Dying lace curtains and mini sewing machines

purple-smartie

Hi, is it possible to dye lace curtains? I would probably use the type of dye that you put in the washing machine but dont want to risk it until I know the dye will take fully.

Also has anyone bought one of those mini sewing machines and are they any good, not the hand held type, the ones that are a smaller version of normal sewing machines. something like this that are for sale on ebay (item number)8275628949. I only want it for making easy things like cushion covers so dont want to pay out lots on a full size one if possible.

Thanks in advance for any help.

carly

Sorry, I don't know anything about mini sewing machines but i may be able to help with the dye question. It really all depends on the nature of the fabric the lace is made out of.

If it is cotton or natural thread , then dying will be no problem at all. However unless they are very old or very expensive this is unlikely to be the case. If they are nylon or other synthetic fabric then you will have to use a dye specifically for synthetics ( check on the packet it will give a guide to fabrics that can be dyed successfully ). You can use a multi purpose machine dye but you will not get the full depth of the colour as synthetics do not take up the dye so well. It all depends on what colour you want the end result to be. There is usually a "guide to dyeing" leaflet in the racks next to the dyes that will give you all the information you need.
hth

squeaky

The dylon website is sure to have some help with dyeing too:-

http://www.dylon.co.uk/main.htm

calleyw

I have never used on those of the mini sewing machines. I thought about getting one then bought a second hand machine.

It cost me £95 a lot of money for a second hand one and when you don't have a job. It was suppose to be an all singing and dancing one when it was made. Can't see it myself.

But it means I can do nearly everything with it. I have sewn up trousers etc with it.

Need to pull it out and hem some curtains. I believe for me the £95 investment which is what it is. Has been worth it. It has saved me nearly £50 as I have managed save clothes that would have other wise be consigned to the bin as being unwearable.

Granted it does not get that much use. But I am hoping that I that soon I will pull my finger out and make myself a huge quilt for my bed.

Why not try freecycle to see if anyone has a little or normal size going begging.

Or do you have a friend or family member that you could share a purchase of a machine with.

Yours


Calley

frugalfairy_3

I agree with Calley, it may be more useful to buy a second hand normal size sewing machine rather than a mini one, especially if you're intending to sew cushions or curtains etc. I've never used a mini one but I have heard that they are pretty lightweight and may be unstable if sewing longish lengths of heavy (i.e. curtain) fabrics.

amazon_spice

Dying lace curtains and mini sewing machines

How do you dye a mini sewing machine? :rotfl:

sorry - couldn't resist.

purple-smartie

Thanks for all your replies everyone. Ive checked the curtains and can find no label so I have no idea what they are made of but im guessing more likely a nylon/synthetic, they feel just like standard net curtains but with tie backs and swags attached I want to dye them from ivory to pink to match the rest of my daughters bedroom.

Ive had my eye on freecycle for a while for a sewing machine calleyw but nones been advertised in my area, same with shop windows and local papers. I only want something basic for curtains, cushions so as long as it sews in a straight line i will be happy.

thanks again.

Queenie

purple-smartie wrote:

Thanks for all your replies everyone. Ive checked the curtains and can find no label so I have no idea what they are made of but im guessing more likely a nylon/synthetic, they feel just like standard net curtains but with tie backs and swags attached I want to dye them from ivory to pink to match the rest of my daughters bedroom.

Ive had my eye on freecycle for a while for a sewing machine calleyw but nones been advertised in my area, same with shop windows and local papers. I only want something basic for curtains, cushions so as long as it sews in a straight line i will be happy.

thanks again.

I haven't used a min-sewing machine, but I do know that once you begin sewing, it's amazing just how often you end up using it!! Even with curtains and cushions, you will need something which can zig-zag because some fabrics will need stablising with a zig-zag stitch to prevent fraying.

Personally, if you've had not luck to date with the local paper/freecyle/boot fairs, I'd hang fire and keep saving until you can afford something that would be a good all rounder.

Oooh, just thought! Go to a newsagents and have a flick through some sewing magazines such as "Patchwork and Quilting" ... I believe they run ad's in the back where people sell their machines? Also, look through the yellow pages and look for sewing machine shops/repairs ... they can also be a source of a reliable 2nd hand machines.

Best of luck

Queenie

calleyw wrote:

Granted it does not get that much use. But I am hoping that I that soon I will pull my finger out and make myself a huge quilt for my bed.

Do you have a design/pattern in mind, Calley? Or will you be making it up as you go along depending on what you fancy at the time?

I've had my eye on a quilt that I've been itching to make for years!! I keep putting it off simply because of buying all the fabric in one go, but I'm getting to the point now where if I don't make a start on it before too long, it will *never* get done (and it's sooooo lovely too, it would be such a pity).