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Goldaline posted:I am the Gay Ice Skate Man! That's really amazing! You are giving me inspiration to go beyond hemming my pants.
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Feb 4, 2017 14:47
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Goldaline posted:It's really not difficult to work with I think just very different! I use a combo of Pellon 542, EZ Steam and spray adhesive to keep everything together and stable...I'm hoping soon to do some video tutorials on it, I finally got a camera capable of video. Ooh, please do some video tutorials. I need to make a few headbands/elbow cuffs (I can't find anything small enough) in spandex and wicking fabric and that would be great to see! Also you are an absolutely amazing artist!
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Apr 28, 2018 02:47
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Is there a sewing machine that is made with hemming small diameters in mind? I got a Singer 4432 Heavy Duty on steep sale from Amazon 2 years ago but I never use it anymore to hem my pants. It's just too tricky trying to keep the fabric straight when I have to readjust it every 1/2 inch. I really, really just want something I can put a pants leg on and sew around the leg hem without having to try to make the circle flat. Does that exist?
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Jun 13, 2018 15:02
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there wolf posted:Yeah, just look for something with a free/removable arm. It's a common feature on budget machines. Ah ha! Now I know what to search for. And my current machine may do that (conflicting reports, I'll have to check it myself). Thanks for the help!
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Jun 13, 2018 20:46
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Yes, discovered that my machine can do I what I wish it could have done all along! You all are so helpful. Now to get through my backlog of pants.
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Jun 14, 2018 20:44
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Bingo Bango posted:PSA: If you're sewing face masks, don't forget to pre-wash your fabric. How comically small? Child-sized? I ask for myself, who is the size of an average 11-year old and for whom adult-sized masks don't really fit.
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Apr 4, 2020 22:23
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Please sell masks! Or post people who are doing good work. Otherwise I have to try to solve this mess on my limited time at home. Please help, thread!   I got out my sewing machine after about a year and I apparently don't remember how to use it. I replaced the needle, have threaded and rethreaded multiple times (with YouTube help), but cannot seem to get anything but skipped stitches and bird nests out of it. I remember that there was something non-standard that I needed to do when getting the bobbin thread in place, but I can't remember what. (Singer Heavy Duty 4423) Any tips on what I can try next?
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Apr 9, 2020 04:05
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BonerGhost posted:Did ya clean that sucker? My guess is you've got all kinds of dust and lint wherever the bobbin sits. Gave it some canned air and didn't see great improvement, but it did sound a little better. I think I finally got it working. For some reason when I thread the bobbin thread if I follow the illustration on the lid it doesn't work, but if I get the thread going further along the little groove it seems to do ok? I got a decent line of stitches out of it at least. Please do make the bobbin video! I never get the bobbin thread pulled up right on the first try and seeing it happen would be very helpful.
