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The sewing thread

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Comments

  • Mumof2_2
    Mumof2_2 Posts: 2,694 Forumite
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    I use a walking foot too on my Janome. I also have an invisible zip foot (think that's the name) but not been used as yet.
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  • maryb
    maryb Posts: 4,661 Forumite
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    I was terrified of invisible zips for years and then steeled myself to try one and thought why have I been using ordinary zips all these years??

    I have an old Bernina 1130 which I just love but I know that one day the motherboard will go and then it can't be repaired. All the feet I have would not fit a new Bernina because they increased the maximum stitch width a few models ago and that meant new feet. And the current Berninas are no longer made in Switzerland anyway so you are paying a premium for yet another sewing machine made in a Far Eastern factory
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  • maryb
    maryb Posts: 4,661 Forumite
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    Kathryna the blind hem foot is great if your machine has a blind hem stitch. You can sew a hem entirely by machine which scarcely shows at all on the right side and it's really quick and easy - some of these specialist feet are more trouble than they are worth(rolled hem foot, I'm looking at you!) but the blind hem foot is really useful even if you only use it for that

    But in fact I use it at least as much for edge stitching or top stitching because it has a guide which helps you to keep an even distance from the edge. If you have an adjustable needle position you can make the line of stitching just where you want it.

    You can also use it for stitching in the ditch although you can get a specialist foot for this which has the guide more in the middle of the foot. Very useful for understitching facings etc
    It doesn't matter if you are a glass half full or half empty sort of person. Keep it topped up! Cheers!
  • katkin
    katkin Posts: 1,020 Forumite
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    I've noticed a few of you would be up for a sewing challenge in the new year - would this be ok with you kittie?

    What do you think would be a good starter make? Something fairly simple that could be "up-designed" (is that even a word haha) embellished or added to by those more experienced maybe?

    Tote bags for shopping are really handy and can be made in all sorts of styles, as can cushions/pillow cases and other simple household crafted items like tea towels. Maybe make up/toiletries cases with zip or phone covers, scarf - or what about a simple top, skirt or pyjama bottoms?

    To keep it old style we could recycle some material from another thing, buy from a charity shop or use up whatever is around. Keep things low cost, maybe even price the cost of the item. Trying to keep it as old style as possible.

    Ideas? What do you think we should try first? What about picking 3 things then seeing if we get a top vote from that?

    I'll go for:

    1. Tote / shopping bag
    2. Pyjama bottoms / indoor trousers
    3. Tea towel(s) / kitchen cloths

    Hopefully these items are all usable and handy.

    What do you think stitchers? Fancy it :money:
  • Franalamadingdong
    Franalamadingdong Posts: 553 Forumite
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    Ooh I love making totes, although I probably put far too much effort in to them! I use them instead of regular handbags because I've got a 5 year old and so it's full of small toys, tissues, snacks etc!
  • maryb
    maryb Posts: 4,661 Forumite
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    This is really good with lots of pictures
    http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=177482.msg1837265#msg1837265
    It doesn't matter if you are a glass half full or half empty sort of person. Keep it topped up! Cheers!
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 12,492 Forumite
    Combo Breaker First Post
    katkin, this thread belongs to all of you, not me. I think a challenge would be good and a tote would suit every person and would get to be on show afterwards. Personally I don`t have time to do a challenge as I am also going to spin a fine silk yarn blend, which will take me ages. So not me but I do think it is a great idea and would be something for the new and returning sewists to aim for. A couple of `making totes` sites would be good on here, just to get people started :)
  • loocyloo
    loocyloo Posts: 265 Forumite
    challenge sounds good!


    tote bag sounds ideal to me, as not toooo time consuming ( if you don't want it to be ) and a chance to use up odds and ends of fabric.


    :0)
  • fuddle
    fuddle Posts: 6,823 Forumite
    A tote bag would suit me too. :) but I'd be up for trying my hand at anything simple or a bit more not-so-simple that I can make simple.

    I'm now quilting my quilt top. I'm not hand stitching, which is a shame but I just didn't have the desire for it. Instead I'm going for free motion on my machine and taking it to MILs when I struggle on the mini.

    I am intending investing in a good machine in a year or so or when the mini goes kaput. I have the bug!

    I fancy making a pair of dungarees for myself. I've a house move ahead and some redecoration to get sorted. I'd like a pair that can be work trousers. Is it something a beginner could cope with do you think?
  • parsniphead
    parsniphead Posts: 2,897 Forumite
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    I could do with another bag so the tote has a thumbs up from me. I have a piece of gorgeous tan suede I brought from Malta in 1994 which I have never used. I have been planning to make a bag with it. Perhaps........finally.
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