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Yeah, the bobbin case. Do you have one of these? http://thru-hiker.com/projects/bobbin_basics.php Rufus En Fuego fucked around with this message at 07:08 on Feb 22, 2012 |
# ¿ Feb 22, 2012 07:05 |
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# ¿ Apr 24, 2024 09:58 |
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mrs pooglyfoop posted:yeah, it's down in the machine with the bobbin. for the life of me i can't understand how it all fits together. i had a top loading one and it was no problem! i'll upload more pictures of what is on the inside in a bit. Top-loading machines don't have the bobbin case that we're talking about - the bobbin case is an extra part that holds the bobbin in place in front-loading machines. Top-loaders don't have it because gravity keeps the bobbin in place.
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# ¿ Feb 22, 2012 21:31 |
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Cross_ posted:I tend to cut out the largest size, then use wax/carbon paper to trace the smaller outlines onto the fabric as needed. You can also make perpendicular cuts every inch or so up to the line of the size you need, fold them under and iron the folds. These days I just buy three or four of the same pattern and cut them to size.
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# ¿ Feb 23, 2012 22:26 |
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Hana Dammit posted:/\/\/\ babylocks are worth their weight in gold I. Love. My. Babylock. Holy cow. I may even stipulate that it be buried with me in the event of my death.
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# ¿ Mar 5, 2012 17:31 |
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Stultus Maximus posted:What features would you consider essential? Pretty much all sergers offer the same basic features (which are excellent for beginners), but where the Babylock truly stands out is the self-threading and overall stitch quality, not to mention ease of use. Puckering's pretty much a thing of the past, and the thing's built solid. I bought mine used ages ago and I still haven't needed to get it serviced (even though I should). Their website has a lot of great information on the various models. http://www.babylock.com/sergers/
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# ¿ Mar 5, 2012 17:47 |
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Unoriginal posted:I think I already know the answer to this, but I'd rather get advice just in case. I don't have time for more mistakes, unfortunately. I'm making a reversible circle skirt for a little girl and it requires spots sort of like a cow on one side. Since they're largish, I doubt fusible web is the best idea since it seems like that would stiffen the fabric and make the skirt fall oddly. Do I just pin the spots down as flat as I can and stitch them on from there or is there some trick I should be using to keep it flat? Fusible webbing is quite all right, but if you want a truly pro finish, set your zigzag to max and your width to max and trace the outline exact, it'll be awesome and you're awesome. Do it. If you're not sure, try it out, but I think you'll both be really happy.
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# ¿ Apr 13, 2012 07:00 |
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Yeah, learning the pedal on a new sewing machine is like learning the brake on a new car. Practice until you get the feel for it, and eventually you'll be in complete control. Sleeves aren't bad once you get used to them. If you're brand new to putting them in they can be a little counter-intuitive at first, but you'll get better with practice. Just be sure that you've cut and sewn your fabric precisely, match seams/markings, and clip the curves. Don't be afraid to pin the poo poo out of it if you need to.
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# ¿ Apr 18, 2012 16:55 |
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Butterick and McCall's are on sale for $1.99 online, and Vogue's $3.99. Limit 10 per customer. Further discount if you're a member of Club BMV.
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# ¿ Apr 23, 2012 23:15 |
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I believe I have Simplicity 5400 at home and I'm willing to send it to you if you think it's going to help (which is sounds like it just might). It has darts at the bust and it's a v-neck. Chiffon, though...I don't think it's going to stand up to the beading you describe. You'll be better off with a netting or tulle, or even a hardy lace. Chiffon will likely shred to poo poo and all your beads will fall off, not to mention it'll show every little pucker if you don't keep your tension perfect.
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# ¿ Apr 24, 2012 19:56 |
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Stay away from the heavy duty Singer. I bought one for my girlfriend last year and it broke in a day. I exchanged it for another, and that one broke too - the same exact problem (dogs don't return to start when you drop them). Finally I sat myself down at JoAnn's sewing center and compared it to every other Singer they had, and Curvy won. http://www.amazon.com/SINGER-8763-Computerized-Sewing-Machine/dp/B0027DLWS2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336666964&sr=8-1 Yes, it's computerized but it can do everything the heavy duty can AND it's been working perfectly for her (she's a beginner). It's a great machine for her. PS - the bobbin tension was off on the first heavy duty I bought, so when I brought it up to the saleswoman at JoAnn's she was all, "Oh, that's set at the factory, it's right." I plugged the thing in right then and there and showed her that it sucked, and she didn't have anything else to say about it - was just confused. Curvy was spot-on, though, and I haven't had to crack it open for adjustments yet...and she's sewing leather. Rufus En Fuego fucked around with this message at 17:31 on May 10, 2012 |
# ¿ May 10, 2012 17:24 |
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Rowenta! I have a Shark that's decent too, but I only use that for stuff that might affect the iron. It also says that it's stain and rust proof, but that hasn't been my experience. Rowenta.
