The Sewing Room

pennib

Only changing that Bobin thread is a bit tricky....[/QUOTE]

Yes I found that as well. I think they could have put the accessory box elsewhere better still seperate from the machine and it's stiff getting it off. Apart from that its a lovely machine.

PootleFlump_3

Lovely makes everyone. Those monkeys crack me up!! Im just back from a weeks holiday and getting sewing withdrawal so might try and make some things later today.

Can anyone tell me where is likely to be the cheapest online to get fuseable fleece. The stuff I have found is really expensive and Im not sure if there is anywhere a bit cheaper that I can get it?

Justamum

This is the second bag I've made - modelled by my 5 year old DD




I put a zip in this one so that everything didn't fall out!



The outside is a piece which was given to me by a friend, and the lining is some blouse material I bought last year in SA for 50p a metre. I made the handles a bit longer too as I found the original pattern was a bit too short.

The wadding was a bit too thick, which made it difficult to sew in a few places. I have since seen a much thinner wadding in the shop, which is a similar thickness to flannelette - so I suppose if you had an old flannelette sheet you could use that instead (I don't have any flannelette sheets).

I do have trouble with the handles though. When they are sewn in at the time it says on the pattern, it means that when the bag is turned the right way out the handle between the lining and outer gets folded back on itself a couple of times, which makes it very thick. I can't work out how to avoid that, so what I've had to do was just unpick where the handle emerges on the outside, pull out the folded over bit and sew it back up. Does anyone have any tips on the best way to sew in the handles?

ETA - what I also did in this was to catch the lining to the outer all the way along the seam inside to hold it in place better.

I also sewed some velcro to the flap on the inner pocket. Also, on the longer pocket I divided it up to suit me a bit better than the original one.

cuddles123

Great bag Justamum - good job well done!

Probably a silly question, but is is possible to gather on a machine without using a gathering foot?

Justamum

cuddles123 wrote: »

Great bag Justamum - good job well done!

Probably a silly question, but is is possible to gather on a machine without using a gathering foot?

Thanks

Yes - you just use a longer length stitch, and make two rows of them inside the seam line. Leave long lengths of thread at either end, then at one end you pull the bobbin thread through so that both threads are on one side, put a pin in and wrap the threads round it in a figure of eight. At the other end you gently pull the threads until it's gathered up enough, and spread the gathers out evenly. I've never had a gathering foot, and was taught how to do gathers in this way at school. I'm sure my explanation is as clear as mud though! :rotfl:

sandy2_2

Justamum wrote: »

Thanks

Yes - you just use a longer length stitch, and make two rows of them inside the seam line. Leave long lengths of thread at either end, then at one end you pull the bobbin thread through so that both threads are on one side, put a pin in and wrap the threads round it in a figure of eight. At the other end you gently pull the threads until it's gathered up enough, and spread the gathers out evenly. I've never had a gathering foot, and was taught how to do gathers in this way at school. I'm sure my explanation is as clear as mud though!

Yes, longest straight stitch and you might also need to loosen the tension-
When you gather up the material, pull both rows of stitching at the same time , using only the thread on one side of the material, I find pulling the top (needle) thread easier

Sandy

cuddles123

Thank you both - very useful.

Hippychick

I have made a couple of bits this weekend.

A sock monkey and deliberately bad sock rabbit for my hubby.



A pocket tissue cover, sooo easy I think I will make a load for stocking fillers.



tutorial here http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/09/02/3383/

cuddles123

Thanks Hippychick - have saved that tutorial as I may make some for Christmas.

louise_1981

Justamum wrote: »

This is the second bag I've made - modelled by my 5 year old DD




I put a zip in this one so that everything didn't fall out!



The outside is a piece which was given to me by a friend, and the lining is some blouse material I bought last year in SA for 50p a metre. I made the handles a bit longer too as I found the original pattern was a bit too short.

The wadding was a bit too thick, which made it difficult to sew in a few places. I have since seen a much thinner wadding in the shop, which is a similar thickness to flannelette - so I suppose if you had an old flannelette sheet you could use that instead (I don't have any flannelette sheets).

I do have trouble with the handles though. When they are sewn in at the time it says on the pattern, it means that when the bag is turned the right way out the handle between the lining and outer gets folded back on itself a couple of times, which makes it very thick. I can't work out how to avoid that, so what I've had to do was just unpick where the handle emerges on the outside, pull out the folded over bit and sew it back up. Does anyone have any tips on the best way to sew in the handles?

ETA - what I also did in this was to catch the lining to the outer all the way along the seam inside to hold it in place better.

I also sewed some velcro to the flap on the inner pocket. Also, on the longer pocket I divided it up to suit me a bit better than the original one.

This is lovely!! Could you direct me to the pattern please.

I love the colour combo!

I am new to sewing, but I attach them once the bag is made up, but not the most pretty finish. Otherwise I would think of sewing in the liner, leaving space for the handles to go in after that. However, it would depend on what the pattern calls for. Sorry That is a rubbish explaination