The Sewing Room

Savvybunny2009

I wonder if anyone can help. I bought poly cotton, it supposed to be mediumweight but I very much doubt it gets much more leightweight than this. I am having so much trouble working with it, the feed dog isn't really moving it back unless I push the material back but as it is slightly stretchy the stitching is all over the place. I need to hem the edges which is impossible as I cant guide the fabric through both sides and I need to sew a line a few mms from the seam, again I can't do so as it's too close to the edge.

Could anyone advise where I am going wrong or any advice on how I can deal with this? I'm trying to make a cushion cover which is very easy in terms of capability but the fabric is not agreeing with the machine at all (or I am missing a trick lol).

I would really appreciate any advice, I have a Janome J3-24 if it helps?

dxm

I cope with sewing very fine or difficult to sew fabrics by cutting a strip of tissue paper and pinning it under the seam I want to sew. It stops the fabric from slipping and stretching when you sew it. After you've finished it tears away easily.

jamgirl

hello :-)
could someone recommend a sewing machine... i have no idea where to start!
It is for my daughter who is in her first year at art college doing a textile course. she has always been more interested in surface design and is just beginning to be interested in making of things. she is currently making a bag as part of her project. i want to get her a decent machine but not too expensive incase it doesn't get used enough!

any ideas please?

Laura_D_3

Hi all, I have a book with sewing patterns in - they are 15% of the correct size can anyone tell me how to scale them up when I print I'm really confused Thanks - I've managed to scan them which is a good start

pennib

Jamgirl; I wonder if just a cheaper model will do. I've had my Tes*o sewing machine for over a year and it's had some hammering with my makes:o But it's still going strong and I think it was in the £70 ish region. I wouldn't get one of those mini machines they arn't worth it at all.

Laura D; Sorry I can't help you with that problem, no doubt somebody will come along.

Here is what I've been upto this week. Dirt free gardening:D
Waiting for the weather to warm up before I venture outside for some 'proper' gardening, so in the meantime I've been making no water, no dirt involved cactus (or cacti)!

More info on h*mepa*e;)

jamgirl

thanks :-)

have looked at this one ..... seems to have good reviews
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4602318/c_1/1|category_root|Gifts+and+hobbies|14417351/c_2/2|14417351|Art+and+crafts|14417376/c_3/3|cat_14417376|Sewing+machines+and+accessories|14417377.htm#pdpProductReviews

jamgirl

oh even better ....this one

http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-ej09-sewing-machine-white/206-0145.prd?skuId=206-0145&pageLevel=

pennib

The tes*o one seems to have loads of good reviews and is a good price.

dxm

I've made a skirt for my friend's birthday and I have a small amount of the fabric left. Can anybody suggest some accessories I could make for her?

flowerofscotland

jamgirl wrote: »

hello :-)
could someone recommend a sewing machine... i have no idea where to start!
It is for my daughter who is in her first year at art college doing a textile course. she has always been more interested in surface design and is just beginning to be interested in making of things. she is currently making a bag as part of her project. i want to get her a decent machine but not too expensive incase it doesn't get used enough!

any ideas please?

The Which site has some useful information on what to look for etc. I agree don't get a mini machine. If you go for a brand such as Brother, Janome, Toyota it is easier to get extras such as specialist feet that you may want in the future. Have you got a local sewing machine shop? If you have they will be helpful and may have some secondhand machines for sale as people often trade up and part exchange the more basic machines.