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Apr 9, 2020 04:50
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BonerGhost posted:IDK if you saw these, but their production values are quite a bit better than mine, lol I did see the Sewing Mastery video, yes. I also very much appreciate your video confirming what it said! there wolf posted:Might be the tension on the bobbin case itself that's hosed up, and threading it differently compensates for that. theflyingexecutive posted:How’s your thread tension? I know I’ve had plenty of bird’s nest nightmares from loose bobbin tension, esp w heavier fabrics like it looks like you have going on That's just a summerweight cotton broadcloth, not a particularly thick fabric. Phone got confused on it. I think you all must be right that my bobbin tension isn't right. I have to thread it past the second metal bit, not bring it between them, to stop getting bird nests. My manual tells me helpfully that correct bobbin tension is set at the factory.  Found this video on adjusting bobbin tension, will report if it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FI23OOjVMw Edit: Yep, that video did it! 1/4 turn tighter and all is right with the world of effika's bobbin tension problems. This is going to make my pants-hemming go so much quicker, now that I won't have to remember that the bobbin illustration is "wrong" and figure out how to do it "right" every six months. Going to try my own cloth mask this weekend. My friend's mom made me one, but she used bias tape for ties. I wore it at work all day today and the complete lack of give of the bias tape was awful. If I give up on a full mask I'll just cut up an old t-shirt for the ties, or find my lace-weight yarn and do like a yard of i-cord so I have something with a bit of give to it. I hate ear-loop elastic masks, but our bottom-of-the-barrel tie-on surgical masks use some remarkably comfortable material for the ties and I want to get close to that if i can. effika fucked around with this message at 01:54 on Apr 10, 2020 |
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Apr 10, 2020 01:29
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BonerGhost posted:E: I'm glad you figured it out! Also thanks for sharing the video, I'll probably need it soon Oh yeah no it never worked right out of the box. I thought sewing was really hard when I got this machine because of how much I had to try threading the bobbin before I got it to work right by accident one time. I just thought that was how machine sewing with an entry-level Singer was- incorrect directions and a needlessly fiddly process. When it worked fine the last time I used it that was because I hadn't forgotten how to thread the bobbin in a way that wasn't the correct way, but made the bird nests go away. When it worked fine last night it was only after remembering that I shouldn't follow Singer's directions, after so much trouble with threading the bobbin their way. After adjusting the bobbin tension screw I can thread it correctly per Singer and I haven't had any issues with it. (I always forget how to thread the top thread so I watch a YouTube video every time - I think everything was in the right places.)
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Apr 10, 2020 04:44
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Tried to follow these instructions and had some mishaps/improvisations, but I got a functional mask that actually fits my tiny head and has a filter pocket so I can stick in another mask! (I stole the nose wire from a disposable I wore at work today.)  The nose wire disaster doesn't seem to matter right now, but I will see if I need to make a liner for my liner when it gets a long shift at work. (I'll just baste in another rectangle over it. The more nose cushion the better, honestly.) Will replace the ties with something with more grip and less flounce later this weekend, but the ribbon sure looks pretty.
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Apr 11, 2020 03:14
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I 100% do not recommend that pattern, or at least that version of a shaped mask. I wanted something that wouldn't ride up into my eyes and it fits the bill, but it was not no-muss-no-fuss. My husband wants a mask too, so he's going to get one of the pleated-rectangle style masks.
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Apr 11, 2020 16:16
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Bingo Bango posted:I've been making the A.B. Mask (For a Nurse By a Nurse) and been really happy with the results. Gets a better fit than just the rectangles and easy to whip up in large batches. Not sure how I missed that one! Looks like a good pattern and much better instructions and photos. (No filter pocket, but it looks made to be worn over other masks, so that's fine.) cloudy posted:Anyone know if this style works better with glasses fogging, or if there is no hope for me? Glasses wearer here! Your only hope is a nosewire, pinched around your nose bridge and gently formed to your cheekbones. If it is done properly you'll be annoyed, because it's harder to breathe through, but your glasses won't fog!
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Apr 11, 2020 18:38
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HEY GUNS posted:Thank you. What about wool and linen? Pure linen will survive anything pure cotton can. Wool-- all depends on how it is spun and if it's been treated or felted or mixed with any other fiber. (Even if it's 100% wool it still may come out of an autoclave all wonky. I am primarily a knitter and speak from experience on wool.) Probably best to stay with the thread they ask for if possible.
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Apr 19, 2020 20:55
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More mask chat. Made a few more this weekend, using this pattern: https://www.instructables.com/id/Olson-Mask-for-PPE-With-Filter-for-Personal-and-No/ Much less fiddly! Though I think I might size it down a bit if I make more. That first pattern I used had a teen-size and that worked perfectly. Also I got better at sewing along curves and it turns out that I actually fit a less beaky mask a little better, now that I made some with actual curves.   Nosewire pocket for this pattern is much easier, but involves topstiching.
