~~~SEWING my way to POFQ ~ American Girl outfits & Custom Park Bags! ~~~

[idofabric]

If you look up info on needles, you find that the thread passes throught the eye a zillion times before a stitch is made in the fabric...which is one of the reasons most machine manuels suggest you change your needle every...4-6 hours, or less.

This is the hardest thing to try and get new sewers to understand. I have had students that have sewn for "20" years or more brag they don't change a needle inless it breaks!!!

I change needles at least every 6 hours...or a lot less. I change from a size 8 to a 19 depending on what I am sewing...and what I have sewn through. I have leather point needles, stretch ones,fine ones, wing, double, triple, and wing with a double needle,the ones that you can use on anything... and some others...

I also buy size 10, 12,14,16 in 100 packs when my local Hus/viking dealer has a sale...it is about $32 for 100 needles!

Don't get me started on thread...Silk/Tire, cotton(different weights, of course),Poly, Rayon,Metaltic, And the ribbon thread I use in the bobbin to fake "hand" embrodiery...I even have a seperate bobbin case for my machines...

Ok, sorry, but I hoard needles...fabric...yarn...trim/LACE/ribbon....silk....batting....patterns....

Need MORE room....

 

[Lidian]

I'm thinking the issue may have had to do more with D than with the machines, but don't tell her I said that. I don't want her to get a complex.

Your secret is safe with me!

If you look up info on needles, you find that the thread passes throught the eye a zillion times before a stitch is made in the fabric...which is one of the reasons most machine manuels suggest you change your needle every...4-6 hours, or less.

This is the hardest thing to try and get new sewers to understand. I have had students that have sewn for "20" years or more brag they don't change a needle inless it breaks!!!

I change needles at least every 6 hours...or a lot less. I change from a size 8 to a 19 depending on what I am sewing...and what I have sewn through. I have leather point needles, stretch ones,fine ones, wing, double, triple, and wing with a double needle,the ones that you can use on anything... and some others...

I also buy size 10, 12,14,16 in 100 packs when my local Hus/viking dealer has a sale...it is about $32 for 100 needles!

Don't get me started on thread...Silk/Tire, cotton(different weights, of course),Poly, Rayon,Metaltic, And the ribbon thread I use in the bobbin to fake "hand" embrodiery...I even have a seperate bobbin case for my machines...

Ok, sorry, but I hoard needles...fabric...yarn...trim/LACE/ribbon....silk....batting....patterns....

Need MORE room....

Okay, NEW sewing-learner here! My mom (who readily admits she just knows the basics) has been working with me. Being new, I didn't even know the needle COULD break (or could even be changed). She mentioned she only changed the needle if it breaks (and she said it happens, and usually at the worst time). I think back eons ago, she took a home-ec class, and I don't know how much practices have changed over the course of "eons".

I did see a needle cushion at Walmart the other day, but wasn't quite sure what it was for ... but now it sounds like it's a way to keep track of needle usage?

So how do you log your needle hours? And are you sure this isn't some ploy from needle-making companies to pilfer your hard-earned/sewn dollars?

 

[NiniMorris]

I was always told to change the needle after every project... (but we all know I don't always do as I am told!)


Nini

 

[miprender]

First of all...

We did get the machine, and it was perfect. It's 3/4 size and just perfect for dd. I am very excited because I know that dd will be excited!

Second... The reason Patience and Mr. Rocket were acting up, I had a bad package of needles. Mr. Rocket didin't come with needles, so I opened a new pkg just for him... Then when I broke Patience's needle, I used one from the same package for her. So, this morning, as a last ditch effort, I took her needle clamp off of her needle bar and cleaned it really well - I thought that maybe I might have made that mechanism a little kiddie-wompus... While it was off, I looked really closely at the needle bar, and it looked perfect to me. So, I put it all back together, and decided to use a needle from a new package, put it in, and sure enough - dead center in the straight stitch hole. Tested her stitch and back to perfection.

