said was, in his opinion, stronger and easier to service, but I did not like it at all.
Hope you find something that suits!
42
Sewing Machines / Re: the etiquette of buying a sewing machine
« on: June 03, 2022, 08:18:03 AM »
It has been interesting to read this - and I am not complaining about anybody, just interested in how this works. You have all been helpful, thank you.
43
Sewing Machines / Re: the etiquette of buying a sewing machine
« on: June 02, 2022, 12:42:14 PM »
Thanks, Janome did tell me that they would pay for a technician locally, but the 2 I contacted didn't want to get involved. And of course, it is exactly because I wanted to be fair to the shop that I am in this situation!
However, the owner / manager / technician will be back on Monday and I can ask him for advice. I'll let you know!
However, the owner / manager / technician will be back on Monday and I can ask him for advice. I'll let you know!
44
Sewing Machines / Re: the etiquette of buying a sewing machine
« on: June 02, 2022, 10:35:24 AM »
Just realised that I hadn't replied to HenriettaMaria. I looked very hard, using a magnifying glass, and referring to both the book and the Janome YouTube channel. I was reluctant to 'tweak' on a new machine under warranty, but thought if it was minor it was worth a try. No, it feels as if it is all out of synch.
And thank you all again!
And thank you all again!
45
Sewing Machines / Re: the etiquette of buying a sewing machine
« on: June 01, 2022, 18:11:20 PM »
Thank you for your advice!
I just want to be clear to Ploshkin: I would not take up someone's time and buy on-line but in order to use a local technician I was faced with this choice:
Take up the shop's time (3 hours and a lot of advice) and say 'thanks but I'm buying from my local dealer / technician' OR buy 'unseen & untried' locally.
I just want to be clear to Ploshkin: I would not take up someone's time and buy on-line but in order to use a local technician I was faced with this choice:
Take up the shop's time (3 hours and a lot of advice) and say 'thanks but I'm buying from my local dealer / technician' OR buy 'unseen & untried' locally.