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Apr 27, 2020 01:28
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Fleta Mcgurn posted:You look like Fashion Shredder and I stan! Oooh Fashion Shredder; I could not hope for better! Happiness Commando posted:That fabric is beautiful Thanks! Random JoAnne fabric find from several years ago. I love marble endpapers and this was so enticing I bought it before I even learned how to use a sewing machine. (I was in for some darning needles for knitting purposes.) It's nice to finally use it!
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Apr 29, 2020 01:20
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Volcott posted:Hey there, what sort of thread would you recommend for basic stuff like sticking a button back on or mending a small tear? Finally used up a spool my mom's had in her kit for like 30 years. Material, thickness, whatever. Many thanks. Coats & Clark Dual Duty is good enough and you can probably find it at Walmart, even, not a fancy store. Used it tons for small repairs and buttons. It isn't the strongest thread but it is definitely a Thread That Works. I picked up some Gutterman 100% poly Sew-All thread to make a dress and I really like it. Speaking of, here is babby's first dress/stretch knit garment:   (The one hem I don't line up is the one I photograph) Made with this fabric-- a UV-protective compression tricot. It hated stretch needles but was fine with ball points. Bonus: WICKING FABRIC so perfect for summer! I started with this pattern but self-drafted about 3/4s of it after realizing the silhouette wasn't what I wanted for this fabric. I also forgot to shorten the torso for my 5-foot self. When I pulled the waist up to where it needed to be it created some nice rutching, so I decided it is a Feature.
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May 30, 2020 23:12
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Peeches posted:I love that dress! It looks great on you! I was just looking into uv fabric. Is it very heavy? I want to make a shrug type cover up for out side summer work but I don't want to be sweating like crazy. Thank you! This particular fabric has some body/heft to it (290gsm) but it isn't particularly heavy-feeling due to it being a knit. It's definitely not breezy, but it should wick away sweat. I wouldn't mind running tights or shorts made out of it, but I feel like a garment that doesn't sit next to skin won't get the wicking benefit as much and may get a little clammy. There are a ton of thinner wicking athletic jersey fabrics that may work, though!
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May 30, 2020 23:28
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Lead out in cuffs posted:For a second I thought we had a dedicated thread for buttons. It looks like pixel art! I love it.
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May 31, 2020 13:47
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scarletpandai posted:Oh, what's the book? I'll have to check it out. Woven or knit fabric? What kind of bodice/silhouette do you want? Sleeve type? Neckline? The 5 Out of 4 pattern I used above has great instructions-one of their dress patterns might work for you. Also Pattern Review is pretty awful to search on but they can be a good resource for finding and vetting patterns.
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Jun 4, 2020 04:50
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My ankle is acting up this weekend so instead of running I sewed some running shorts:   (Still need to work on sewing knits evenly-- and get a walking foot. Loosening the presser foot tension only gets me so far. ) The whole time I was cutting the fabric I kept thinking of BeatmasterJ and his bathroom tiles. There's no way to know how anything will line up! Got the flowers about where I wanted them anyway. I used the Apostrophe MyFit leggings generator and really like the results! Sewed down the side seams as a welt seam to keep them in place. The inner leg seams could use that too, but I couldnt figure out how to do it. Have decided on never doing a small crotch gusset without a serger ever again. Too many bulky seams! Might try the Super G leggings pattern next, with its long gusset panel. (Well, I'll use it but grade it to the measurements the generator makes.) I didn't know about the loud florals/2nd civil war signaling thing when I bought the fabric, so if I wear these outside of the house I'll have to a BLM tee with it.
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Jun 7, 2020 00:32
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BonerGhost posted:Those shorts are extremely cute and good! Yes-- same fabric, different print! 82% polyester, 18% lycra, and wicking. This page is a decent starting point for performance legging fabrics.