Which led me to Mr. Rocket... He was using a needle from the same package. So, I took it out and put in a needle from the new package - and no more skipped stitches.

So, all this time and effort could have been saved if I had just tried a different package of needles. I've read about this happening hundreds of times on the internet, but I just scoffed it off, because it's pretty rare. When all else fails, and you've done everything - try a new set of needles, after all - the needle is the most important part of the machine... Every single piece of the machine is just a tool for the needle and thread to pass through the fabric.

Lesson learned.

D~

WOW that is just crazy. Glad you figured it out though.

 

[dianemom2]

First of all...

We did get the machine, and it was perfect. It's 3/4 size and just perfect for dd. I am very excited because I know that dd will be excited!

Second... The reason Patience and Mr. Rocket were acting up, I had a bad package of needles. Mr. Rocket didin't come with needles, so I opened a new pkg just for him... Then when I broke Patience's needle, I used one from the same package for her. So, this morning, as a last ditch effort, I took her needle clamp off of her needle bar and cleaned it really well - I thought that maybe I might have made that mechanism a little kiddie-wompus... While it was off, I looked really closely at the needle bar, and it looked perfect to me. So, I put it all back together, and decided to use a needle from a new package, put it in, and sure enough - dead center in the straight stitch hole. Tested her stitch and back to perfection.

Which led me to Mr. Rocket... He was using a needle from the same package. So, I took it out and put in a needle from the new package - and no more skipped stitches.

So, all this time and effort could have been saved if I had just tried a different package of needles. I've read about this happening hundreds of times on the internet, but I just scoffed it off, because it's pretty rare. When all else fails, and you've done everything - try a new set of needles, after all - the needle is the most important part of the machine... Every single piece of the machine is just a tool for the needle and thread to pass through the fabric.

Lesson learned.

D~

So happy about all the great news. A new sewing machine and you were able to repair Patience and Mr. Rocket. I looked at the link you posted to the Craigslist ad. The new machine is really a beauty. It looks like it is wonderful condition! Now that both Patience and Mr. Rocket are fixed, you should be able to get lots of sewing done after Thanksgiving!

I hardly ever change my needles. I am very bad. I do remember to change to a ball point needle if I am working on knits though. Both of your machines sew such a lovely, straight stitch. It makes me realize how hard a time I have sewing straight with my machine. The thingy that holds the presser foot is crooked and the presser foot doesn't sit straight on it. I sew on my Brother SE270 and I don't know that it would be worth getting it fixed. Maybe over Thanksgiving I will be able to talk my mom into giving me her old Singer. The only thing I don't like about it is the front loading bobbin.

I am now the proud owner of Coconut, Licorice, a dog house, a few doggie accessories and clothes, and a cat bed. They are all in fabulous shape -- the only thing that shows a hair of wear is the dog house. I think we have a BJs here and my sister's boyfriend belongs to either Sam's Club or BJs -- I must go with them sometime to see what they have. I'm still watching some things on e-bay, but prices get too high. I am not a collector, my dd wants these things just for play.

Congratulations on acquiring some of the things on your daughter's wish list today. I got lots of stuff for my girls from Craiglist. I always did better there than on ebay. I think that the bidding goes too high for most things on ebay. Once the price gets to a certain amount, I always figured, I might as well buy it brand new.

 

[DMGeurts]

OMG DD would be screaming if she saw how many dolls you have.
Maybe we will have to take a road trip to MN and I will bring my PE770 with me and DD can play with your dolls.

I know - it's quite embarassing sometimes. It seems like so much (and it really is) - those pictures don't even show our "doll house" set up with all the furniture. We are trying really hard to get everything set up nice for TG, getting all the dolls dressed and in proper attire... poor gals - they've spent the majority of the last year nekkid, because it's easier to grab a nekkid one to photograph than it is to grab one that's dressed (gotta take off her clothes, hang them up in the proper location... blah).

