The Sewing Annexe

jpscloud

I'd love to see the wedding dress and bag gibson, well done for finishing them!

I've been out most of the day and just done a bit more hand quilting but just as you say miffy... no good to carry on when tired, so I'm going to stop now too.

At this point I'm not sure if I'm happy with the hand quilting - will reassess in the morning!

gibson123

http://www.facebook.com/groups/202641099790216/

Hi, I will post to the MSE facebook group when I find my camera. I can't remember how I joined it, I was sent an invitation I think, hopefully some-one will come along soon and tell us.

Well done Miffy and JPS, I have never done any quilting, It's not something I have developed an interest in, but admire those that do. I am currently making up patterns for pants! I am going to try to upcycle my t-shirts that my daughter has outgrown by turning them into pants. Helped my DD make a rat tent and hammock - she has pet rats and a rat hammock can cost anything from £15 to £50, so this will save lots of money.

newleaf

I don't do facebook, so I can't look at the pics, but the dress sounds beautiful - as does your friend's choice of flowers and the Finch print bag.

sb88_2

Haven't been to the sewing thread for awhile! But wow, there are some great projects on here Love the quilting! I've never tried quilting myself, I'm not sure my machine could handle it!

BitterAndTwisted

I have a sewing-machine question: there's a Jones machine stashed away here in storage. It once belonged to a lodger of mine who moved out more than a decade ago and has never been back or contacted me about it. I have now decided that it's mine to use if I want and there are a number of simple projects I'd like to make a start on.

The trouble is that there's no model number on the machine so I can't source a manual if such a thing exists. Are these machines all threaded up in a similar way? I haven't used one since I was at school a very, very long time ago so have no idea what to do with it. There are a couple of dials on it with no indication of what they might be controlling. I suspect they are to do with stitch-size and tension. Would it make sense to just use it on some scrap material and try to figure out by myself what they do? That's all assuming I can work out how to thread the damned thing, of course.

Justamum

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

The trouble is that there's no model number on the machine so I can't source a manual if such a thing exists. Are these machines all threaded up in a similar way?

Would you be able to take it to a sewing machine shop and ask someone there to help you? They will be familiar with lots of different models so I'm sure someone there would be able to suss it out and give you a quick lesson on it.

jpscloud

That's the best idea Justamum, I think you can find a lot of information online but it would take ages to find exactly the right bits... far better to get an expert to have a look!

I'm going to continue hand quilting today and might just get onto binding (also by hand, as I haven't got a walking foot yet).

Good luck with projects everyone!

miffy257

Hi there sewing folk. Sounds like you have been very busy JPScloud looking forward to seeing your quilt. You know that problem you had with your machine the other day mine was playing up a bit and some more experienced friends said you should change your needle after every quilt/about every 8-10 hours of sewing. I didn't realise that and have never seen that advice in the manuals. Just tend to change mine if it breaks.:eek: we live and learn. Off out to lunch with a friend today and we may go to look at a fabric shop.:)
Happy Sewing all.

ostaragirl

Hi folks, wonder if anyone can help? I've just inherited about 40 cardboard boxes full of material and judging by some newspapers on the top of the boxes there is stuff from 1940's onward. Its all pretty musty smelling but there is an awful lot of lovely different types and patterns.
I'm going to make a start clearing it out and what I would like to do is wash and press the better stuff so I can store it in the house (currently in shed)
The trouble is, that some of it ,I have no idea what sort of material it is. I dont even know if I should machine wash on a cool setting or if the more delicate stuff should be done by hand. I have tried to find a guide on the net of how to identify material but can't find anything.
Just looking for any advice or tips really....:)

gibson123

Sort them into similar types, then describe on here the different types.

I will start you off:

Cotton .... similar texture to quilt covers and sheets, creases easily and does not stretch.

Jersey .... stretchy feel s bit like t-shirt material

Linen - a bit like cotton but rough to the touch, does not stretch

Silk - silky to the touch, flows through your hands, slides away from you. no stretch.

Satin - silky to the touch, slides but heavier than silk, no stretch

Chiffon - floats when thrown in the air in single thickness, see through. doesn't stretch.

Velvet, feels like shortish fur, smooth when you run your hand along it one way, rougher the other way. (has a nap). Not normally stretchy but can be.

Brocade - raised fabric feels a bit like tapestry, quite heavy, think upholstery and old fashioned napkins.

Calico - like cotton but heavier and rougher, normally cream coloured

Now I have started a few others may come along with their suggestions and descriptions