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Jun 7, 2020 18:36
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The_Hatt posted:I recently completed a project where I salvaged the material from a riding shirt I ruined in a bike crash and sewed it into a neck gaiter/face mask and holy drat, sewing that jersey material on a regular machine is a total drag. I have a walking foot on the advice of every sewing blog I've read on the subject and am using a zigzag stitch so when I pull the mask it won't pop the thread. Does anyone have any further advice for making a project look nice if you're using a standard machine instead of a serger or is it just something I should just keep practicing? Ooh, nice bike bag! I mostly sew lycra knits, on a mechanical normal sewing machine. I really only have been doing this a few months, but I went hard mode after making a ton of masks and getting tempted by pretty compression fabric. Here's what I've learned:
On the plus side, no real worries about the fabric unraveling so no need to finish every single drat seam!
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Jul 14, 2020 04:58
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Boiled wool might be a good place to start, too.
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Aug 26, 2020 04:22
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HelloIAmYourHeart posted:Thank you! Your cat is so cute and your quilts are amazing!! I made a little cutlery roll to throw in my work bag from fabric scraps. It has pockets for napkins and sanitizer wipes, which I find myself needing when I eat lunch in the odd places work brings me to.   I kinda hate how thin the ribbon is and will probably add something beefier. I used it because it was a scrap too, making it an all-scrap project!
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Aug 30, 2020 03:32
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HelloIAmYourHeart posted:Is it the right bobbin for the machine? You'd be astonished at how often that happens with secondhand machines. Or even modern machines if they are Singers; my manual said one type and the website said another! Both kinds worked but the one from the website works a smidge better. Don't buy modern Singers
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Jan 3, 2021 03:56
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I finished a thing I started back in July 2020! I completely lost all creative energy as work ramped up due to the pandemic, but recently had a work week of less than 70hrs and felt an itch... Which was only scratched by finishing this jacket! It is the Greenstyle Creations Sundance Jacket.       I modified the pocket bags to be big rectangles that I could catch in the front princess seams and hem, giving me inner stash pockets!! I have a love/hate relationship with the fabric. I love wearing it, and I love sewing seams with only two layers of fabric. I hate top stitching it (though that may just be my machine's fault - its triple straight stitch just looks sloppy, I think), and I hate sewing more than two layers of this stuff. I learned zippers for this jacket! It shows, but far less than my "let's try THIS foot" experiments on the hem. And the collar is awful but it fits and I am DONE with ripping out stitches on this fabric so I will take it. Good news is that I wanted this for running/hiking and it'll fit the bill perfectly. I won't baby it since it won't be a jacket that's nice enough for work! It really is comfy to wear and I love having so many pockets. The double zipper means no flapping jacket, something I wish more running clothing companies would understand. Full details in my Pattern Review page for it. effika fucked around with this message at 19:04 on Feb 1, 2021 |
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Feb 1, 2021 00:10
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Admiral Goodenough posted:Just posting to say this looks fantastic and I would have thought it was from some cool brand if I didn't know if was made by you! Thanks a lot! HelloIAmYourHeart posted:The bed is heated! The bed doesn't purr, though. Sewing machine is warm, purrs, you pay attention to it=must be cat friend to sit on
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Feb 3, 2021 20:59
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eonwe posted:I have someone who has been hinting they may want a new sewing machine. They aren't a professional seamstress or anything, but they do somewhat frequently sew. I have that machine! It's perfectly good enough for most things. Also it's at least $80 overpriced, but I guess that's what pandemic prices are like for sewing machines. Normally you could get something with more quality of life bonuses, like a thread cutter, speed adjust knob, needle up/down setting, etc, for that kind of money. There's a very good chance the bobbin tension is set wrong from the factory. So if they can't seem to stop getting bird's nests, try adjusting that. My posts in this thread have a link to a YouTube video that shows how to adjust it. Also the pedal is probably going to take off super fast with a little bit of pressure. There's a resistor knob to help adjust that, but you have to take the pedal apart to get to it. I wouldn't call this machine an upgrade from anything other than the little machines that just do hems, but it is a good basic mechanical machine. Do you happen to have any hints or ideas on things they don't like about their current machine, or features that they might like? That can help find a good fit.
