The Sewing Room

PootleFlump_3

hogshead wrote: »

Pootle how does the teflon foot differ froma normal foot as other than it being plastic it seems the same as a normal foot.
OK that makes little sense but hope you understand.

Hi, Makes perfect sense so yes I understand.
It doesnt stick to the vinyl/oilcloth/leather etc because it has a teflon coating. A standard metal foot sticks so the fabric doesnt move freely (particularly when topstitching)

genieuk

I was wandering if the tablecloth pvc backed material you can buy in some shops by the metre is the same to oilcloth. Or is it more inferior totally different etc.

Answers on a postcard too..................

pennib

Here is the next part of my patchwork quilt, ran out of material for the moment so it's come to a halt!

PootleFlump_3

genieuk wrote: »

I was wandering if the tablecloth pvc backed material you can buy in some shops by the metre is the same to oilcloth. Or is it more inferior totally different etc.

Answers on a postcard too..................

I think oilcloth is thicker and much more durable (it also feels "stickier" and of better quality and has a different backing.) Its a bit pricier but you get some lovely designs in it (I got Radley style stuff and love it! (photo on my blog if you want a nosey. ) I got vinyl/pvc from Dunhelm Mill which I use for lining toilet and make up bags. Was only around £3 per metre for plain white stuff and really works well. Overall I think you can tell the difference but wouldnt really matter depending on what you are making with it.

Pennib, thats brilliant!

cuddles123

Meet Jimmi Hendrix

genieuk

Oh dear just found something else I would like to make, as my woofs will notice it when it cools down and I cannot stand 'wet dog smell'.

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/doggy-coats?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/sewing-patterns-and-templates#slide_12

Jimmi looks fab, are the eyes sewn or glued on?

shirlgirl2004

tellmeitsfriday wrote: »

A teflon foot - hmmm, google says £10 for my machine. I think I will try the masking tape tip Do you know if I can get a "fake" one, I have a brother XR6600 but I am a little clueless about non branded items for it. I didn't know you could get different needles, I haven't managed to snap one yet, so it still has the one I bought it with 5 years ago.

However, unless I get the hang of doing the corners, I might not be needing it - because mine look really scruffy with little accidental gathers. Once I've got it lined, I will pop up a pic and a link to the pattern

Thanks for your ideas peeps

I think plumbers tape (PFT?) is what I have seen recommended instead of a teflon foot. I have a Brother and they seem to take universal feet with no problem. I have read you're supposed to change your needle after every project. I have to say I think that is too often but 5 years:eek:

tellmeitsfriday

shirlgirl2004 wrote: »

I think plumbers tape (PFT?) is what I have seen recommended instead of a teflon foot. I have a Brother and they seem to take universal feet with no problem. I have read you're supposed to change your needle after every project. I have to say I think that is too often but 5 years:eek:

Aha! You think I'm bad... I spoke to mother about this at the weekend and she wins.

She got hers when she got married (38 yrs ago) and she remembers changing it once...!!!!

Erm, and I think that was my fault because I was learning...

Hehe, naughty mummy. ...but if it still gets through the fabric and it doesn't make nasty holes why do it?

Justamum

PootleFlump wrote: »

wouldnt suggest tailors chalk though as its too thick .

I've got a tailors chalk wheely thingy - it has a little canister of powdered chalk, and when you run the wheel along a fine line of chalk comes out. It's the best tailor's chalk I've ever used.

Justamum

tellmeitsfriday wrote: »

I didn't know you could get different needles, I haven't managed to snap one yet, so it still has the one I bought it with 5 years ago.

I should imagine you've pretty well blunted it by now trying to sew leather with it! Apparently (and I know people here will disagree, but I'm just saying what a sewing teacher told me so don't shoot the messenger ) you should use a new needle for each thing you sew as they get blunt - even though you might not be able to see it with your naked eye. She said that in one class she had a woman whose machine was making a horrible clunk, clunk sound as she sewed, and the woman proudly told her she had never changed her needle in over 20 years! Once she changed the needle it went much better.