Trip to the Repair Shop

Does your sewing machine hum? We get a lot of walk-ins and phone calls from customers that their machine has a humming noise. This is an easy fix!  We ask them to check that their bobbin winder is in the off position; often we accidentally push the bobbin winder to the on position when threading the machine. Using Can air is not your friend, try using a vacuum to suck the dust and lent out of your machine, when you use can air in the bobbin area it sends thread and dust thru out your machine. Thread and dust gets in the gear grease, and will cause it to get thick and will break off the teeth, this is an expense fix! Also if you have let your machine sit for a few years or someone as gives you a sewing machine, it best to have it serviced before you try to sew with it, the grease will get hard with non use and break the teeth off of the gears.  If you sew every week you should have your machine cleaned at leased once a year, if you are a twice a month sewer every 2 years to keep your sewing machine in running order.  So save yourself a trip to the repair shop always check your machine for TNT, thread, needle, tension and the bobbin winder.

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Elastic

Today their are specific elastic for garment use, nonroll for waste bands, transparent and chlorine resistant for swimsuit. When using  transparent elastic to stabilize stress areas in your garments, such as neckline and shoulder seams, elastic should be slightly narrower then the width of the seams.

For measuring distance father from your needle plate or stitching guide, try slipping a elastic band bracelet over the free arm of your sewing machine as a measuring guide, elastic doesn't leave sticky residue on the bed of your sewing machine.

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Add Dimension to your Embroidery

You can add dimension to your embroidery, instead of using just one thread at a time, try using two Contrasting threads together, you will need to use a large eye needle like Superior Topstitch Titanium needle. Place both spools together on your thread stand and thread your machine once then go back and thread it again. Be sure to reduce the speed of your machine to a minimum, this technique is not for very dense or small embroidery designs. You may need to adjust the top tension, sew out a few stitches, and make your adjustments to achieve great results. You can archive a variegated thread look to your embroidery while being able to customize any color combination you need with out getting a striped look.

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Embroidery Foot Maintenance?

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We all know that we are supposed to service our machines on a regular basis and most machines also require oiling in between maintenance. But, have you ever considered oiling your embroidery foot? 
 You will notice that your embroidery foot has a little spring , the foot moves up and down along a shaft, this is the area that can use a little oil. Grab your sewing machine oil and place a drop on the shaft, try using a Q tip. Then give it a quick wipe to remove any excess oil, now your foot is as good as new. sierrafiberarts.com

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Accessorizing Your Sewing Box

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In a pinch we can sew with little more then thread and a sewing machine. Ask any sewing group and you will fine common items in there sewing box's. A person who appliques will have applique scissors and marking pens, yet those who garment sews might fine these notions at the bottom their list. The following list is a starting point for stocking your own sewing box, pick and choose what you will need for the projects you wish to sew.  sierrafiberarts.com

 Shears                                                                 Small double curve scissors

Applique scissors                                                   Small screwdriver
Straight pins & Magnetic pincushion                        Thimble
Hand needles                                                        Needle threader
Seam ripper                                                          Tape measure

Stiletto or Awl Tweezers                                        Marking pen  

Tube turner                                                           Chopstick

Press cloth                                                           Fray Block or Fray check Glue stick

Rotary cutter                                                         Self healing mat

Acrylic Quilter's rulers (6"x12"-6"x24")

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Embroidere's Wand

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The Embroiderer's Wand is a needle-like tool with a rasp-like end that will take a thread from the front and take it to the back. All you have to do is insert the wand next to the thread you want to move to the back of the project and push it through. The rasp-like end grabs the thread and takes it with it, thus moving the thread end instantly to the back of the work. So if your scissors aren't quite as sharp as you'd like them and you want that little piece of thread gone, the wand works wonders. It's also great to move any loops to the back of the project. The Embroidere's Wand can be purchased at
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How do you feel when you are sewing?



This longarm or free motion pattern is a 1/4 pattern there are two folded sides, you can enlarge this vintage pattern to the size block you need, you can right click and save picture as, to your folder.

 

 

Costumes?

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Halloween is around the corner, here is a tip for working with fur or feathers when making costumes. When using fur fabric or feathers the fluff can get caught in the feed dogs or wrapped around the presser foot. Try placing a water-soluble topping on top of you fabric to control the fluff or feathers, this will make the feathers or the fluff of fur slide easily under the the presser foot, with out getting caught in your machine. When done you can easily tear away the topping from the stitching with no visible residue.
Water Soluble Topping can be purchased at sierrafiberarts.com

What is your favorite time of the day to sew?

 

 

 

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