D so happy that you fixed Mr. Rocket and Patience.

Me too... I am so pumped... I even managed to do some major appliqueing on Mr. R today - I will take pics for you all tomororw (I don't normally take pics during construction) but I am so thrilled right now.

Ah! That might explain what was wrong with my old machine. It kept skipping stitches...and I couldn't figure it out. I changed the needle, rethreaded, cleaned it out. Still skipping .

I put it away for a few months. I took it out a couple weeks ago and put a new needle in...and it sewed fine!

See... Isn't it just perplexing??? And annoying - something so simple turns into this huge fiasco...

Ummmm???? Where's my prize????? I was the one who mentioned NEEDLES! (Never mind that I just figured you put them in backwards ).

You don't get to earn prizes in your own PTR - didn't you know that?

If you look up info on needles, you find that the thread passes throught the eye a zillion times before a stitch is made in the fabric...which is one of the reasons most machine manuels suggest you change your needle every...4-6 hours, or less.

This is the hardest thing to try and get new sewers to understand. I have had students that have sewn for "20" years or more brag they don't change a needle inless it breaks!!!

I change needles at least every 6 hours...or a lot less. I change from a size 8 to a 19 depending on what I am sewing...and what I have sewn through. I have leather point needles, stretch ones,fine ones, wing, double, triple, and wing with a double needle,the ones that you can use on anything... and some others...

I also buy size 10, 12,14,16 in 100 packs when my local Hus/viking dealer has a sale...it is about $32 for 100 needles!

Don't get me started on thread...Silk/Tire, cotton(different weights, of course),Poly, Rayon,Metaltic, And the ribbon thread I use in the bobbin to fake "hand" embrodiery...I even have a seperate bobbin case for my machines...

Ok, sorry, but I hoard needles...fabric...yarn...trim/LACE/ribbon....silk....batting....patterns....

Need MORE room....

As usual Athene - you are a wealth of knowledge... Where were you when I was having all these problems with Miss P and Mr R??? You would have told me to change the needle, and I would have told you that I changed it 4 times already... but then you would have been the SMART one to tell me to try a different pack of needles - right?

Seriously - I really want to camp at your house for a few weeks, so I can learn all your sewing tricks.

I did see a needle cushion at Walmart the other day, but wasn't quite sure what it was for ... but now it sounds like it's a way to keep track of needle usage?

OK Liddy - PULEEZE don't tell me you are referring to the dreaded "tomato"??? That thing will make anyone want to quit sewing immediately. Nothing worse than going to put a pin in it and it rolls away from you EVERY SINGLE TIME... Grrrr... Just thinking about it makes me angry. LOL

Pin cusions (I've never heard of a needle cusion - although - I do put needles in mine - but only with thread through the eye, so I don't lose them in the cusion) are used for the pins that you use to hold the fabric together. I actually use an elephant that dd V made for me - just an adorable fat thing - I love it - and it does't ever roll away. No need to count all the pins, unless you really want to.

So, if you decide to invest in a pin cusion - anything but round bottom will do... go for a flat bottom one.

Sorry - I get so angry when I think about that tomato...

So how do you log your needle hours? And are you sure this isn't some ploy from needle-making companies to pilfer your hard-earned/sewn dollars?

I don't. I am naughty - I admit it. I never change my needle - I really should, but as long as it sews, I'm all good. I should try to follow Athene's example in the future. I would think that after every project should be sufficient??? Most of the time anyways... Unless you are making Beatles costumes or something like that...

Can I just say how super excited I am about V's Christmas gift? I am super excited!!!! I cannot wait to give it to her - and I just love that it's 3/4 sized - just like her. And just like Patience - it sews perfectly. It threads quite different from Patience. It takes the same bobbins as Mr R. It has the same foot pedal as both Patience and Mr R - so that's good - I really like that foot pedal. Oh - and we are officially the 3rd owner of this machine. The guy we purchased it from, originally purchased it from the original owner... It doesn't look like it was really ever used all that much. The case is pretty beat up - but the machine iteself is gorgeous... I didn't notice any pin nicks or anything on it - and the Japan finish is immaculate.

