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Tlacuache
Jul 3, 2007
Cross my heart, smack me dead, stick a lobster on my head.


I showed my in-laws the cardigan I made, it turns out that they've been trying to get rid of some old sewing stuff from my husband's grandmother, and I now have a Baby Lock serger, accessories, and instructions!

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vaguely
Apr 29, 2013

hot_squirting_honey.gif

Does anyone have any tips for fixing a broken bag strap? The strap came off where it met the body of the bag. I've tried similar fix jobs before but they've never come out strong enough to last more than one use, and I'd quite like this to be a permanent thing.

Comrade Quack
Jun 6, 2006
Witty closing remarks have been replaced by massive head trauma and general stupidity.

vaguely posted:

Does anyone have any tips for fixing a broken bag strap? The strap came off where it met the body of the bag. I've tried similar fix jobs before but they've never come out strong enough to last more than one use, and I'd quite like this to be a permanent thing.

It would be helpful if you post pictures or a diagram so we know what you're talking about.

vaguely
Apr 29, 2013

hot_squirting_honey.gif

Comrade Quack posted:

It would be helpful if you post pictures or a diagram so we know what you're talking about.

Sure thing, lovely MSPaint doodle go!



The strap is attached to the bag by clips and D-rings attached to little leather loops which are sewn onto the bag. One of the leather loops has come off; it doesn't look like anything's actually torn, just that the stitching holding it on wasn't strong enough for the weight of the bag + contents. Once it's fixed I'll try to cut down on how much I carry

mint_toothpaste
Jul 22, 2012

[redacted]

mint_toothpaste fucked around with this message at 10:31 on Aug 3, 2018

ReelBigLizard
Feb 27, 2003

Fallen Rib

My girlfriend and I picked up a Singer 221k featherweight from a local auction for a whopping £15 ($22?). It's in great shape and worked perfectly out of the awesome little case it comes in.

This is the first time I've ever used a sewing machine, and the most complex sewing task I usually tackle is taking up my trousers like my mum showed me. I wanted to make something and I happened to desperately need a case for my practice sword when I'm on my bike, so I cut up an old pair of canvas work trousers and made this:


Like a tough little old lady that tiny machine just loving motored through multiple layers of canvas, I'm super impressed. Tonight I might try and make a couple of wash bags out of the other leg.

Pile of Kittens
Apr 23, 2005

Why does everything STILL smell like pussy?

4R7 THi3F posted:

Looking at it from a time/effort prespective, I don't think you should bother trying to replace it. It's probably going to take forever to take it out. It might just be better to just sew a new piece of fabric over it

Yeah, this. Apparently the trick to quilting is getting all the layers tensioned right as you work, and it does sort of require specialist equipment to do it just right. There are tutorials on the web on how to quilt, and I suggest you look them up and see what you're getting into. A year ago I made my mom a pretty sweet quilt top (it's in this thread somewhere) and I still haven't quilted it because I'm terrified of that last step, so I have the names of a couple quilters in town who have the special equipment and who will finish it for a reasonable price.

AMISH FRIED PIES
Mar 6, 2009

by Nyc_Tattoo

ReelBigLizard posted:


My girlfriend and I picked up a Singer 221k featherweight from a local auction for a whopping £15 ($22?). It's in great shape and worked perfectly out of the awesome little case it comes in.

Amazing find! This is probably the most sought-after of the classic Singer machines and will literally last forever.

Ellie Bee
Feb 10, 2007

beware of the grinch

Invalid Octopus posted:

Hello sewing thread. My boyfriend has a quilt that is quite sentimental to him. It's unfortunately falling apart, mostly on the non-quilt side. I think getting it in better condition would be a nice Christmas present for him. I am a pretty beginner sewer, but I have a nice machine (Brother CS6000i) I can use. I've never quilted before. Is this something I could probably fix on my own over the next month, or should I find a professional? It looks like the entire back needs to be replaced.
e: it's about 5'x5'.



Yeah, that's a tough one. If it were me, which it's not, and if I had actually done it before, which I haven't, I think that first I would sew down the loose scraps by hand. This is very important to do by hand because you would only want to hand sew into the batting - NOT through the front. Then maybe you could just patch the back where it needs it (patching things show's how much they have been loved) or you could totally replace it with a piece of Kona Cotton or something from JoAnns. This would be slightly more difficult. If the binding was hand sewn to the back first I would unpick that thread, then baste (google it)with safety pins, the Kona to the back, and then use your machine or by hand, follow the original quilting showing on the front, sew through all the layers, then tuck the edges of the kona under the unsewn binding and hand sew it back down. It's not super difficult, but not super easy and mostly will just take time.

