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Pattern sales posted by coloreyec

I haven't kept up with my sales (I think DH has sabotaged my mailers.. LOL)

Last post by Rhoda K at Fri 20 Nov 2009 01:07:14 PM Total posts: 695

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Tights under knit skirts posted by Deepika

Because we have such long winters, I've decided that I am not going to limit myself to pants. So I went to TJ MAXX and bought some nice tights to wear under some of my skirts. Problem is the skirt is riding up. Ugly!!! Whats the solution?

The tights are nylonish and the skirt is heavy weight knit (Poly blend I think).

Last post by cabinbaby at Fri 20 Nov 2009 01:08:34 PM Total posts: 25

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New sewing machine posted by livetosew

I'm interested in purchasing a brother innovis 2800 sewing machine.It's a new model introduced recently.I'm not able to find any reviews on the same.Has anyone bought the machine?Any help would be appreciated.

Last post by livetosew at Fri 20 Nov 2009 01:18:48 PM Total posts: 1

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Enabler Alert Fabric on Sale posted by janlorraine

Buttons 'n Bolts is selling out its fabric at 75% off and has really good prices on fine fabric, laces and silk ribbon. Orders take a long time to be processed because they are swamped. Mine took a week.
http://storesense4.megawebservers.com/buttonsnboltsfabrics_com/StoreFront.bok

Last post by Jatman at Fri 20 Nov 2009 01:22:53 PM Total posts: 20

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Sew What pro on Windows 7 and D1 floppies. posted by JillyBean333

Hi Ladies....I downloaded the sew-what pro demo for windows 7...I currently have the windows 95 version. Anyway, I cannot get it to write a D1 floppy...it says something about an unsupported operation or something....is it just that the demo won't write the D1 floppies? I'd like to make sure it works well to write floppies before purchasing a new version...thanks.

Last post by aslinnd at Fri 20 Nov 2009 01:30:12 PM Total posts: 3

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Prepping wool crepe posted by Peter in NYC

I just bought three yards of beautiful wool crepe at Metro Fabrics in NYC. (The photo, taken on this gray day, doesn't do them justice.) I've never worked with wool crepe before and I've been reading a LOT on PR and elsewhere about pre-treating the fabric before cutting and sewing.

I stumbled up Pamela Erney's blog, OFF THE CUFF, and her method of prepping the wool crepe sounds SO much simpler than the others (like the London Method, which nearly had me ruing my purchase) that it seems almost too good to be true:

Basically, you just throw it into a dryer (on HIGH) for about 40 minutes with some hot wet towels. THAT I can handle.

She describes it in detail here.

Has anyone tried this with success?

Also: I bought one yard each of three related colors, all reds. Is there any reason why I should do them in separate hot dryers or can I throw them in together? They're 60-inch rolls, so it might be too much fabric for one dryer,, but do I have to worry about the colors themselves?

Thanks!

Last post by Claire in Montreal at Fri 20 Nov 2009 01:38:14 PM Total posts: 6

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pattern review for M5808 by me. HELP posted by Loreo51

I just don't get it. My review is not showing up in the gallery or even in the reviews at all. I can't see where I am doing anything wrong..plus I read all the how to's and can't locate my problem. can you reply to this rather than tell me to go to the links or fix it for me. I am usally very good at this. I also wanted to insert a back view of the top and not sure where I do that...People put the link right in the text. Thanks "new found friend" for answering this for me.

Last post by Loreo51 at Fri 20 Nov 2009 01:38:51 PM Total posts: 3

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Proper length for jeans posted by Rhoda K

My DH and I were watching Oprah today with Tim Gunn and his men's makeovers. Why are men's jeans supposed to ''puddle'' at the top of the shoe whereas women's do not? The puddling just looks, to me, like the pants are just too long and need hemmed. :confused:

Last post by Reverie at Fri 20 Nov 2009 01:39:00 PM Total posts: 16

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Janome MC4400 or MC4800QC posted by Diana1963

I am in the market for a second machine. I own the 6600P which I like very much. I find I need a free arm from time to time and I also want some of the decorative stitches I gave up when I traded up my MC 9000 for the 6600.

