Do You Know the Difference?

I came across this post and I found it truly informative.  I have just started seeing it appear more and more in patterns I wish to make from appliqueing, bags, etc.  I love the fact that Ashley includes brief project examples of how to use either interfacing, fusible adhesive, and fusible web and the close up shots of what each one looks like (back and front) helps you understand what you will feel and see when trying to decide.  Have you ever wondered what was the difference between these (keep in mind there are several different companies that make them, so you will have to experiment which you like best), well Ashley has broke it down for you.  I have seen racks of various types interfacing at my local craft store and they were all different and I was baffled on what I needed, also I was curious if I should buy more or different types when they are on sale or when I have a 50% coupon, well this post helps me.  The next thing to do now is test it out.

Using Bias Tape

Because I hate doing binding in general, I came across this article and thought how ingenuous.  Now I know this binding material has been around since the beginning of time, but hey I am new to it all and anything that makes the process easier let along faster and still looks just as good, I am all in there.  I came across this article and I thought I could really do that, I also realized...hey that is what is on my potholders and oven mitts...never knew it.  I have heard through various quilting groups that people are starting to use this type of binding for their quilts and I think I will give this a try.  I am in the process of making a mat for my dog water/food dishes to go onto, so I will be able to test out the process real soon. 

Smashed Peas and Carrots: How to Sew Bias Tape {A Tutorial}

Enjoy.

Add Seam Allowance Without A Ruler

Saw this post from Debbie at squigglytwigs and thought this was a neat tip, especially if you are working with curves (maybe not so much in tight corners/curves).  I have not tried it out, but it seems very doable.  Enjoy.

Weighted Pin Cushion

Earlier today I completed the Weighted Pin Cushion by Elizabeth from Oh, Franson.  The pattern can be located at Sew Mamma. I had this on "current projects" list for almost a year.  I had not used fusible interfacing before and wanted to learn more about it before I dove into this project.  The project came together quite quickly.  I now can say that I like fusible interface.  I picked up a value pack on sale/coupon at Joann's and you get 15"X3 yards and I only used a sliver of it.  I have lots more for other projects.

I did have to refer to some of the pictures a little more closely to ensure that I was reading the instructions properly and I found that was on the right track, however, overall it was a great project.



Completed waste bin, this was neat, I did the boxed corners and lining.  I think I will make a larger one and make a trash can for my car in a fabric that I like.



With a button.



I dd not put in the sewed lines for the pockets as I have trays on my table that holds most of my tools, however, I am using the pocket to hold feet for the sewing machine.

 

Instead of rice, I used rocks.  I had these and they did not work for the project I bought them for, so far they are working in this project.



TA DAH........

The only thing that I would have done differently on this project was to put the waste basket on the other side.

Thanks Oh Franson for sharing this tutorial I really appreciate it.

Teach Yourself to Sew- Sewing for Beginners Video Series: Tips, Techniques, Projects and More

I came across this online sewing series a few weeks ago and recently sat down and watched all the videos.  I found the information very informative and some of the stuff I did not know about, but mostly it helped me to visually see it being done.  I thought this would be something that a beginner sewer would enjoy.  Sometimes hearing/sewing it rather than reading it helps you to understand something new.  I hope this video series is helpful to you and peeks your interest or if you are already interested....keeps you wanting to know more and more.  I have heard many times since learning to sew that sewing in general is a dying art.  Many people have others do it or they throw the item away and buy a new one.  I have heard that Home Economics was taught in school and sewing as well as cooking was included in that class.  I know my daughter's school does not offer it so it is left to me to teach her this, even if it is just to sew on a button or hem an item.
Teach Yourself to Sew -- Sewing for Beginners Video Series: Tips, Techniques, Projects and More

Say Hello To My New Friend.....

In August I acquired my first antique sewing machine.  It is a Singer No. 66, Oscillating Hook machine.  I did the research and it was built in 1957.  I acquired the machine through Thread Bare, it is a charity shop and the owner Ann Randall is awesome.  People donate so many awesome items to her and she in turns sells the items to benefit various charity organizations.  You should check out her shop, donate or even volunteer.  She is also the creator of Crafting Comfort.  So if you have a few minutes, take a moment to look her up.  Through the gift of giving, so many benefit from it, regardless of how big or small it is.

Meet "Ole Girl", she is a little dirty, but will be clean soon.  I am truly enjoying my machine.  I have a mission of getting to know it from top to bottom and inside and out.  I want to be able to repair it and keep it going.  I bought this machine because I wanted one that I could set to my quilting measurements and it stay that way.  With the ability to set it and forget it, I could piece items that much faster and hopefully keep them more accurate.