Oh and I don't even dare tell you about the CL guy we purchased V's machine from - him and his wife make these gorgeous quilts - and she has one of those huge free arm thingys that Nini has... It was amazing! They turned their entire basement family room area into a sewing spot for their quiting - oh and get this - they quilt together... soooo sweet... soooo romantic - I wish Josh would sew with me - ack, what am I saying??? No, I don't. Maybe later in life - not now though. Anyways - I sat at their house for an hour today... Oh, and he has a Singer 401 he's willing to sell me after Christmas. Although, now that Mr. Rocket is mosly being good - I am just not sure I can justify another machine.

Ok - anyways... I think Mr. R needs a new upper bearing in his motor... They aren't expensive (-$5) but I think they might be a pain to replace. See, Mr. Rocket now has a perfect stitch, but he is really hesitant to get going and really sluggish once he does - typical man... (Patience is gear driven, as well, and she just goes)... So, everything I've read online points to Mr. R needing a new bearing. However, I did find a temp solution that could buy me a year or two - so I think I am going to try that to see if it helps any for the time being - while I search for this part that everyone seems to be sold out of.

I forgot what else I was going to say... but I've probably said enough for tonight, because I probably lost all of you in that first paragraph.

D~ <--- who is in charge of putting Josh's cranberry with mixed-fruit pie in the fridge.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Hi D~ happy to read you were able to fix the sewing issues on your babies!!


showed Megan your AG collection and she was and quite impressed! she wanted me to show you here AG area.....Jim had made her closets from crates we got at Michael's, he added a dowel for the rod

she has taken great care of all the outfits this way!!

 

[mphalens]

If you look up info on needles, you find that the thread passes throught the eye a zillion times before a stitch is made in the fabric...which is one of the reasons most machine manuels suggest you change your needle every...4-6 hours, or less.

This is the hardest thing to try and get new sewers to understand. I have had students that have sewn for "20" years or more brag they don't change a needle inless it breaks!!!

I change needles at least every 6 hours...or a lot less. I change from a size 8 to a 19 depending on what I am sewing...and what I have sewn through. I have leather point needles, stretch ones,fine ones, wing, double, triple, and wing with a double needle,the ones that you can use on anything... and some others...

I also buy size 10, 12,14,16 in 100 packs when my local Hus/viking dealer has a sale...it is about $32 for 100 needles!

Don't get me started on thread...Silk/Tire, cotton(different weights, of course),Poly, Rayon,Metaltic, And the ribbon thread I use in the bobbin to fake "hand" embrodiery...I even have a seperate bobbin case for my machines...

Ok, sorry, but I hoard needles...fabric...yarn...trim/LACE/ribbon....silk....batting....patterns....

Need MORE room....

So - when can I expect you for a major sewing lesson? Or I could come to you? I have a Singer 401A - and I can probably get D~ to come with me

As usual Athene - you are a wealth of knowledge... Where were you when I was having all these problems with Miss P and Mr R??? You would have told me to change the needle, and I would have told you that I changed it 4 times already... but then you would have been the SMART one to tell me to try a different pack of needles - right?

Seriously - I really want to camp at your house for a few weeks, so I can learn all your sewing tricks.

See? What'd I tell you? D~ would come with

Oh and I don't even dare tell you about the CL guy we purchased V's machine from - him and his wife make these gorgeous quilts - and she has one of those huge free arm thingys that Nini has... It was amazing! They turned their entire basement family room area into a sewing spot for their quiting - oh and get this - they quilt together... soooo sweet... soooo romantic - I wish Josh would sew with me - ack, what am I saying??? No, I don't. Maybe later in life - not now though. Anyways - I sat at their house for an hour today... Oh, and he has a Singer 401 he's willing to sell me after Christmas. Although, now that Mr. Rocket is mosly being good - I am just not sure I can justify another machine.