I did own the MC4000 about 6 years ago and really liked it. It was a workhorse, that is why I am looking at the 4400 or the 4800QC. I found both online for $699 brand new. They have the decorative stitches I had with the 9000. I realize the 4800 is an upgrade of the 4400, but not all upgrades are an improvement. :) My dealer did tell me they will have the same motor as the 4000. Another reason I am looking at them.

I did read reviews here for both machines, but none are very recent. This price range is the highest I can go for a machine. My local dealer does not have either machine and I can't afford the MC5200, so I will be buying online.

I am interested in feedback from those who own or have owned either machine. What do you like about them or dislike. Would you recommend them to others?

I am hoping to make my purchase in the next 2 weeks.

Diana

Last post by Jennilyn at Fri 20 Nov 2009 01:40:19 PM Total posts: 19

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Sportwear posted by Tallahasseelassie

Please any vintage sewers need help for finding 70s tunic/pants pattern. Any suggestions for patterns and fabric. I have looked at the vintage 70s tunic w/pants and think those look stylish and comfortable. Would appreciate any help. Am a true size 14 (pattern).
Thanks!
Tally
-- Edited on 11/20/09 1:25 PM --

Last post by mendospot at Fri 20 Nov 2009 01:44:03 PM Total posts: 4

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SoCal - LA Fashion District trip/FIDM? posted by Cat MacGregor

I'm thinking about going back up to the LA Fashion District in late September. Anyone interested in making it a group get together?

I'll be mostly looking to find materials for my Halloween costume. Once I figure out what I'm going to be.

Does the weekend of the 19th or 26th sound better?

Anyone got their Sept. Michael Levine's handy? Any good coupons?

Cheers,

Cat
-- Edited on 9/3/09 8:22 PM --

Last post by Sherril Miller at Fri 20 Nov 2009 01:45:05 PM Total posts: 46

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Hooping Organza posted by Reverie

I didn't originally have any problems and my stiches were fine, but yesterday when I ran another oranament through my machine I noticed that the hooped organza had come loose and wasn't as tight as it originally was. I change the needle frequently so a dull needle shouldn't have been the problem.

is there any trick for getting a tight hoop on organza? Its double layer with one layer of stabalizer. Its causing the stitches to pull, almost like the tension is off. I've ajusted the tension but it didnt' fix anything.

Last post by KarenTeel at Fri 20 Nov 2009 01:45:55 PM Total posts: 3

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manual for Kenmore posted by Sewinglady1947

I'm looking for a manual for Kenmore 185.19141. I was wondering if there was someplace I could download this from.

Last post by tlmck3 at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:06:18 PM Total posts: 2

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Need recs on a simple, first sewing machine posted by littlepearl

Hi Everyone!
I am brand spanking new to sewing. In fact, I am just in the idea stage of wanting to learn to sew. Never even sewed before or have a machine.

What is a good starter machine that is simple and easy to use? Brand and a model number would be great!

I think I am going to ad on Freecycle for one..

Thank you!

Last post by littlepearl at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:10:50 PM Total posts: 3

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Older solid mechanical machine with basic range of stitches. posted by Carrie-Jane

My OH is having a log cabin home office put up next week in the back garden. I am on the look-out for a solid mechanical machine with the following features to live out there in it and sew on in the spring/summer;
straight stitch,
zigzag,
blind hem,
some sort of overcast stitch,
drop feed for free hand embroidery.

I have my Bernina 440QE which is my main machine in the house and my emerald 122 which I take to class. Thought about putting my Emerald out there but was worried about temperature changes and it getting cold. Here on the South Coast in the UK it doesn't get too cold and I would have a small heater on in there if I was working. The cabin is double glazed though.

Now the thing is I have a New Home 549 which I picked up at a local car boot and I really love that machine. It sews the best straight stitches and is so solid and just purrs though layers of fabric. It does zigzag and does have a couple of pattern cams but I don't see how I could get it to do blind hem or overcast? I have not got a manual.

Is there a solid mechanical machine with these basic features.? I keep looking on Ebay but if anyones got any makes/ model numbers to look out for I would be grateful.

Last post by RadarRadiance at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:31:27 PM Total posts: 5

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Burda Kids Patterns posted by my_seamstress

I spent my morning making Burda 9744 (a blouse) for my daughter. I made the size of her chest measurement (3) and addded 2" to the body length and 1" to the sleeve length. It ended up very small on her. A McCalls size 3 does fine. My question is, does Burda run differently than other brands? I've sewn a lot of kid's clothes, but this may be my first Burda. I wonder if they run closer to RTW sizing?