The machine came in its original case (a light greenish color).  I had to be real careful and not care it by the handle of the case as the machine was so heavy it almost separated from the top portion and would have fell to to its doom.  It did not come with an original manual, had to locate that online and the pictures are not that very clear, but it is something (rather than nothing at all).  It also came with a lot of attachment feet that I have no clue how to work (see them later on in this post)


Front Side



Front Face



Back Side



Rear End



Serial Number



Motor Information

I already see a few things that will need to be replaced (in addition to the thorough cleaning it really needs), the motor belt (fraying and may not last very long) and bobbin tire which is no longer pliable rubber, it is now brittle and has no traction).  Those things are pretty small, so I am not too worried and a local sewing machine shop Singer Northwest Sewing Station says they can almost always find parts.  Which is good, because I just broke the lower pulley trying to replace the belt (I did not realize that there was screw to loosen to get the motor to move up and down for adjustments).  I will have to have that part replaced as well.

I wish that there was a manual that gave you a good diagram of the parts of the machine, so when you are searching for parts you have a name to look for.  The manual I printed off line has a diagram, but I guess in copying it the photo was distorted.

My biggest dilemma is trying to name and figure out how to use all the additional feet that came with the machine.  Some of them I am finding based off the small part number that is listed on them.  However, others may have a number, but it is too small to read or there is no number at all.  If you recognize any of these or could lead me to sites that could explain their attachment to my machine and above all how to use them please let me know in the comments.  It would be greatly appreciated.


06/2012-Adjustable Hemmer



06/2012-Hemming Foot
Other Instructions



 

Name ME above?





Part#36865 (06/2012-Edge Stitcher)
Other Instructions





 



These 3 above are all the same
06/2012-Zipper Foot

 

 

 



06/2012-The Ruffler
Other instructions

 

Name ME above?





Name ME above?





06/2012-Cording Foot





Part# 85587 (06/2012-This is the seam guide,
I just need to purchase a thumb screw)

 












Says it is a Hemmer














06/2012-Multi-slotted Binder
Other instructions

 

I also recently joined a Yahoo group geared toward singer sewing machines, called Vintagesingers.  I have been reading their posts and these are enthusiasts, hobbyists, and sewers who really love the older model machines.  To think that most of these machines end up in the trash.  I am glad that I was able to rescue at least one of them.  I now have to arrange my craft/office/sewing room to fit a 3rd machine (one I just decided will be a travel machine for classes and it is tucked away in my travel bag).  So now to place the 2nd one where it will get as much use as the the newer model computerized machine.

Sewing With Scraps

Do you have lots of scraps and don't know what to do with them? Check out the link below and find out what Jodi can show you.  I am looking forward to learning new ways to incorporate your scraps.  I started collecting them at the beginning of the year (now if I could just truly organize them and utilize that organization along the way of collecting them).  Enjoy.

Garment Measuring Chart

I came across this post...Pattern Making Measurement Chart...this weekend while reading various blogs. I think this is pretty cool. I have seen similar charts like this, but I think the picture is truly darling and the various areas of measurements are more than I have found on other charts. I am getting into making garments for myself and this chart really is helping me understand where to do the measurements (even if my body parts per se are not in the same spot as the chart, still trying to loose that baby fat, did I mention my daughter turned 15 last month, HA HA).  When you are a beginner and trying to read patterns a chart with your measurements is very helpful.  I learned the hard way (even though I had read about it before) that clothes bought in the store are not the same size as clothes you make from pattern.  Take a look at this you never know, it may be something you like.

My First Dress

I finally ventured deep into garment sewing other than pajamas and the occasional hemming (by my standards this is venturing in) and I created a sheath dress. I think I did okay, except I think the pattern was not the right size and I did not fully measure myself properly so I don't have as much room as I would have liked. However, I think I did pretty good overall. The fabric pattern looks good and I decide to go out of my comfort zone with the color and chose red. This is the Simplicity Easy-to-sew 3532 version C. I have many more patterns that I want to try out. Like they say PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT (well almost that is)

Not sure if you could tell, but the dress is hanging on a duct tape dress form that my husband helped me with over the weekend. Boy, let me tell ya, it is tight and hot putting on duct tape and a little dizzy too. Glad it is over. It came out pretty good, except for the stuffing part and taping up the seam, it seemed that I could not get enough stuffing to make it level out well. I suggest this to anyone as it helped me to see as I went along how the pattern would look.

Well, I hope everyone had a wondering holiday season and I am very much looking fowarded to 2010. ENJOY and be SAFE!!!!!

Twin Needle Stitching

I have had a twin needle for quite some time, but never really understood it. Came across this video (as I am sure there are plenty more), but it was very interesting.
Twin needle stitching for knit fabrics – Sewing How Tos BurdaStyle.com