EXCUSE ME?!?!?!?!?!​

I KNOW you did NOT just say that he HAS a SINGER 401A that he is WILLING TO SELL YOU (and after Christmas) and you might NOT buy it??? How much does he want? I'll buy a backup for Frannie!!!! Do I really need to come BACK to Minnesota, m'dear??? I think I can hear Frannie crying in the dining room thinking about her poor sister up there all excited to be adopted into this fabulous Vintage family and she might get passed by because Mr Rocket is being "mostly good"


Marianne <-------- Who has not sewed a thing all day because she's been dealing with a feverish baby and a friend's dogs and their incompetent dog sitter and buttons costing an arm and a leg and AT&T employees not being able to properly apply stickers to iphone boxes and children having too many toys and not being able to find the one I need them to find and OMG! my trip is in 4 days and I'm STILL NOT READY OR DONE SEWING!!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

Hi D~ happy to read you were able to fix the sewing issues on your babies!!


showed Megan your AG collection and she was and quite impressed! she wanted me to show you here AG area.....Jim had made her closets from crates we got at Michael's, he added a dowel for the rod

she has taken great care of all the outfits this way!!

I love Megan's AG area! She does a wonderful job taking care of everything! And how fabulous that Jim made her the closets. Megan: Thanks for sharing with me - I love your collection!!

So - when can I expect you for a major sewing lesson? Or I could come to you? I have a Singer 401A - and I can probably get D~ to come with me



See? What'd I tell you? D~ would come with

Yah - we don't even need to get a time share... We can just go to Athene's house!

EXCUSE ME?!?!?!?!?!​

I KNOW you did NOT just say that he HAS a SINGER 401A that he is WILLING TO SELL YOU (and after Christmas) and you might NOT buy it??? How much does he want? I'll buy a backup for Frannie!!!! Do I really need to come BACK to Minnesota, m'dear??? I think I can hear Frannie crying in the dining room thinking about her poor sister up there all excited to be adopted into this fabulous Vintage family and she might get passed by because Mr Rocket is being "mostly good"

He wants $125 for it. It has been completely refurbed... and it has a refurb sticker on it from my home town. Pretty pathetic that I almost bought it just for the sticker. Then, of course, DH had to rouse me from my stupor and remind me that we were there for a machine for dd and not for me.

I guess I will have to see where I am at after Christmas for my Disney fund goal, and that will determine if I buy it or not. I don't have any more room on my counter for another machine - so if I get another one - DH will have to build me a sturdy shelf to store them on when they aren't in use. However, if he built me a shelf - that would justfy the fact that I also want a 301a (black)... And several other machines that I could use as "decor" for my sewing room.

Marianne <-------- Who has not sewed a thing all day because she's been dealing with a feverish baby and a friend's dogs and their incompetent dog sitter and buttons costing an arm and a leg and AT&T employees not being able to properly apply stickers to iphone boxes and children having too many toys and not being able to find the one I need them to find and OMG! my trip is in 4 days and I'm STILL NOT READY OR DONE SEWING!!!!

Awww... Marianne... You crazy girl... you must not let life get in the way of your sewing. In all seriousness - which of your little guys is sick??? I hope he is feeling better by the trip and he doesn't get anyone else sick. Bummer about the incompetent dog sitter - we were very lucky to get a great one for The Ruf when we went to Europe last spring - it's so important to have a great person to take care of your animals while you are away... There isn't much worse than worrying about them while you are gone. Hopefully the situation gets resolved. Sorry about the phone... I am really good at applying stickers to phones, if you need me to wander down to Disney to meet you in 3 days to apply stickers - tha'ts fine with me.