Pile of Kittens posted:

Yeah, this. Apparently the trick to quilting is getting all the layers tensioned right as you work, and it does sort of require specialist equipment to do it just right. There are tutorials on the web on how to quilt, and I suggest you look them up and see what you're getting into. A year ago I made my mom a pretty sweet quilt top (it's in this thread somewhere) and I still haven't quilted it because I'm terrified of that last step, so I have the names of a couple quilters in town who have the special equipment and who will finish it for a reasonable price.

It's not so bad! If you have a machine with a walking foot that is all you need to do straight lines. Just baste it with lots of safety pins to hold everything in place and give it a shot. If its terrible you can always rip out the stitches! If you want to try free motion quilting that's a bit harder and it won't be perfect but it will contain a lot of "love".


Also, I made a dress!



It is Simplicity 1668A. I shortened it a bit, maybe too short, but it was just a practice piece. As long as I don't bend at all, my behind stays nice and covered.

Ellie Bee
Feb 10, 2007

beware of the grinch
On another note, I wrote my first quilt pattern and I am looking for a pattern tester or two. Which basically means you get the pattern for free in exchange for feedback and a few photos of your finished product to share on my blog.



Any sewers out their interested? It is a pretty easy quilt and would make a great gift for the holidays, a child's birthday or a baby shower!

onceling
Jan 1, 2007

Bronopoly posted:

Hi Sewing thread! I'm looking for an online stores to buy dress fabric from.

I live in Australia (Perth)

I've lived there before but not in a long time. I don't know about online, but I think you'll find cooler unusual stuff via thrifting.

For regular fabrics though - are there any good indian stores? Lots of good stuff there usually. Not the fancy places selling wedding saris but more like a mom and pop tailor. Or find a store importing in bulk from Asia and try to cut out the middle man.

Bitter Beard
Sep 11, 2001

I don't even know what the fuck I'm doing!!

Ellie Bee posted:

On another note, I wrote my first quilt pattern and I am looking for a pattern tester or two. Which basically means you get the pattern for free in exchange for feedback and a few photos of your finished product to share on my blog.



Any sewers out their interested? It is a pretty easy quilt and would make a great gift for the holidays, a child's birthday or a baby shower!

I'd like to try but I'm a novice at best but I do finish my projects when I have a deadline.



I'm just worried if I flat out fail, we both might be sad?

Ellie Bee
Feb 10, 2007

beware of the grinch

Bitter Beard posted:

I'd like to try but I'm a novice at best but I do finish my projects when I have a deadline.



I'm just worried if I flat out fail, we both might be sad?

No worries Bitter Beard! I would love for a novice to try because then if you can do it I know it is written correctly or I know that I need to state things more clearly.

Email me at peacellen@gmail.com and I'll send you the info!

Give it the ole'college try and if it doesn't work I'll help so that hopefully you end up with an awesome finish!

BANME.sh
Jan 23, 2008

What is this??
Are you some kind of hypnotist??
Grimey Drawer
My wife has some sewing equipment and she's trying to figure out what all the feet do using the internet (no user manuals available). She has most of it figured out now, but can anyone shed light on what these 3 feet do?

BANME.sh fucked around with this message at 21:50 on Dec 10, 2013

Oracle
Oct 9, 2004

First one is a cording foot? Gonna guess the middle one is a zigzag foot. The third I want to say its a button sewing foot but I'm not sure, could be some kind of embroidery foot. Surefire way to find out is to take it to a sewing machine repair shop (or send that pic to one if they're online, tho I find they tend to be kind of luddites).

taiyoko
Jan 10, 2008


BANME.sh posted:

My wife inherited some sewing equipment and she's trying to figure out what all the feet do using the internet (no user manuals available). She has most of it figured out now, but can anyone shed light on what these 3 feet do?



Left is a straight-stitch foot.
I'm pretty sure the center is just a regualar zig-zag/all purpose foot.
The one on the right is a gathering foot.

ReelBigLizard
Feb 27, 2003

Fallen Rib

The Orange Mage posted:

Amazing find! This is probably the most sought-after of the classic Singer machines and will literally last forever.

