The sewing thread

Supersavera

I want to boast of my new Brother - super machine for sewing, embroidering and quilting! I'm litteraly can't stop using it, I recieved it a week ago, but already made 4 presents for my relatives!
Ordered it on amazon and was so afraid to get a junk,but it's the best I've ever purchased on the net!
I can share my research on versatile sewing machines and some links if anyone intrested) Let me know)

Laura_Elsewhere

downshifted wrote: »

is there any more equipment I need to start?

Enthusiasm, adventurous spirit and the cheerful acceptance that you WILL make mistakes, that's why they invented old sheets, and that the mistakes won't matter tuppence

Have a great time! Well done!

PollyWollyDoodle

Echo what Laura said!

Useful to have - a seam ripper (or "reverse stitcher" as my sister and I call it :rotfl:) and some spare bobbins. Consider a small cleaning kit, or at least a soft brush, for cleaning lint out of the bobbin race every so often. If my machine is jamming or skipping stitches I find a good clean usually sorts it out. Oh, and spare needles! You should start a new needle for every new project. I don't do this every time but you'll want some spares. The other thing I would not be without is a marker pen which washes out or fades, there are various on the market.

Ten different sewing machine feet, most of which you will never use, a stash of fabricand various other accoutrements can be added later! If you are planning to make your own clothes, then you could make some pattern weights. I find tins of beans, sardines et cetera are perfect for the job so I've never bothered.

joedenise

If you're going to be making clothes I'd suggest a cutting out board rather than ruining your dining room table!

Also look out for magazines with patterns as they'll work out far cheaper than buying individual patterns, even if you don't want to read the magazine although you can pick up some tips from some of them. I wouldn't bother with any subscriptions though as you won't want all the patterns that come with them.

Let us all know how you get on.

Denise

PipneyJane

downshifted wrote: »

So I now have a sewing machine! It’s a Janome XC 33 Special Edition and does far more than I’m ever likely to need. I think it’s a bargain and I’m glad I didn’t spend much to start. I hope to start trying some basic sewing tomorrow, thanks for all your support and advice.

I’ve bought good scissors, tailor’s chalk and pins, is there any more equipment I need to start?

Congratulations! Enjoy your new toy.

May I second the advice re a seam-ripper - my mum always called hers the "quick-un-pick" - and a cutting mat. Your back and knees will get sore if you cut things out on the floor and you don't want to ruin your dining table.

Also, consider the ergonomics of where you will be sewing and the chair you will use. The wrong height of table and the wrong chair can give you terrible backache/neck-ache. Do you remember the old days when typewriters were the norm in offices and the typewriter was always set on a shelf lower than the main desk top? One of those desks would be perfect.

(FWIW I have fantasy daydreams where we've done a loft conversion with one side of the loft becoming a sewing room for me, complete with cutting out table.)

For anyone contemplating buying a basic new sewing machine, Lidl will be selling Singer's 2282 Tradition model for £79.99 from Sunday. (I think Lidl have a deal with Singer, since they regularly sell their sewing machines and overlockers.)

- Pip

silvasava

PJ - You beat me to it!! I just logged on to let everyone know about the Lidl sewing machine! They've also got overlocker thread if anyone needs any.

Joedenise - I'd also recommend getting extra bobbins - that way you can have one of each prewound with the colours you use most and a few spares

tigerfeet2006

Has anyone ever used the Lidl overlocker thread? Is it any good? I was thinking of stocking up on white, black and grey.

PollyWollyDoodle

I've used it, and it seems fine. I bought some last time they had it on offer, and I've since found that if you go in a week or so later there is often some in the reduced section. Worth stocking up on, because as you will know over lockers use a lot of thread.

silvasava

Where is everbody??

I'm assuming summer and holidays mean posters have other things taking priority

Justin - Lidl are having another sewing selection on early October and there's overlocker thread among other things if anyone is interested. I dont have an overlocker but I think I'll stock up on the basic colours for future use on my machine

purpleivy

I have overlockers but I don't need thread. I know they use a lot but I don't think I will ever get through what I have, even sewing for a living!

I'm here Silva! I've had a quiet September workwise, but people are starting to bring their alterations again now. I had a few days at my friend's in Mallorca. She now has 6 new sleeveless blouses that I have made for her. I got 2 made apart from buttons before I went and then I got the other four started. My machine out there will only do straight stitch at the moment so I got the button bands and buttonholes before I went and then completed them while I was there and she was at work.
I have managed to do some non work sewing. Made a vest top and a maxi for myself and started on a coat for ds. Made hub a bow tie this week for an event at the weekend.

Bought fabric for a jacket for me for my son's wedding next year. V expensive but v gorgeous!