Soooo.... Josh and I carried the dininroom table into the living room last night - so I have no choice but to bleach my floors this morning. I put it off yesterday. I also have to make my 2 batches of make ahead mashed potatoes, beer bread, Garlic Garlic dip... Maybe green bean caserole??? Then I am hoping to be done with all of this by lunch time... I'd like to sneak up to my sewing room and finish the applique on the current bag, and maybe start assembling the interior and zippers.

I have to be to bed by 5 pm tonight - so I woke at 3:30am with Josh today, hopefully I will be tired enough to fall asleep that early. And hopefully I won't forget to set my alarm to wake me at 1am tomorrow.

Oh, and one last thing. Josh went out to start his truck this morning, and it won't start. He had to take the Edge. I hope it's nothing serious, because we just don't have the time to be down a vehicle right now - we both have to work at different times on Black Friday - very early - and there is just no way we can make it work with one vehicle. Grrr.... And part stores won't be open tomorrow, so it has to be fixed tonight.

D~

 

[miprender]

D.... I would love to see all your AG furniture too.

showed Megan your AG collection and she was and quite impressed! she wanted me to show you here AG area.....Jim had made her closets from crates we got at Michael's, he added a dowel for the rod

she has taken great care of all the outfits this way!!

I might have to steal that idea for DD. That would be a great place to put her AG clothes but I see you have the AG dolls on the ground. We could never do this in our house as our dog has a need to mark his territory on every single toy the kids have.

Marianne <-------- Who has not sewed a thing all day because she's been dealing with a feverish baby and a friend's dogs and their incompetent dog sitter and buttons costing an arm and a leg and AT&T employees not being able to properly apply stickers to iphone boxes and children having too many toys and not being able to find the one I need them to find and OMG! my trip is in 4 days and I'm STILL NOT READY OR DONE SEWING!!!!

Why do they always get sick just before vacation. Was it Finn that was sick? I hope he feels better soon.

Oh, and one last thing. Josh went out to start his truck this morning, and it won't start. He had to take the Edge. I hope it's nothing serious, because we just don't have the time to be down a vehicle right now - we both have to work at different times on Black Friday - very early - and there is just no way we can make it work with one vehicle. Grrr.... And part stores won't be open tomorrow, so it has to be fixed tonight.

D~

Hope it is nothing serious.

 

[dianemom2]

He wants $125 for it. It has been completely refurbed... and it has a refurb sticker on it from my home town. Pretty pathetic that I almost bought it just for the sticker. Then, of course, DH had to rouse me from my stupor and remind me that we were there for a machine for dd and not for me.

Oh, and one last thing. Josh went out to start his truck this morning, and it won't start. He had to take the Edge. I hope it's nothing serious, because we just don't have the time to be down a vehicle right now - we both have to work at different times on Black Friday - very early - and there is just no way we can make it work with one vehicle. Grrr.... And part stores won't be open tomorrow, so it has to be fixed tonight.

D~

You definitely need to buy that sewing machine! It is what you've been looking for!

I hope nothing serious is wrong with your DH's truck! I hope it is something simple like the battery.

 

[Lidian]

OK Liddy - PULEEZE don't tell me you are referring to the dreaded "tomato"??? That thing will make anyone want to quit sewing immediately. Nothing worse than going to put a pin in it and it rolls away from you EVERY SINGLE TIME... Grrrr... Just thinking about it makes me angry. LOL

You mean this tomato?

The kids were nice enough to push all the pins down into it for me. Huzzah for me for buying pins with the rounded ball on top!

Okay, so it's actually Mom's pin cushion, but I did buy the pins in it.

I've looked around for cutesy pin cushions. Nada. They're ALL tomatoes. ALL. I would have to order one online (which I may ... since you can see MY pin cushion, hanging out with mom's).

He's so little! I swear, if I put a pin in him, someone will get hurt. So he sits in my little singer box (that I mentioned on my PTR) to look adorable. Because he is adorable ... he's so tiny! And I have a fascination with tiny objects. (My needles are too big for him.)