Thanks, we're super stoked to have it. My g/f was talking about selling it for mad profit but I want to keep it because I love old tools and it works so well.

Speaking of - I needed a new wash bag to carry my shampoo and shaving kit up to the shower block (I live on my boat). Decided to make one out of the end of the spare leg of the trousers I used for the sword case. Cut the bottom off the leg, about 28cm, measured the width of the flattened leg, doubled it and divided by Pi to get the diameter and added 3cm to cut out a circle out for the bottom and gave it a shot:

Finished it with some copper 4mm eyelets, a bootlace and a hanging loop so I can hang it open on a wall hook. If I was making it for someone else I would have done it better but as it stands it will do the job. I may run a few nicer ones up (they take minutes) and see if I can sell them next time my girlfriend has a crafts fair stall. They might make good gift bags or something.

BANME.sh
Jan 23, 2008

What is this??
Are you some kind of hypnotist??
Grimey Drawer

taiyoko posted:

Left is a straight-stitch foot.
I'm pretty sure the center is just a regualar zig-zag/all purpose foot.
The one on the right is a gathering foot.

Thanks. Do you happen to know what the angled slit in the middle foot is used for?

Amykinz
May 6, 2007

BANME.sh posted:

Thanks. Do you happen to know what the angled slit in the middle foot is used for?

Pulling the thread to the underside of the foot so it can pass underneath with the fabric and not get all tangled up everywhere. The thread has to go underneath or you're basically sewing the presser foot to the fabric.

When you thread the needle to use the machine, you pass the tail from the needle through that little slot and pull it out underneath and behind the foot to get it out of the way. Without the slot you'd have to pass the thread through the hole in the middle of the foot and the slot just makes it easier. If the slot was straight bits of fabric or fluff could get rammed into the foot by the movement of the machine and jam up your needle or something like that.

ReelBigLizard
Feb 27, 2003

Fallen Rib

ReelBigLizard posted:

I may run a few nicer ones up (they take minutes) and see if I can sell them next time my girlfriend has a crafts fair stall. They might make good gift bags or something.

Made up a couple of nicer ones from some charity shop trousers and threw them on my girlfriends stall on Saturday, sold both for £4.50 ($7.30) each as "Upcycled gift bags" and been commissioned to make another. Not bad considering they take all of 5 minutes to make.

Solaron
Sep 6, 2007

Whatever the reason you're on Mars, I'm glad you're there, and I wish I was with you.
My girlfriend's learning to sew with a machine. I just got her a Singer Vivo and she's used it for a few hours when it started to make a noise. After looking into it, it appears the issue is that the needle is hitting the metal case that the bobbin goes into rather than slipping into the hole. I've included a picture in case it makes any sense - and I'm sure my terminology is all messed up.

I've removed and reseated the needle to make sure it's all the way up. Not sure what else I should be doing - the booklet doesn't really mention this. Cursory Google shows a few different options including timing, etc - but is that really necessary already?

EDIT: In case it's not clear, this image shows the needle just as it hits the bottom.

Bitter Beard
Sep 11, 2001

I don't even know what the fuck I'm doing!!

Solaron posted:

My girlfriend's learning to sew with a machine. I just got her a Singer Vivo and she's used it for a few hours when it started to make a noise. After looking into it, it appears the issue is that the needle is hitting the metal case that the bobbin goes into rather than slipping into the hole. I've included a picture in case it makes any sense - and I'm sure my terminology is all messed up.

I've removed and reseated the needle to make sure it's all the way up. Not sure what else I should be doing - the booklet doesn't really mention this. Cursory Google shows a few different options including timing, etc - but is that really necessary already?

EDIT: In case it's not clear, this image shows the needle just as it hits the bottom.



I'd make sure you are using the right needle sizes, there are different lengths.

what is the model and what type of needle are you using?

Pile of Kittens
Apr 23, 2005

Why does everything STILL smell like pussy?

Yeah, google (or look in the manual) for the correct needle type. It'll be some unintelligible series of numbers and letters that don't make any sense to anyone except the sperg at the industrial sewing machine shop who can get them for you. I highly recommend locating this individual in your area as he will be your best friend ever when you run into weird issues.

Comrade Quack
Jun 6, 2006
Witty closing remarks have been replaced by massive head trauma and general stupidity.
Make sure the needle didn't get bent?

