| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| natesgirl |
Posted - Apr 10 2010 : 9:03:52 PM
I am going to become an official sister tomorrow. I guess it will take a while to get my packet in the mail so these may be questions it will answer for me.
I have never sewed anything and I'm not even sure I can work the sewing machine. I want to learn so I can make aprons. Well one in particular. I have an idea for one made specifically for gardening. I guess for me to use when I'm gardening. I know exactly how I want it to look and how I want it to work.
I am a big research kinda person. I like to go over instructions a dozen times before I start the first step. I can't do a step, then read about the next one and do it, so forth. I need to 'flow' from step to step as if I really know what I'm doing. That what my DH says.
So, I'm looking for help with my research. Is anyone aware of any websites or good learning books? I need every scrap of info I can find. I'm going tomorrow and getting the manual for my mothers sewing machine so I'll be able to operate it. I just hope I can learn make it work for me. I do know there is a difference. I learned that when I was learning to cook from my grandma.
If any of you girls have any suggestions of where to get material for a good price I'd appriciate that as well.
Thank you!
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| nut4fabric |
Posted - Jul 04 2012 : 5:38:51 PM
Angela The rule of thumb is the is the thread mess is on the underisde of the fabric the PROBLEM is the top thread and if the thread mess is on the top side of the fabric the PROBLEM is the bobbin thread. Learned this from a sewing machine repairman years ago and it has not failed me yet. Been sewing for over 50 years now and have had about every problem you can think of.
Kathy |
| Sugar Girl |
Posted - Jul 04 2012 : 10:54:04 AM
Uggggg! I just got my first apron pattern...it's all Greek to me, hoping my chapter chicks can help me figure it out.
Pam 
Stand for What's Right!
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| natesgirl |
Posted - Apr 26 2010 : 6:58:36 PM
My poor machine is on a waiting list to be seen and assessed. I won't know anything for a few weeks yet. :(
Farmgirl Sister #1438
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
| msdoolittle |
Posted - Apr 26 2010 : 2:50:58 PM
While I am NO sewing expert, I have made ferret/rat beds, dresses, pillowcases, aprons, curtains, and even a chair cover. My best advice is just make sure your machine has been serviced and oiled and all of that, and JUST DO IT. I messed up on so many things, but I just kept right on going! Lol.
The most frustrating thing is when your machine messes up, and I understand. My machine is really persnickety about how the bobbin thread is. Before I figured it out, I almost threw it out into the yard a couple of times! Lol.
Hope your machine is back in working order by now.
And, also, I use vintage fabrics that I find at garage sales to sew with. Right now I am about to take my Mamaw's old skirt and make my girls 2 dresses with it! I love repurposing fabric!!!
a
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
| lisabob |
Posted - Apr 23 2010 : 8:25:38 PM
Thank you. I'm new to this so, bear with me. I went on to look at some other forums. |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Apr 23 2010 : 8:04:10 PM
Hey Lisa - welcome to the forum!!
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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| lisabob |
Posted - Apr 23 2010 : 8:00:05 PM
I learned to sew by purchasing a simple pattern and some very inexpensive fabric. I read all the instructions on the pattern and the legend, it tells what all the terminology means. I think I practiced sewing a straight seam first. But, I just had to do it to learn it, and it really didn't take that long. My projects got better little by little. Good luck, you're gonna' love it. |
| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Apr 17 2010 : 2:35:59 PM
Bummer. Nothing more frustrating than a machine with a problem. It doesn't sound like it would be a very expensive repair though. I hope you won't give up on learning.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
| natesgirl |
Posted - Apr 17 2010 : 2:32:37 PM
I just found out it's my thread tension knob. Rather the spring that the knob adjusts. I have to take it in for repair. :( I guess I'll have to wait to learn any more on it.
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Apr 16 2010 : 10:10:16 PM
What type of bobbin case does your machine have? Is it a drop in bobbin or the type with a bobbin case? If it has a bobbin case it could need an adjustment. Is the needle new or the one that came with the machine? Sometimes the needle can be slightly bent and you can't see it or it can be dull. The tension is unbalanced and that is why the loops. If it is a drop in bobbin, check and make sure there is no lint in the bobbin area as sometimes that can mess up the tension. Make sure the bobbin is in right side up. Also double check that the bobbin thread is in the proper slot to give it tension.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Apr 16 2010 : 8:37:12 PM
Maybe the wrong kind of needle - something like that happened to me when using a regular needle on fabric with 5% lycra. I am not an expert though
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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| natesgirl |
Posted - Apr 16 2010 : 6:27:15 PM
I have been days now trying everything I can to make the tangling stop. I have even actively pulled out thread as I'm starting. I have adjusted the thread tension to every setting. It's tangling when I start, turn, slow down, and even in the middle of the seam for no apparent reason. When I finally manage to pull the material loose there is 6 or 8 loops underneath and I have to pull several broken loops out of the area where the bobbin is setting. Any ideas?
