The Sewing Room

PootleFlump_3

genieuk wrote: »

Thanks Pootle everyone is always asking about my bags, and I have the chance to sell somethings in a shop here but I'm not sure.

I was thinking the same as you regards the foot. I definitely need to think about space we are only allowed to take a certain amount with us when we move so it would be ideal.

Ok so I e-mailed them about the foot and here is the response (I also asked them if its compatible with my machine hence the bit about the Innovis:

The side cutter is suitable for the Innov Is 20 and gives a similar finish to an overlocker when using an overlock stitch.
However, the knives are quite small so we only recommend it for fine to medium fabrics.
We have this item in stock.

I think I might get one. Much cheaper than an overlocker although I dont think it would work for anything too thick by the sounds of it.

cloudberry45

Hi Everyone.

I am going to try and read up on as much of this thread as I can and get some ideas and tips (241 pages is going to take me a lot of time !!!) I have just got home after buying my first ever sewing machine. I have no idea how to use it, I have never sewn anything in my life!

We decided to make our own curtains to go between the kitchen and the conservatory as its freezing out there in the winter. When I priced up some curtains the price came in between £100 - £120 and as it was only a temporary measure I have decide to make them myself! Am I mad for trying to do this with no experience? My husband has had a bit of experience on sewing machines so maybe we will try and do it together.

I just have these ideas that I could make so much nice stuff but I imagine its going to be a big learnign curve! Looking forward to reading and seeing all of the beautiful things that everone is making

hart44

cloudberry45 wrote: »

Hi Everyone.

I am going to try and read up on as much of this thread as I can and get some ideas and tips (241 pages is going to take me a lot of time !!!) I have just got home after buying my first ever sewing machine. I have no idea how to use it, I have never sewn anything in my life!

We decided to make our own curtains to go between the kitchen and the conservatory as its freezing out there in the winter. When I priced up some curtains the price came in between £100 - £120 and as it was only a temporary measure I have decide to make them myself! Am I mad for trying to do this with no experience? My husband has had a bit of experience on sewing machines so maybe we will try and do it together.

I just have these ideas that I could make so much nice stuff but I imagine its going to be a big learnign curve! Looking forward to reading and seeing all of the beautiful things that everone is making

Hi cloudberry I was a new to sewing till jan this yr and I got my sewing machine in Feb and since then have been making bags, simple curtains and patchwork quilts I love it
I used the internet a lot (Google is your best friend :rotfl:) and being on here has been a very big help too as everyone is so friendly and there is always someone who can help.
Just have fun with your machine to start with so you get to know what you and it can do

Pootle, I think I will have to get the sidecutter foot and the one you have for oilcloth type fabric

Tete, I love your skirt, you are so clever at making clothes, I gave up with clothing for now and Im sticking with bags and quilts :rotfl:

Shelley3774

Hi Cloudberry I'm really new to sewing too but find so much info on the internet especially this forum Good luck I'm sure you will be addicted in no time x

Dorastar

Right numpty novice here - have got a simple sewing maching but am definitely doing something wrong with it so need advice please. Have got it threaded up right as far as I can tell and it sews a few stitches but then loads of thread comes up out of the bobbin part and jams it all up - any ideas as to what I am doing wrong - the booklet that came with it basically says plug it in and start sewing so no help there.

CandyB101_2

cloudberry45 wrote: »

We decided to make our own curtains to go between the kitchen and the conservatory as its freezing out there in the winter. When I priced up some curtains the price came in between £100 - £120 and as it was only a temporary measure I have decide to make them myself! Am I mad for trying to do this with no experience? My husband has had a bit of experience on sewing machines so maybe we will try and do it together.

Years ago I attended a 'soft furnishings' short course at the local college, where one of the tasks was to make some curtains.
I have never forgotten this tip ........
If you imagine having your fabric and header tape - right sides together (header tape placed at the top of the material) , sew along the top (there is usually a printed line on the header tape to follow), once sewn bring the header tape over onto the wrong side of the material, and this way you get a-neat even margin at the top of your curtains.

I don't think you are mad for trying ..... you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make curtains. I have never looked back (I've even chopped up quilts to make matching curtains).
Take your time, iron all hems and you will find it much easier.
Why not try for a smaller version to practice on first, maybe cut up an old pillowcase.

CandyB101_2

Dorastar wrote: »

Right numpty novice here - have got a simple sewing maching but am definitely doing something wrong with it so need advice please. Have got it threaded up right as far as I can tell and it sews a few stitches but then loads of thread comes up out of the bobbin part and jams it all up - any ideas as to what I am doing wrong - the booklet that came with it basically says plug it in and start sewing so no help there.

Is your bobin threaded correctly?

Bunny200

CandyB101 wrote: »

Years ago I attended a 'soft furnishings' short course at the local college, where one of the tasks was to make some curtains.
I have never forgotten this tip ........
If you imagine having your fabric and header tape - right sides together (header tape placed at the top of the material) , sew along the top (there is usually a printed line on the header tape to follow), once sewn bring the header tape over onto the wrong side of the material, and this way you get a-neat even margin at the top of your curtains.

I don't think you are mad for trying ..... you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make curtains. I have never looked back (I've even chopped up quilts to make matching curtains).
Take your time, iron all hems and you will find it much easier.
Why not try for a smaller version to practice on first, maybe cut up an old pillowcase.

Making some curtains soon, got the fabric (£1/m from Plumbs!!:money:) so I'll try that! Just need some heading tape and a bit of enthusiasim, anyone know where they sell that?!

thecatsnose

Dorastar wrote: »

Right numpty novice here - have got a simple sewing maching but am definitely doing something wrong with it so need advice please. Have got it threaded up right as far as I can tell and it sews a few stitches but then loads of thread comes up out of the bobbin part and jams it all up - any ideas as to what I am doing wrong - the booklet that came with it basically says plug it in and start sewing so no help there.

Another newbie to sewing machines here, mine did that and I had threaded something wrong, and I think I had the top thread winding from the wrong direction, it needed to be coming from the back of the reel instead of the front how I had put it. I think I loosened the tension in the bobbin bit too and it worked fine after that. In fact I completed my first quilt (there's nothing wrong with starting big :j) in about 3 days, it's a bit rough but i'm ever so proud of myself!

I'm sure somebody who actually knows something about sewing machines will come along soon and tell us both what went wrong with the threading

cloudberry45

CandyB101 wrote: »

Years ago I attended a 'soft furnishings' short course at the local college, where one of the tasks was to make some curtains.
I have never forgotten this tip ........
If you imagine having your fabric and header tape - right sides together (header tape placed at the top of the material) , sew along the top (there is usually a printed line on the header tape to follow), once sewn bring the header tape over onto the wrong side of the material, and this way you get a-neat even margin at the top of your curtains.

I don't think you are mad for trying ..... you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make curtains. I have never looked back (I've even chopped up quilts to make matching curtains).
Take your time, iron all hems and you will find it much easier.
Why not try for a smaller version to practice on first, maybe cut up an old pillowcase.

Thanks very much for the advice - and to others who have welcomed me, I think im going to be very happy reading this thread :T:T:T