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# ¿ May 30, 2012 23:10 |
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Shnooks posted:Edit: Wait, on the front yoke there's the waistline marking and some numbers that say the sizes and some inches next to it. I'm guessing that's probably the waist measurements? It's coming out to me being a size 12. This is what it says: 6 is usually 24", so I'm guessing those measurements are probably the bottom of the yoke. Can you just cut out the pieces, fold them along the size you think you should be plus the seam allowance and fit it to yourself to see?
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# ¿ Jul 1, 2012 17:21 |
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Shnooks posted:Basically this. And that the pattern I bought only goes up to a size 12. Sizing can vary even within one pattern manufacturer. I especially notice a difference in dress sizing vs everything else - it very much depends on the style. Different designers, too.
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# ¿ Jul 19, 2012 17:13 |
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Asstro Van posted:I just made this lil cutie on my gifted Morse Super Dial! Zipper foot and seam guide. So cute! I love that little purse! I'm curious about that fabric/paper thing. Pics?
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# ¿ Jul 20, 2012 18:14 |
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Asstro Van posted:Thank you! And poo poo, I should have asked earlier! That purse might have turned out nicer if I had used the proper foot instead of trying to finagle it with the regular one. It came out nice enough regardless! I sometimes can't be hosed to use my zipper foot, and no one can ever tell. As for the cleaning, I'd try silk plant cleaner in a spray can. You can get it at any craft store and I think it just may do the job. Test it on a small, hidden spot first, however, and keep the receipt just in case. Other than that, maybe just canned air to blow out the dust?
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# ¿ Jul 20, 2012 18:44 |
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Sew True sewing supply! http://sewtrue.com/ They often have free shipping, too! And the cheapest boning I've ever come across.
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# ¿ Jul 22, 2012 17:29 |
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Coopsy posted:I've worked plenty with chiffon before so slipping doesn't worry me too much, more slippage at the seams. Especially with a heavier piled fabric like a boucle. I thought about interfacing but on a sheer it wouldn't really work. I'm making the pattern myself so the best way to go about it will probably just be to do a few toiles. Try a French seam, or even understitching in hidden areas.
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# ¿ Jul 23, 2012 16:18 |
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It's probably far too late in the game to get the dress done for her, so I'd just go ahead and grab some inexpensive white brocade and finish the dress for your portfolio. Hell, I even have 110 yards of exactly that if you want some of it! Picked it up last summer at a textile moving sale (they do the upholstery and bedding for all the casinos) and I've only made a single corset from it so far. Unfortunately, unless you have really trusting customers or friends and family who need sewing done, you're probably going to have to build your portfolio on your own dime. Are you looking to specialize in wedding dresses or would other types of sewing be good for you, too? ETA: Okay, so I just got asked by a drag queen friend to make Katniss's red interview dress from The Hunger Games, but I only have 2½ weeks to get it done in time for a parade. I have a day job and my own business, so drafting a pattern's pretty much out. Have any of you seen a commercial pattern similar enough to this? Rufus En Fuego fucked around with this message at 19:25 on Aug 22, 2012 |
# ¿ Aug 22, 2012 19:09 |
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Amykinz posted:Well, it's way to late to have the dress done properly. I could do it according to the pattern and the first set of changes I made with her fitting, but it was a Vogue pattern and I had to modify the fit quite a bit to have it not look dumpy. I was looking at that pattern and another similar one on McCall's, but now I'm debating having him get a cheap commercial dress that fits and just doing a red taffeta overlay. That way I can sit back and concentrate on the madness below the knee. All this depends on getting his measurements on time, though...the ones I have from last year are about 30 pounds out of date and apparently a third party is giving me his current ones. I hate relying on third parties. They always manage to eff things up. Costume/historical sewing for money is awesome, but generally doesn't pay well, in my experience. Unless the customers are kind of on the hardcore side they generally tend to be tightwads. Drag queens, however, typically have at least a passing knowledge about what it takes to make fantasy looks from having done it themselves more than once, and also seem to have relatively bottomless bank accounts (at least the ones here in Vegas).
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# ¿ Aug 22, 2012 21:05 |
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Natural cotton batting about ¼" thick. I haven't had to change it in over five years!