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
| solilly |
Posted - Apr 14 2010 : 12:33:22 PM
Holding the tails is good but if you pull the thread long enough out of the way this will work as well. When I say long enough a good 8 to 12 inches away from the needle. It seams hard but it is not. Good luck Lilly. 
learning the life I always wanted. |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Apr 13 2010 : 3:55:22 PM
Mine does that because I always forget to hold the threads when I start, I think I'm holding them, then no...
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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| mrsamy |
Posted - Apr 13 2010 : 2:49:01 PM
I have that trouble if I forget to hold the thread tails taught as I start stitching. I have to hold 'em for at least 10 stitches or so. I kinda have gotten a hang of "feeling" them catching or not. Rethreading, new needle, hold those thread tails, make sure your stitch selector is all the way on straight stitch (or whatever).
Wishing you shears that stay sharp, a needle that never breaks and a bobbin that never runs out of thread!
Prayer costs nothing, but is worth the most. |
| natesgirl |
Posted - Apr 13 2010 : 2:13:42 PM
I'm gonna unthread my machine and rethread it with the book beside me agian. I'll let you know if it helps.
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
| solilly |
Posted - Apr 13 2010 : 2:07:52 PM
I think Sheri said it the bobbin is not in right. Lilly
learning the life I always wanted. |
| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Apr 13 2010 : 11:59:04 AM
Are you sure you have your bobbin in in the right direction? Does your machine have a drop in bobbin or the kind with a bobbin case? Try to hold the threads when you first start the stitching (the thread from the needle and the one from the bobbin)
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
| natesgirl |
Posted - Apr 13 2010 : 12:54:51 AM
I can't seem to figure out why, but the thread keeps gettin tangled on the underneath. I've turned up the tension and it helped, but it's still happening. Is there anything I can do to stop this?
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
| natesgirl |
Posted - Apr 12 2010 : 8:29:16 PM
It's really late but we're back with the sidewinder. I'm gonna at least start on my first project tonight and finish it tomorrow. Well, here goes nothing!
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
| solilly |
Posted - Apr 12 2010 : 6:31:49 PM
Again wishing you luck just take your time and go slow. It will be fine. Let the machine do the work just guide. Do not pull or push. Lilly
learning the life I always wanted. |
| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Apr 12 2010 : 6:25:45 PM
Here is the link to the Threads Newsletter teach yourself to sew http://www.threadsmagazine.com/teach-yourself-to-sew
It has video demos on the most basic things.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Apr 12 2010 : 11:30:18 AM
I'm sure you will do just fine. Have a lot of fun and take it slow and easy. Remember to let the feed dogs pull the fabric for you - you just need to guide the fabric with your hands. Sounds like you have a gem of a DH. Keep us posted as to your progress. Any of us will be glad to answer your questions. It's not as difficult as it may seem.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
| natesgirl |
Posted - Apr 12 2010 : 10:16:28 AM
I couldn't start last night. I am so sad. I was gettin ready to start winding the bobbin and the friction ring snapped! I could've cried as I have no replacement for it. My DH is gonna go to town this afternoon and buy a sidewinder to do the bobbins on. The repairman we called said my model is really old (1950's) and the ring will take a few weeks to track down. He's workin on it but I can't wait that long. Thank God for my DH to rescue me. He did the research and found the sidewinder thing.
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
| Faransgirl |
Posted - Apr 12 2010 : 08:32:40 AM
Have fun and good luck. The Simplicity Book is a good one I had if for years and was going to suggest it until I read you had one. I agreed straight seams are the best way to start. The first thing my kids made in Home Eco. was a half apron. I have been sewing for more years than I can count. If you have any questions you could do an e-mail and get a quicker answer maybe. I have taught sewing like alot of the ladies here. I am sad because my sewing machine (I've had it for 14 years and made everything from saddle pad covers to corsets and prom dresses) just broke and is not repairable. I feel like I have lost my best friend. I have 5 projects going and mending to do and no machine. *sigh* Good luck with your first project and if you have questions please feel free to e-mail and I would love to try and help.
Farmgirl Sister 572
When manure happens just say "WOO HOO Fertilizer". |