Last post by cabinbaby at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:36:28 PM Total posts: 5

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What would you like to read in an idea Sewing Machine/Serger Review? posted by Deepika

There have been numerous threads on what people like to read in a pattern review so I thought it's time we discussed sewing machines in depth too. Before I go ahead and make changes I'd like to hear from you all.

1. Do you like to read brief reviews or do you prefer longer reviews?
2. It would be nice to be able to upload a photo of the sewing machine you are reviewing.
3. Do you think people should specify where they bought the machine? ebay, dealer, online etc.

Anything else?

Last post by raymondmom at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:36:51 PM Total posts: 30

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Get more into your Sewing.

Are you trying to repair your sewing machine? posted by poplin

After repairing a Kenmore 1040 back to its glory, I am pumped. I've not only caught the bug of acquiring vintage sewing machines, but I'm also addicted to repairing what I've acquired.

I don't know exactly what the differences are between repairing and refurbishing. I can't say that I refurbished the Kenmore 1040. To me, refurbishing a SM involves so much more. Perhaps it involves the removal, inspection and total cleaning of certain parts, like the gears, motor and electrical wiring. I didn't do any of that to my Kenmore 1040.

It was making a lot of noise. The upper and lower tensions were ugly. And it was just filthy. How can the previous owner not have given this fabulous machine the attention it needed?

So I got rid of the noise, fixed the tensions and cleaned it all up real shiny and pretty.

I sewed one project with it so far. It's lovely, just lovely.

I've only had the 1040 for two weeks now. I'll give myself a little more time to get to know the machine before I write a thorough review. When I do that, I'll edit my review on the Kenmore 1060 to reflect my experiences with the 1040.

Today, my Singer 301 is getting a lot of attention.

In my adventures, I discovered a few tools that have been very helpful. One of these tools is a dentist's tool, one of those metal probes. (I hope okie2thdoc is reading this... she can definitely enlighten us.)

Other tools that also prove useful are:

long BBQ bamboo skewers,
bamboo toothpicks,
long handled, sharp pointed tweezer,
small head toothbrush,
cheap paintbrush with plastic bristles cut to a short length,
Craftsman professional screwdrivers,
clean popsicle sticks, and
waxed tissue wrapping paper cut into long strips.

I'm not sure if all tissue wrapping paper are the same. I prefer the kind that have a smooth, waxed surface. It seems stronger, leaves no lint, and are very crushable. I wad it up nice and small, and push it against metal with a popsicle stick. Or I wrap a length around shafts and floss with it. It's perfect to wedge and clean between tensions discs, too. I did dip the tissue a bit in some rubbing alcohol.

I try not to use Q-tips as they leave a lot of lint behind, especially when they touch rough surfaces. Removing Q-tip lint is more annoying than removing old, icky grease.

I used to wash with a mild mix of vinegar and water. No more. I found that my Singer 301 hates this mix. Cleaning the surface with sewing machine oil, facial cotton pads, and elbow grease give excellent results.

I decided not to mess with kerosene to clean the gears. After reading plenty of comments, I decided that I will just remove as much as I can without the use of any cleaners. So far, that dental tool I mentioned earlier and that waxed paper gave excellent, clean results.

I've been looking for the best stuff to use on filling a crack on the plastic base of my 1060.

My concern is the stuff's long term effects. Will it hold? Will it dry clean or sticky? Will it make the crack even worse under stress?

This crack is found on both my 1060s on the very same spot on the plastic bases. So, I think, it was not a good idea to make the base out of plastic, especially when it gets a lot of stress.

Any recommendations?

The next problem to tackle is the burrs found on needle plate holes. I have three needle plates with holes that need smoothening. I'm looking into affordable vice grips and fine crocus cloth.

Any recommendations on those, too?