Anyway ... I've not had any issues with the tomato. Maybe mom has flattened it enough? It never rolled away when I was making those purses.

Pin cusions (I've never heard of a needle cusion - although - I do put needles in mine - but only with thread through the eye, so I don't lose them in the cusion) are used for the pins that you use to hold the fabric together. I actually use an elephant that dd V made for me - just an adorable fat thing - I love it - and it does't ever roll away. No need to count all the pins, unless you really want to.

Here's the needle cushion I saw at Walmart:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Singer-Machine-Needle-Pin-Cushion/19398722

It's PINK!

So, if you decide to invest in a pin cusion - anything but round bottom will do... go for a flat bottom one.

Sorry - I get so angry when I think about that tomato...

Poor D~

I don't. I am naughty - I admit it. I never change my needle - I really should, but as long as it sews, I'm all good. I should try to follow Athene's example in the future. I would think that after every project should be sufficient??? Most of the time anyways... Unless you are making Beatles costumes or something like that...

Can I just say how super excited I am about V's Christmas gift? I am super excited!!!! I cannot wait to give it to her - and I just love that it's 3/4 sized - just like her. And just like Patience - it sews perfectly. It threads quite different from Patience. It takes the same bobbins as Mr R. It has the same foot pedal as both Patience and Mr R - so that's good - I really like that foot pedal. Oh - and we are officially the 3rd owner of this machine. The guy we purchased it from, originally purchased it from the original owner... It doesn't look like it was really ever used all that much. The case is pretty beat up - but the machine iteself is gorgeous... I didn't notice any pin nicks or anything on it - and the Japan finish is immaculate.

Oh and I don't even dare tell you about the CL guy we purchased V's machine from - him and his wife make these gorgeous quilts - and she has one of those huge free arm thingys that Nini has... It was amazing! They turned their entire basement family room area into a sewing spot for their quiting - oh and get this - they quilt together... soooo sweet... soooo romantic - I wish Josh would sew with me - ack, what am I saying??? No, I don't. Maybe later in life - not now though. Anyways - I sat at their house for an hour today... Oh, and he has a Singer 401 he's willing to sell me after Christmas. Although, now that Mr. Rocket is mosly being good - I am just not sure I can justify another machine.

Ok - anyways... I think Mr. R needs a new upper bearing in his motor... They aren't expensive (-$5) but I think they might be a pain to replace. See, Mr. Rocket now has a perfect stitch, but he is really hesitant to get going and really sluggish once he does - typical man... (Patience is gear driven, as well, and she just goes)... So, everything I've read online points to Mr. R needing a new bearing. However, I did find a temp solution that could buy me a year or two - so I think I am going to try that to see if it helps any for the time being - while I search for this part that everyone seems to be sold out of.

I forgot what else I was going to say... but I've probably said enough for tonight, because I probably lost all of you in that first paragraph.

D~ <--- who is in charge of putting Josh's cranberry with mixed-fruit pie in the fridge.

So glad that you're excited over V's new machine!

 

[cogero]

i am leaving for work but wanted to say I can't believe you are debating the 401A.

I am designing my new sewing space in myhead so I can get it all priced and ask my dad to have his men install it. Though it would probably be better for me to figure it out install itmyself well it would be quicker anyway.

When I get to work I am going to look up your mashed potato recipe so I can make those tonight. Along with the sweet potatoes, stuffed celery and start draining the fruit for the ambrosia.

 

[NiniMorris]

I HATE pincushions...I use a metal thingy from the auto parts store...it is magnetized and you just have to throw the pins in that direction and it grabs them.

I've seen similar ones at Joann's that are plastic, but the magnet is only on one side??? and not very strong...and it costs double what the large one does at the auto parts store. (I think the large one was like $5) I had hubby look for it when he goes in...and now I have like three.