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Feb 5, 2021 14:29
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Strong Sauce posted:yeah there are 3 zippers on this thing, 2 of the zippers completely disintegrated when i used some pliers to apply a small amount of force. the main one pictured i have already clamped down pretty hard on it and still they don't catch any of the teeth so i guess i'm going to have to go the route of pulling out some of the teeth and replacing the zipper body. I've done this repair to a fake leather purse! It's actually less stressful to do it to something by hand than with a machine, I find. Time consuming, but you know every step of the way that you're sewing it in how you want it to look. These are good basic instructions. Get yourself a seam ripper, a thicker needle to handle the canvas, and some heavy-duty thread just to be extra secure and you'll be repairing it in no time. You can find an amazing selection of notions like zippers and needles at Wawak. Zippers are sized by how big the teeth are, so measure what you have and see if you can match it.
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Feb 9, 2021 13:27
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Lead out in cuffs posted:I made the otter from the Cholyknight pattern! Oooh, cuddly!
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Feb 13, 2021 21:19
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My husband wanted a new mask for work. When I gave it to him, he frowned. "Sorry the plaid's a little off," I said. "I didn't feel like getting the walking foot out." "I'm not worried about the plaid..."  Oklaho
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Feb 20, 2021 22:42
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effika posted:My husband wanted a new mask for work. When I gave it to him, he frowned. In my continuing saga of Inappropriate Masks for Work, my husband picked out some stripey fabric and wanted the stripes vertical. Me: "Do you have any Georgia O'keeffe's up at work?" Him: "Yeah, why?" Me: *points* 
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Mar 28, 2021 03:59
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Teen me would have used adhesive velcro dots, so good on teen you for choosing something reasonable! Thirding that a few stitches of matching thread to make the buttonholes smaller is probably the easiest option.
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Mar 28, 2021 21:55
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Discovery Fabric is in Canada and I never order from them because the shipping to the US is atrocious. Maybe it's better within the country? Lots of people like them, and if you're looking for anything vaguely outdoors/sports they probably have it.
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Apr 9, 2021 04:54
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The_Hatt posted:Got bored and made a stuffed chew toy out of canvas for my dog a couple weeks back: Yes good
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Apr 14, 2021 00:07
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I LOVE THE COLORS YAY SO BRIGHT Always backstitch unless you have another way of securing your threads. The rest is up to you and what way you decide looks best and is easier.
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Jun 18, 2021 02:55
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I like my Singer Heavy Duty but if you will be sewing things like canvas, look for more industrial use machines like Juki and Sailrite. They are expensive but will handle thick fabric like it's nothing, and they have machines with zigzag stitch and walking feet too. Also I feel like I don't have enough clearance between the foot and the plate of my machine and can't imagine sewing more than like 3 layers of canvas. I have enough trouble getting 4 layers of 200gsm spandex fabric wedged under there. (It sews fine, just doesn't want to fit.)
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Jun 29, 2021 13:54
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I am super tired but I finished a t-shirt! Greenstyle Green Tee. I hate neck bands so I did a clean finish binding instead. I need to work on the little v-point dart, but I like it well enough to wear it out of the house. It is amazing how much a difference the proper fit makes.   And an action shot, since fashion looks better in motion:  I did not pick the correct size on my first muslin and got this:  Had to add in a gusset along the sides, two sizes bigger to accommodate my chest. At least their newer patterns have an FBA pieces! n0tqu1tesane posted:My mom recently borrowed my Singer Heavy Duty to recover some outdoor wicker couch cushions, and in taking the old covers off discovered that there were six existing covers still on the cushions That is fantastic! So many trends throughout the decades. I wonder if the cushions fit differently now?
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Jul 5, 2021 00:13
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Does it knock when you crank by hand? Does it knock when you use something like parchment paper with it? Does it knock when you sew something thinner? Does it knock when you try a different size or composition of thread?
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Aug 10, 2021 20:41
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