-- Edited on 11/19/09 7:59 PM --

Last post by tlmck3 at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:37:28 PM Total posts: 12

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Working with jersey knit posted by gladeofmelons

I'm working with a stretch knit for my first time. I'm making a dress, Vogue 8511, using a stretch cotton jersey knit, 90/10 cotton and lycra, medium weight. My problem is that the fabric is puckering slightly after the needle and thread pass through it. I've tried tension adjustments and a couple different sizes and types of needles. Is there something else to try?
(The smallest needle size I have in the house is an 11 ball point--is it worth driving up town to get another size?)
Also, what is the best finish to use on knit fabrics? Overcasting?
-- Edited on 11/20/09 4:50 PM --

Last post by gladeofmelons at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:44:50 PM Total posts: 1

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My review wouldn't post! posted by Tishie

' target='_blank'>CoOKie mEN
I just completed 16 pairs of these little ornament/gift tags. I tried to review them but kept getting error messages and it wouldn't post. :( Maybe it's becaue there is no pattern company or pattern #(?). I also lost the "work in progress" review after choosing save. RATS!! :cry: The design and project instructions are from the Urban Threads website. They were easy but fairly labor intensive, so I hope you like them. I can't believe the holidays are nearly here! This year just flew by. I'll keep trying to fix the review problems, as I discovered some helpful hints along the way, or at least they were helpful to me and could possibly save someone else time and effort, if they try this project. Thanks for looking! :)
-- Edited on 11/16/09 9:30 PM --

Last post by cabinbaby at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:46:20 PM Total posts: 6

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Rant About Sew News Magazine posted by Sewnknit

I am so upset. I ordered a Sew News magazine subscription last summer. So far, I have received only 1 issue. Everytime I call to ask where my magazine is, I get we will extend your subscription. Well, that's great. But meanwhile, where are my magazines?? :( It's very upsetting.

I never get an offer of "oh, we're sorry and we'll send you another issue." Nope. The woman that I spoke with recently said that they don't have any more to give! :wow:

On the other hand, I have a subscription to Threads. No problem. Good customer service. My magazines come on time. Same with my Vogue Patterns and Sew Beautiful magazines.

Thanks for listening and letting me get this off my chest.

Last post by Janie Viers at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:49:15 PM Total posts: 23

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Can anyone trade Simplicity 5380 with me? posted by U. Chicago

I decided I wanted to make a "Trinity" costume for a sci-fi/fantasy convention that's coming in January, so I hauled out my pattern -- and it's the wrong size. I have the 14-22, and I need the 6-12. Does anyone out there have this pattern in the smaller size, and would you be willing to make a straight trade with me for the larger size?

Please contact me at shortest.amazon@gmail.com if you have this. Thanks!

Last post by U. Chicago at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:51:02 PM Total posts: 1

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Christine Jonson patterns now on PR! posted by nancy2001

I was so pleased to see PR is finally offering Christine Jonson's patterns. If you haven't tried the BaseWearTwo pattern yet, it has the world's best fitting tee shirt. I use this pattern as the basis for all my knit tops and simply alter the neckline to get the style I want.

My other favorites include the Double Collar Princess Jacket, the Fitted Jacket, the Taper & Wide Let Pant, and the Cross Your Heart & V-Neck Tee.

Last post by AnneM at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:54:40 PM Total posts: 3

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Need help with faux wrap top posted by dr. liz

I'm trying to make a faux-wrap knit top for the 1st time, and something is wonky about the fit. I'm using a very thin rayon knit. The alterations I made were raising the center V so it is less plunging, narrow and forward shoulder, and increasing a size from bus to waist. I'm getting very ugly pulling and distortion at the side seams. I'll try to post some better pictures later, but I'm having a little camera trouble so this is the best I can do right now:

Front view of top

Any idea what's wrong here?

Last post by dr. liz at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:54:43 PM Total posts: 1

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Great resource for using specialty presser feet posted by loohoo44

I was shopping for presser feet and found this great store with pdf's on a bunch of different specialty techniques. I thought I'd make an indexed list since they are scattered randomly on the product pages. The store is sewingmachinesplus.com.