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# ¿ Aug 29, 2012 16:29 |
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I know it's archaic, but doing buttonholes by hand is really satisfying. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buttonhole_stitch
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# ¿ Sep 10, 2012 21:03 |
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I just dropped off my Baby Lock for service and I feel oddly bereft. At least the guy said he could get it back to me tomorrow (instead of the two weeks everywhere else) but I never thought I'd this hard over letting it out of my sight for a day. I think I'm gonna have to go troll the Halloween fabrics section at JoAnn's for a while.
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# ¿ Sep 21, 2012 19:33 |
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Queen Elizatits posted:I want to buy a serger but I keep getting overwhelmed with the amount of options out there. Would you recommend the baby lock for someone who only ever sews spandex? Which one do you have if you don't mind me asking? I'd recommend the Baby Lock to everyone, but if all you're going to do is sew spandex leggings and tank dresses and the like it isn't exactly necessary. Any run of the mill serger will do you just fine, especially since Babys can get really pricey. It's a quality machine, though, and if you have the funds and desire, go for it. You won't regret it. Edit: I have the Enlighten. Bought it used ages ago. Rufus En Fuego fucked around with this message at 17:59 on Oct 9, 2012 |
# ¿ Oct 9, 2012 17:47 |
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Amykinz posted:ALSO: I'm going to be sewing a new ren faire bodice and skirt for me and a dress for my kid, should I post it here or make a new thread? Here or the cosplay thread. We've started posting ren faire/reenactment things over there.
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# ¿ Oct 11, 2012 18:26 |
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Match all seams/markings exactly, pin the poo poo out of it, clip curves where necessary and go slow. Sleeves are simple once you get the hang of them, but they definitely make you feel like you're doing something wrong when you're just learning.
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# ¿ Oct 26, 2012 18:28 |
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As long as your cuts remain within the seam allowance you'll be fine. Use a seam gauge or a measuring tape if you have to, and feel free to ignore Simplicity. Clipping before you pin and sew will make it 100% easier.
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# ¿ Oct 26, 2012 18:43 |
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Pile of Kittens posted:Edit: guys, I'm too depressed to sew. What's a good cheer-up get-back-on-the-horse project? http://www.simplicity.com/p-2145-accessories.aspx
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# ¿ Nov 1, 2012 22:43 |
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Mmmm. Tacky boxy shirts ftw. I remember pillowcase dresses being an easy thing to make/wear when I was a kid and was recently surprised to find out that they've been making a comeback.
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# ¿ Nov 5, 2012 23:52 |
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Sounds more like a nightmare to me. I'm about to embark upon in black and gold confetti dot for a drag queen friend of mine. I made him promise to pull random things out of those deliciously deep wings during his performance, including a $5 footlong and possibly a trombone.
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# ¿ Nov 15, 2012 20:01 |
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I just...how are you...it's huge. And here I thought my last-minute archery glove project was work.
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# ¿ Dec 22, 2012 04:00 |
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Yes, but it takes time, patience, and a teeny tiny crochet hook. You up for that?
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# ¿ Jan 28, 2013 19:59 |
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Baby Lock talk. I'm a crazy 'Lock fangirl and will probably stipulate it be buried with me when I die. Seriously, though, what machine you choose should depend on the kind of sewing you do. If you're really into having that much stitch variety and all the automation, then go for it - but I'd advise trying to source a well-maintained used one to save a chunk of cash (unless you have the money to burn). Janome's a decent brand and it's not too hard to find techs that will work on them, but the computerization will definitely make repairs more expensive.
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# ¿ Feb 11, 2013 21:58 |
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Not all opera singers are barrel-chested. I went to college with several skinny-minnie opera students who went off to star in some amazing shows. Post pics, though. We'll all probably be better help knowing what we're working with.
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# ¿ Mar 23, 2013 19:47 |
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This looks like what you want. http://store.junetailor.com/store/p-79-iron-on-foil-embellishment-sheets-2-sheets-silver.aspx Barring that, get some silver paint and freezer paper and make a stencil!
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# ¿ Apr 8, 2013 22:56 |
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Don't do the heavy duty. My GF's into doing leather and denim and we returned two of those because when we dropped the dogs they'd never come back up. I ended up getting her the Singer Curvy and it's been swell. Best thing to do is go to JoAnn's or whatever and test out as many machines as possible. Just...give the heavy duty a pass.
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# ¿ Apr 30, 2013 06:18 |
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# ¿ Apr 24, 2024 09:58 |
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To be fair, pretty much any machine can handle the number of layers of denim used in seaming jeans. You just need the right needle.
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# ¿ Apr 30, 2013 20:39 |