Stultus Maximus
Dec 21, 2009

USPOL May

Pile of Kittens posted:

Yeah, google (or look in the manual) for the correct needle type. It'll be some unintelligible series of numbers and letters that don't make any sense to anyone except the sperg at the industrial sewing machine shop who can get them for you. I highly recommend locating this individual in your area as he will be your best friend ever when you run into weird issues.

I can't imagine that a bottom-shelf modern Singer would take anything but universal needles.

Micomicona
Aug 7, 2007
EDIT: Nevermind! misread the post. Take it into the shop, it sounds like a timing issue.

ReelBigLizard
Feb 27, 2003

Fallen Rib
These Faithful shears had good reviews on Amazon, despite the ridiculous (£8) price, so I decided to take a punt and buy two pairs (one for my gf, too). My local family run hardware stocks Faithfull stuff and it's a mixed bag, some tools are a hit and some are poo poo. I have two massive ball-peen hammers that I use for blacksmithing that, after a little work are wonderful. I got them to order them in for me instead of using Amazon because it will be the same price and they usually only take about a week to get stuff down.

Wiss-they-ain't, but the reviews were right, these are an incredible deal. The finish over all are what you would expect, maybe a little better, even. The fit however, is perfect, they came wonderfully sharp and the steel seems to be good high-carbon stuff and there is plenty meat for resharpening in future.

Furthermore, as a reward for supporting a local business they gave me three vintage Picard panel-beaters hammers they found in the store-room, because they know I like vintage tools :D

ReelBigLizard fucked around with this message at 17:17 on Dec 20, 2013

Rabbit Hill
Mar 11, 2009

God knows what lives in me in place of me.
Grimey Drawer
E: Never mind, I figured out the problem!

Rabbit Hill fucked around with this message at 03:34 on Dec 21, 2013

Nicol Bolas
Feb 13, 2009
Completely insane question:

Is it possible to darn modern, spandex/lycra stockings? I have some 80ish denier H&M stockings and they have a rip. I love them because they are generally sturdy but there is a giant rip and my options are 1. wear it until they are unwearable 2. throw them away now and buy new ones or 3. try to mend them. Is 3 an option or am I crazy?

Marius Pontmercy
Apr 2, 2007

Liberte
Egalite
Beyonce

Nicol Bolas posted:

Completely insane question:

Is it possible to darn modern, spandex/lycra stockings? I have some 80ish denier H&M stockings and they have a rip. I love them because they are generally sturdy but there is a giant rip and my options are 1. wear it until they are unwearable 2. throw them away now and buy new ones or 3. try to mend them. Is 3 an option or am I crazy?

They are H&M. Buy new ones. They're literally like $6.

turing_test
Feb 27, 2013

Nicol Bolas posted:

Completely insane question:

Is it possible to darn modern, spandex/lycra stockings? I have some 80ish denier H&M stockings and they have a rip. I love them because they are generally sturdy but there is a giant rip and my options are 1. wear it until they are unwearable 2. throw them away now and buy new ones or 3. try to mend them. Is 3 an option or am I crazy?

It depends on where the rip is. Lycra puckers really badly if you try to stitch it back to itself, but if the rip is in a place that doesn't need to stitch too much, you can put another stretchy piece of fabric behind the rip and then zig zag across the opening. I usually use interfacing to fix my jeans and such, but you want to use something stretchy. I can rustle up some pictures if this explanation is confusing.

schnarf
Jun 1, 2002
I WIN.
I'm getting into sewing, and just finished my first two real projects. Most recently I did a Colette Cooper bag:




Before that, I did a tote bag for my girlfriend:



I made a ton of mistakes and learned a lot, especially about laying out patterns -- I didn't mean for all those bikes to be upside down!

schnarf fucked around with this message at 00:59 on Dec 23, 2013

uncloudy day
Aug 4, 2010

I posted a while ago that I'd bought this machine at a yard sale, and everyone gave me great advice for getting started. I just finished making myself a pair of lounge pants from a yard or two of wool from an old Pendleton robe. This is probably the hardest I've worked my machine so far.(will post a better pic, but here's a taste):



Is it bad for my machine to sew as slowly as I can through a project? It seems to resist going slowly. I can't imagine using this thing at full speed until my skill level is much, much higher.