Sewing Machines Plus

Hemmer foot
Felling Foot
Bias binder foot
Adjustable bias binder foot
braiding foot
Applying trims with the braiding foot
Passamenterie
Couching elastic
Gathering with elastic
Taped seams
Fringe foot
Chenille stitch with the fringe foot
Fagoting
Blindstitch foot
Zipper foot
Lapped zipper
Centered zipper
Brush or loop fringe with zipper foot
Shirred piping

Invisible zipper foot
Invisible zippers
Invisible couching
3, 5, and 7 hold cording feet
Corded applique
Couched threads
Corded edge finish

Corded fagoting or bridging
Fagoting or bridging with corded lace
Free hand stitching with corded lace
Gathering heavy fabric
Entredeax
Hemstitched applique
Charted needlework
Button sew-on foot
Buttonhole foot
1/4" patchwork foot
Patchwork quilting
Crazy patch quilting
French seams
Traditional tucks
Cross tucks
Wave tucks

Edge joining foot
Stich in the ditch
Traditional edge binding
Blind applique
Madeira applique
Edgestitching
Attaching lace to entredeux
Attaching lace to fabric
Attaching lace to lace
Designer hems
Hemstitched hems
Topstitching
Tucked and topstitched seams
Bubble tucks
Corded tucks
Lace tucks

Overcasting foot
Gathering and heirloom puffing
Ruching
Smocking

Pintuck foot
Scallop pintucks
Shadow pintucks
Shirring
Double hemstitch pintucks with lace

Gathering foot
Ruffler foot

Lapped seams
Seams using Seams Great
Twin needle seams
Topstitching-saddlestitch
Hems on knit fabrics
Twin or triple needle hems
Sashiko quilting
Reverse applique
Drawn threads

okay there's still a lot more but I'm tired again, LOL.
-- Edited on 1/18/08 1:06 PM --
-- Edited on 1/21/08 2:18 PM --

Last post by SewingMachines5 at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:55:30 PM Total posts: 52

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"Oprah, Please Make Over My Man" posted by Babe B

It was a great show!

One victim, er spouse, had had a mullet hairdo since junior high days, and he is 43. This guy is fond of rocker tee shirts (has a collection of 300 plus) and was wearing them with "dad" jeans and sneakers as his dress-up clothes. When the make over crew was finished with him, he looked like a rock star in dark wash lean jeans, aubergine casual blazer, purple shirt, and slip on comfy black shoes.

All subjects were pampered with manicures, pedicures, waxing of eyebrows, new hairstyles and clothes.

Last post by Babe B at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:55:50 PM Total posts: 1

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Stash Sew Along posted by jannw

Now that the Stash Contest is over, several of us have decided to continue to sew our stash. If you didn't join the contest and are interested in "de-stashifing" for any reason, please join us.

The contest offered motivation, a goal to reach, which at first seemed to be unobtainable, a chance to try new patterns, the impetus to start a long planned for project, and the opportunity to do so in good company.. I know I increased my skills by sewing everyday, used patterns that I've had for years and never tried, learned some new techniques, dusted off some old skills, all the while making room or new stash.

If you would like to join in, I would only ask that you check in periodically, let us know what you are sewing and how it is progressing. This way, we can all continue to be inspired and motivated.
Other than that, there are no rules. Stash is what you, personally consider it to be-it has no age limit- sew what you want to sew at your own pace. If life intervens, as it will, do not feel guilty-take care of things, and come back to us when you can.
If you participated in the contest and need time to get your sewing room, home and family back in order, do so, and join in when you are able.

If you want to set personal goals, post them here and we'll cheer you on, give advice and encouragment, and keep each other motivated.

I will be sewing in the One Pattern Contest starting today and using some of my stash for that. I'm using a piece of stash fabric for my basic, unaltered version and have several more versions with stash planned.
My goal for the coming year is to sew 10 yards a month. I did 20 a month for the contest and that may have been a little to much for even my minimal housekeeping skills. I like having stash and intend to keep buying, but hopefully more varied pieces. I need more knits and less silk! But I would like to reduce what I have to a more managable level.

That said, please join in..I need company to keep on track!
Jan

Last post by katlew03 at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:58:06 PM Total posts: 1261

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Main differences between Singer Inspiration 4205 & 4210? posted by SewingMachines5

Can anyone clarify for me what the main differences are between the Singer Inspiration 4205 and 4210? Is the additional price for the 4210 worth it? See both sewing machines by clicking the link.

Thanks, Donna

Last post by SewingMachines5 at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:58:43 PM Total posts: 1

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How? posted by sewgirlygirlbowtique

How did she get her applique's so big?

Last post by stirwatersblue at Fri 20 Nov 2009 02:59:03 PM Total posts: 7

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