(they are also great for when 'someone' knocks all the pins in the floor!)

When I take handwork for our endless hours of therapy and appointments, I just put one of the silver bowl thingys in a large plastic zip bag and take it with me. MUCH easier than trying to use a pin cushion!

(although I DID see a pattern for a cute pin cushion that looks like a mannequin...)
Nini

 

[BridgetR3]

(although I DID see a pattern for a cute pin cushion that looks like a mannequin...)

Hmmm...a pin cushion made to look human....that sounds like voodoo to me!

So what does this auto parts store pin thingy look like? I may need one as I use a ziploc baggie!!!

 

[NiniMorris]

Hmmm...a pin cushion made to look human....that sounds like voodoo to me!

So what does this auto parts store pin thingy look like? I may need one as I use a ziploc baggie!!!

It is actually supposed to be used to hold small screws and things while working on cars. It is a shallow metal bowl with a heavy magnet in the bottom of the bowl.

For me they are perfect, since when I pin a quilt on the machine I use about 200 pins....and the metal bars hold the pin bowl thingy....

If I ever get a chance to go back to the studio I'll try and snap a picture of it ...



Nini

 

[Lidian]

Hmmm...a pin cushion made to look human....that sounds like voodoo to me!

Yep! Definitely some voodoo going on here!

 

[idofabric]

You can all come over anytime you want! Or like I said a sewing trip to Orlando?....I do have a hundred zillion timeshare points to use next year...

And I am not a sewing expert, just have done a lot of sewing, since I was 4yo, (mom said 2, but I don't remember that..). And I have made a TON of mistakes. I even have 3 throat plates for my Designer 1,'cause when you really, really break a needle you can cause a dent in the hole in the throat plate that will catch the thread/and/or the fabric you are sewing. That is a BAD thing...specially on silk or shear fabric! Cause I have done that a few times.

As for needles, no, don't think it is a needle industry plot to get us to spend more money..and even worse, I use one of the round tomatoe pin catchers. Only if you take a fine point Sharpie and make the size/type of the needle you take out of the machine(if it is still good for more sewing...), you can keep track of them. I also have it in a small plactic container so it won't roll. The square magnet ones are also in a plastic box with a lid- I don't lose pins in fabric when I take everthing someplace, like to school or a friends house. Or when I drop the entire thing of pins. Ouch...

Sewing hours...my machine has a setting on it that I could use to let me know how long I have been sewing. Never use it... I figure if my back is tired, and I have gotten up enought times to iron each seam/go to the restroom and I am sick of doing all that then it is time to change the needle...If nothing else, at the end of a long day of sewing. On silk I do keep track as it can cause puckers. And on some of the fancy fabrics with sequins or the glitter that is glued on or some stretch fabric, the needle will let you know. As some of you have found out.
Its rare to get a whole pack of bad needles. Send them to the manufacture,or email them/call and tell them how sad you were and that all 50,000 friends that follow you online want to know what they will do about it. Bet they send you more needles... we can hope!

Off to do some less fun stuff. Cook,clean,ya know?And DH is way behind in his laundry folding! I am 3 tubs ahead of him...since he was a USN academy guy he learned how to fold things "correctly" so I don't and haven't for about 26 years now...heheheh....puts up groceries also....same type of thing.

D-you have my #? you can call if you have questions...anything to get out of house cleaning, save me!

 

[idofabric]

Yep! Definitely some voodoo going on here!

They had them at a sewing site.... think "matilda" with a c... or some lady named Nancy... they are dressform looking, but you could glue a Barbie head on them....

 

[mommy2mrb]

D~ sorry about the truck issues, hope Josh can get it fixed! went to Target this morning to pick up a few things and the place was DEAD....when I checked out the clerk stated it felt like the calm before the storm hope your shift will got quickly and without too many crazy people!

Marianne~ hope your little one feels better, you are so close to your trip!



Want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow!