Description:
The RSS feed for the http://sewing.PatternReview.com sewing community message board. Visit http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/sewingclasses/board.pl to see the entire board.
Contents:
San Diego County - California posted by Pam Z
Volunteers, please join us Saturday, November 22 from 2-5PM. You're invited to assemble easy, free beds for Animal Shelters in S.D. County. Pre-cut beds & stuffing will be provided. Bring scissors to cut fabric, a sewing machine to stitch beds (bring a walking foot attachment if you have one), polyester thread (any color) & pins, or you can stuff the beds plump for this winter.
This event will be held at the North County Animal Shelter classroom, 2481 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA.
I hope to see you there!
Last post by Pam Z at Thu 20 Nov 2008 11:54:48 PM Total posts: 6
Visit PatternReview.com to read this entire topic.
Research your Sewing Machine at PatternReview.com.
new janome multi-needle posted by Jannie
Who has heard anything about the new janome mb-4 embroidery machine coming out? I believe it is a 4 needle. I havn't read anything about it, but I have seen a picture. Is it some deep dark secret? Any one have info?
Janet
Last post by hotrodracer at Thu 20 Nov 2008 11:49:27 PM Total posts: 18
Visit PatternReview.com to read this entire topic.
Research Sewing Machines at PatternReview.com.
I Got it!! my "new" machine! posted by Hilary
Well!! I was soo excited! My machine (with cabinet) was shipped quickly and I got it just one week after winning the bid! Yippee!!
The UPS man brought it yesterday and slid it in the front door for me since it was very heavy (great UPS guy!). Hmm, the seller packed the machine and cabinet in one box, eh? Hmm..okay. I'm still excited! I figure out how to open the bizarre, patched together super-size box and see the cabinet legs in a nice separate box, and the cabinet stool legs (I didn't realize he was sending the stool too! Yah! I thought) and there's the stool seat..so far so good.
Then the fun stopped. I see the cabinet top upside down in the box (bubble wrap below it) and the sides of the cabinet are no longer fully attached. In fact one piece came off entirely with a lovely smooshed part on it. This is just the side, not the main front or back. And looking further I see that the back is also no longer fully attached to the top of the cabinet but only attached on one side and breaking loose from the top. :mad: I am not happy to have paid for such a completely WORTHLESS packing job.
But wait! It gets better. I finally notice the box in the middle of the upside-down cabinet top, and take off the tape and open it up. And, you guessed it, there's my lovely machine laying on its side in a plain cardboard box with ABSOLUTELY NO PACKING MATERIAL OF ANY KIND protecting it. Not even a stray styrofoam peanut. AAAGH! And there is my lovely accessories box smashed to smithereens and all the feet/cams/throat plates flung around the box. The seam guide was actually lodged in the side of the cardboard box :wow: He did wrap the foot control in a strip of old computer paper (the kind with the holes on the sides).
I can't believe this!! My five-yr old could have done it better. :confused: This seller had 100% positive feedback too, (not anymore, however) and has been selling for quite awhile. I thought I was being careful, but obviously not careful enough. Lesson learned!
Anyway-the machine itself miraculously didn't seem to be any worse for the wear, despite the miserable excuse for packing. So after my initial fit (and taking lots of pics to document the "shipping" HA!) I decided to take out the machine and see what I would find. It did look good, if a little dirty and linty ( I expected this, the seller did specify he had not cleaned it, but pics showed no rust or major damage).
The first things I noticed were that the hand-wheel did not engage (the needle bar did not go up and down and the bobbin wheel wouldn't tighten so it just spun freely), and the needle bar was crooked; instead of facing forward, it faced a little off to the left. Weird, I'd never seen that before! I didn't know if these were easy fixes or not, so I just cleaned everything out (top, side, bobbin area and down below) as best I could and oiled the areas called for in a free manual I found online. Then I called my friend Christine who is a fellow-vintage-machine-junkie ..I mean lover! lol! And she kindly offered to have a look at it with me to see if we could get it running :biggrin:
So after feeding the family and getting in my workout, I drove into town with my new toy and Christine and I stayed up way past our bedtimes fixing it. She first fixed the needle bar by just loosening a screw and re-aligning the needle bar. Very easy!
Then we added some lube (I didn't have any at home) to the metal gears where indicated in the manual.
Next came the handwheel (this is the thing I was really worried about). She merely took off the screw holding it together, took the parts out carefully to see if they were damaged (they weren't!) and put it back together making sure it was aligned and the outer screw holding it together was on tight enough. We plugged it in and lo and behold, THAT BABY SEWED!!!
And sewed like the wind-man is she FAST! And can you believe, the stitches are *perfect* . We hadn't even messed with the tension, or specially chosen thread and needle, we were just sewing on scraps with two different weight threads (it takes a special bobbin and thats all I had). And the stitch was gorgeous.
WOO-HOO!!! :winkgrin:
It was a bit noisy, though and it seemed to be coming from the bobbin area. So Christine, who does not have any fear of taking things apart, lol, took the teeny screws out of the bobbin thingie so we could get the bobbin case out, and we cleaned out some more lint found in the bobbin area which seemed to be pushing it up just enough to cause some friction between the feed dogs and the bobbin case. Added a drop or two of oil and then fiddled with it some more to make sure it was put back together properly.
And now it sews like the wind~*quietly* :biggrin:
We finally figured out how to get it to do specialty stitches and all too-I had thought the knobs where stuck but it turns out I just needed to read the directions, lol.
The only other thing I do need to get done is have the bobbin winder fixed~the broken springs need to be replaced.
SO the moral of the story is, ebay is a tricky, stressful place to buy sewing machines, but it could work out in the end if you have a good friend who's a born tinker-er, LOL!
:hug: Thanks Christine!
hope I didn't bore y'all to tears with my long story-but its very exciting to me!
:tounge:
-- Edited on 11/18/08 1:31 PM --
Last post by c schirmer at Thu 20 Nov 2008 11:48:14 PM Total posts: 13
Visit PatternReview.com to read this entire topic.
Take a PatternReview.com Sewing Class today.
Desperation sewing for our selves posted by Rosie who use to be Rose
Not really sure how to phrase this so I guess I?ll jump right in. Is anybody else here having trouble sewing for their self? I finish clothes for my family (and the dog) but I tend to get bogged down in sewing for myself. My problem here is that I really, really need to finish some clothing to wear. I?ve been exercising and have become a bit smaller, good right? Nope! I went to get dressed Sunday, having laid out my clothing the night before like a good girl (I just hadn?t worn those clothes since last fall) and the necklines of all of my nice v-neck Jalie t-shirts hang down below my bra :eek: Not a good look for church. Before this I had 12 pieces of fall and winter clothing, now I have 9 and I?m having major problems keeping the pants up so I don?t know how long 3 of those are going to be serviceable. Anyway, does anybody else desperately need clothing and is lacking the inspirations to sew for themselves. Want to join me? I?m going to make a top and a pair of pants first. I guess I better make the top first. I was thinking about the Loes Hines pattern 5211 Bacall Sweater.
To give you an idea about how far I?m going to avoid sewing for myself, I actually started stripping the old wall paper off the bathroom wall yesterday instead of sewing. If that?s not a pathetic excuse I don?t know what is.
Ok, I?m going to pick out the fabric and trace off the pattern. Somebody come and sew with me and let?s encourage each other.
Rosie
Last post by katlew03 at Thu 20 Nov 2008 11:45:10 PM Total posts: 40
Visit PatternReview.com to read this entire topic.
Shop for Amy Butler patterns at PatternReview.com
Width of bias tape when unfolded? posted by CathyWeeks
So I'm making a sleeveless nightgown for my mother, and it called for 7/8" single fold bias tape to finish the edges of the yoke/arm holes. I hate using that stuff when it's against the skin, as it's awfully scratchy and stiff. I have enough excess material that I can cut my own bias strips (they aren't perfectly on the 45-degree angle, but close enough), and as that fabric is nice an soft, I'm going to cut my own.
However, my mother thought the tape was 7/8" AFTER it was unfolded (which I need to do, and then fold in half and press that way. Anyway, I cut two strips that were an inch wide, folded them and pressed, and lemme say that 1/2" looks WAY too narrow. I've got to put raw edges together, stitchand then fold the flap over the raw edges and stitch again, and 1/2" inch is much too narrow.
So is 7/8" the finished or unfolded width of the store-bought bias tape?
Last post by CM_Sews at Thu 20 Nov 2008 11:21:40 PM Total posts: 2
Visit PatternReview.com to read this entire topic.
Research Simplicity Sewing Machines at PatternReview.com.