I noticed my foot pedal getting hot during the portions where I sewed slowly. So hot that I actually burned my toe on it. I'm thinking about having the mechanical pedal replaced with an electronic one that won't generate as much heat. There's at least one person on youtube who's attempted this. Is it ever a bad idea? I don't know much about servicing electro-mechanical things like switches.

I also got some absolutely beautiful fabric from a linen store in Kyoto. I am making pillows and pillowcases for my girlfriend for Christmas, because she loves the look of linen. I'm pretty pumped!

uncloudy day fucked around with this message at 10:37 on Dec 23, 2013

Nicol Bolas
Feb 13, 2009

Eponine posted:

They are H&M. Buy new ones. They're literally like $6.

I know I can buy more of them. I'm not asking for directions to my local H&M here, thanks. I'd just prefer to try mending them if it's possible. If it doesn't work, I haven't lost much, as you point out.

turing_test posted:

It depends on where the rip is. Lycra puckers really badly if you try to stitch it back to itself, but if the rip is in a place that doesn't need to stitch too much, you can put another stretchy piece of fabric behind the rip and then zig zag across the opening. I usually use interfacing to fix my jeans and such, but you want to use something stretchy. I can rustle up some pictures if this explanation is confusing.

Awesome--I think I get what you mean, and I'll give it a shot! Thank you!

EDIT:

Apparently I am getting my mother-in-law's sewing machine as a bonus xmas present! It has all the parts and everything!



A little bit of googling indicates this is a pretty study little machine from the late 60s that can do finer stuff all the way up through denim and coating. Apparently it had a bit of a tension issue on the bottom but the manual actually shows how to adjust that (and I know a sewing repair shop in my area back home if I can't fix it myself, and it probably needs a tuneup anyway) so I'm pretty psyched.

Nicol Bolas fucked around with this message at 16:36 on Dec 23, 2013

Pile of Kittens
Apr 23, 2005

Why does everything STILL smell like pussy?

Darning is really fun! Give it a try and if you decide you hate darning, toss them and buy new ones. Use nylon yarn and don't go too fast. Take your time so that it comes out neat the first time. Then again, I really like fun little hand-sewing exercises like that and maybe you aren't a complete masochist like me.

BonerGhost
Mar 9, 2007

schnarf posted:

I'm getting into sewing, and just finished my first two real projects. Most recently I did a Colette Cooper bag:




Before that, I did a tote bag for my girlfriend:



I made a ton of mistakes and learned a lot, especially about laying out patterns -- I didn't mean for all those bikes to be upside down!

What up mang, those are some bangin lookin bags. Not bad at all, especially for a first project. Pretty sure my first project was a pincushion.

frenchnewwave
Jun 7, 2012

Would you like a Cuppa?

NancyPants posted:

What up mang, those are some bangin lookin bags. Not bad at all, especially for a first project. Pretty sure my first project was a pincushion.

Yes great job! I still don't sew that well!

100 HOGS AGREE
Oct 13, 2007
Grimey Drawer
I'm finally done with this stupid thing. Why did I choose this for my first sewing project.

http://imgur.com/a/CCoO4

Except I'm not done and I need to go buy some fabric to make some accessories. And a box. And ship this thing to my brother in California.

I have newfound respect for my friends who knit and do other craft projects, making poo poo is a pain in the rear end. I hand-sewed the entire goddamn thing. :suicide:

100 HOGS AGREE fucked around with this message at 17:29 on Dec 24, 2013

Stultus Maximus
Dec 21, 2009

USPOL May
I need to grade a pattern up for a customer. The most common method I've seen is cut and spread although Burda's website has a method that is more connect-the-dots and doesn't involves cutting up the pattern. Has anyone used these methods? I'm leaning towards the latter and I was wondering if there was a reason slash and spread is more commonly cited.

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clarion ravenwood
Aug 5, 2005

100 HOGS AGREE posted:

I'm finally done with this stupid thing. Why did I choose this for my first sewing project.

http://imgur.com/a/CCoO4

Except I'm not done and I need to go buy some fabric to make some accessories. And a box. And ship this thing to my brother in California.

I have newfound respect for my friends who knit and do other craft projects, making poo poo is a pain in the rear end. I hand-sewed the entire goddamn thing. :suicide:

He is super impressive for your first sewing project! I started with softies/toys and never stopped sewing :3:

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