Possum blend fabric source posted by Sharp
Anyone know of a source for New Zealand possum blend fabrics?
Last post by Sharp at Thu 20 Nov 2008 11:18:11 PM Total posts: 1
Visit PatternReview.com to read this entire topic.
Research White Sewing Machines at PatternReview.com.
Babylock Serger posted by Portia Hirschman
I am going back and forth between purchasing a new serger--either an Imagine or an Evolve. I haven'd called my dealer yet. Wondering if there is another sale coming up soon and if it is a substantial sale. Or should I wait until after Christmas? Also with the economy going the way it's going, I wonder what these small dealers will be doing come the beginning of the year.
Last post by sarads at Thu 20 Nov 2008 11:13:50 PM Total posts: 3
Visit PatternReview.com to read this entire topic.
You can now buy Sewing Patterns directly from PatternReview.com.
Singer 24-4 Chain Stitch Machine or Kenmore 158.17560 posted by melly298
Is there any reason to buy a chain stitch machine? It's just kind of cute, you know?
http://reno.craigslist.org/clt/925766656.html
Or what about this one? it looks kind of lovable for a 1971 machine:
http://reno.craigslist.org/hsh/927206418.html
Last post by Jennifer Hill at Thu 20 Nov 2008 11:09:17 PM Total posts: 2
Visit PatternReview.com to read this entire topic.
Research Simplicity Sewing Machines at PatternReview.com.
Embroidering on Sweatshirt Fleece posted by ryan's mom
I'm using sweatshirt fleece and making sweatpants with embroidery down the left leg. On the first pair, I didn't hoop it and just used basting spray. I was planning on hooping the leg of the second pair, but wanted to know if sweatshirt fleece can get hoop burn like velvet.
I looked at my sample yesterday and can see slight evidence of the hooping. What would you embroidery experts do?
Help sure would be appreciated.
Last post by Mrs.Moos at Thu 20 Nov 2008 11:01:31 PM Total posts: 4
Visit PatternReview.com to read this entire topic.
Research White Sewing Machines at PatternReview.com.
Sewing Down Under posted by Mel.J
I created this new thread - the name sounds a bit like an underwear sewalong but I couldn't think of anything better.
:D Mel
Last post by julie w at Thu 20 Nov 2008 10:42:16 PM Total posts: 14371
Visit PatternReview.com to read this entire topic.
Shop for Kwik Sew at PatternReview.com
Endless Combinations Contest--Official Thread posted by boppingbeth
This is the official thread for the Endless Combinations Wardrobe Contest. I am happy to be managing this one, although I have to say I am a little sad I won't get a chance to win those great prizes (check it out!). The contest runs for 2 months--November 1 to December 31, 2008. The goal is to create a flexible, creative wardrobe of items that go together--no orphans allowed. And this contest is definitely one where 'quantity' will make it work better.
Official Rules:
Endless Combinations 2008
Ground Rules
Time frame.
This contest runs November 1 to December 31, 2008. Submitted items must be started on or after November 1st, 2008 and completed and reviewed by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 31, 2008.
Contest Purpose: Build a flexible wardrobe of pieces that always have something they can be worn with!
Qualifying Items.
In this contest, qualifying items are sewn items of clothing.
Patterns may be new, well-aged in the stash but never sewn, sewn before, or tried-and-true. Items may be based on commercial, free public-use or self-drafted patterns.
A minimum of 4 items must be included to count as an endless combination. One sewn accessory may be substituted for a garment for every 4 items entered. Example: 4 garments plus a handbag, 8 garments plus a handbag and a pair of gloves...
Only one chain per 'target person'--more than one chain can be sewn, but each garment sewn for a single person must work together.
How Endless Combinations Works:
Begin with one garment of your choice. Example, Skirt A.
The second garment, of any type, must coordinate and be wearable with the first one. Example, Top A may be worn with Skirt A.
The third submitted garment, of any type, must coordinate and be wearable with either of the two previous garments. Example, Jacket A may be worn with Skirt A or with Top A, or both!
The fourth garment, of any type, must coordinate and be wearable with any one (or more) of the previous garments and so on.
The more you sew, the easier it will become to match your latest project to a previous one!
You may include multiple endless combinations in your contest entry, either for yourself or for others, but each line of coordination must be among items sewn for a single person. Each line of coordination must be complete (and continuous) for a single person.
That is, you may enter Skirt A1 that coordinates with Top A1 that coordinates with Jacket A1 that coordinates with Top A2 that coordinates with Pants A1, all intended for wear by you. In the same contest entry, you may start a new endless combination with Skirt B1 that coordinates with Top B1 that coordinates with Pants B1 that coordinates with Jacket B1, all intended for wear by your daughter.
Of course, endless combinations sewn for different people may coordinate with each other, but your entry may not be Skirt A1 for you that coordinates with Top B1 for your daughter that coordinates with Jacket C1 for your husband that coordinates with Sweater D1 for your dog (although that might make for a fabulous holiday postcard).
Items intended for sale, or for which you were paid to make, do not qualify for this contest, but items made for charity are welcome!
Qualifying Entrants. Open to all members (free or paying) who joined Pattern Review prior to August 3rd, 2008 (90 days prior to the start of the contest).
Submissions
To enter an item in the contest, write and submit a review, including a photo, for each item sewn. In the review, include a statement that says this is garment number @ for the endless combinations contest, and a reference to its coordinating garment.
You also need to write and submit a composite review showing all elements and indicating which items coordinate to make it a endless combination. This composite review will be used for voting during judging. Because each garment need not work with all the previous garments, you may decide to structure your composite review in such a way that each garment is placed in succession with the garment it's meant to be worn with.
Points, Winners and Prizes
Points. In your contest entry, give yourself one point for each item sewn.
Winners.
There will be two winners of this contest:
The first prize winner will be determined by highest number of PatternReview member votes. Voting begins January 2nd, 2009 and ends January 11th, 2009.
The second prize winner is determined by the highest number of points (equal to the number of items entered).
Voting guidelines - points to keep in mind when you vote.
In no particular order:
- How well do the items coordinate? Are the items truly endless combinations?
- Construction / skill of design and craftsmanship compared to the declared skill level of the entrant
- Designer creativity
- Presentation.
- Is the pattern/process reviewed well? Is the review thorough, informative, and helpful? Did it help you decide whether or not to pursue such a project yourself? See What do you look for in a review? Characteristics of good review and Tips for writing a good pattern review for a list of member-developed guideline for judging the quality of a review.
Prizes.
First Prize: $100 gift certificate from Fashionista Fabrics
Second Prize: $75 gift certificate from Fashionista Fabrics
Contest Report
How to write a composite Review
Hi all, I've created a special section for endless combinations. So when you go to write a new composite review for EC, here's what you need to do:
Option 1 From the Add Review page, choose Contest from the Pattern company drop down and enter endless combinations in the pattern number field. Then click on Find.
Option 2 From The Contest Page click on Write a review button. This way all the entries will be in one place.
Hope this helps
Update by Deepika 11/07/08
EC template loaded in review
When you go to write a review from one of the two options listed above and when you click the Click here to load a template to help you write a review, a template specifically designed for this contest will load in the review box. Once there you can copy and paste the Item # sections as many times as you need. Hope this makes sense.
-- Edited on 11/7/08 3:48 PM --
-- Edited on 11/8/08 8:23 AM --
Last post by Em's Summer at Thu 20 Nov 2008 10:42:07 PM Total posts: 307
Visit PatternReview.com to read this entire topic.
Get more into your Sewing.
Petite Sewing posted by Em's Summer
I'm always wondering about what other Petites are working on for themselves, but there's hardly ever anything to read about petites because our Petite section is always so quiet. I saw Sherril's post under the plus thread and thought it would be the perfect topic for the petite section!
I'll bet a lot of petites would love to hear about what other petites are sewing for themselves. I know I would!
I'll share first. I love dresses and have several cut and ready to sew right now. I'm hoping to finish some of these this week:
I'm making the dress from S3874 out of a rayon challis with a colorful floral on a black background; the dress with the butterfly sleeves from M5579 out of a black and white polka dot rayon challis; the view A dress from S2886 out of a soft white solid woven; and the short dress from V8386 out of an aqua and green knit. Oh and a couple of simple sheath dresses. I'll probably finish the sheaths first since they're really easy to sew.
So, what are you sewing for yourself right now?
Your turn!
Em
-- Edited on 7/3/08 9:17 AM --
Last post by Em's Summer at Thu 20 Nov 2008 10:38:01 PM Total posts: 680
Home
|
|
