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Posted by friesian@zoocrewphoto.com on October 4, 2006, 1:56 am
I am very new to machine sewing. Just got a used machine a couple weeks
ago. I have done repairs by hand, so I so have some threads, regular
needles, tape measure, pins, that kind of thing.
I would like to put together a kit for what I should have for upcoming
projects. I will be doing repairs, hemming, modifying some clothes to
fit better, and some projects such as costumes, Christmas stockings,
etc.
My sister used to sew a lot, but quit a long time ago. I figured she
would be upset that I am starting up one of her former hobbies. This
has happened in the past with photography and horseback riding. She
seemed irritated at first and then very friendly as she examined my
machine. She is going to get her portable machine out and come over to
help teach me. I don't know if she is honestly happy, or looking to
compete. She is naturally better at this kind of thing than I am, but I
tend to study and catch up.
We went to the store the other day, and she recommended a seam ripper,
a wrist holder for pins, and a fabric pencil/eraser kit. I asked about
cheap fabric remnants and a couple other things, and she said she would
give them to me free and not to buy them. I thought we were going to
get together today, but I haven't heard from her, so I guess I need to
go ahead and get these myself.
On the way to the store, I said I wanted to get some needles as it came
with one in it and one spare in a package. She said I should be fine
with 2 needles. No need for new ones. The book I am reading said a
needle is only good for a few projects, and that bad stitches are often
a result of an old needle. I have no idea how much the current needle
has been used, so I figured I would use it to practice a little and
then change it. Most of my material will be lightweight stuff like
pillow cases, t-shirts, etc. I would like to work with some light denim
shirts and hem some heavier denim jeans.
At the store, there was a clearance sale on machine needles. 4 and 5
packs for 25 cents each. The two needle sizes are 90/14 and 75/11. I
asked which she would recommend and what they are for, and she told me
she didn't know anything about needles, just used the same ones all the
time.
So, I have somebody who wants to teach me, but I am very doubtful about
the information. She admits she quit because my dad asked her to hem
his jeans. This was over 10 years ago. I know she made some nice things
back when she was in high school. She made a prom dress that I loved.
And my favorite pair of jeans was a pair she made. I don't want to
question her or make her feel like I am doubting her, but I would feel
a whole better getting advice from people who actually do a lot of
sewing currently and actually know the equipment well.
Can you give me suggestions for what kinds of things you find yourself
needing a lot?
Which types of thread you prefer, which needles are most useful?
I did pick up a magnet for dropped pins.
Do you need oil for the sewing machine? Is it a special kind?
Thanks for helping out a beginner :)
Meghan & the Zoo Crew
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Posted by Kate Dicey on October 4, 2006, 4:01 am
friesian@zoocrewphoto.com wrote:
> I am very new to machine sewing. Just got a used machine a couple weeks
> ago. I have done repairs by hand, so I so have some threads, regular
> needles, tape measure, pins, that kind of thing.
>
> I would like to put together a kit for what I should have for upcoming
> projects. I will be doing repairs, hemming, modifying some clothes to
> fit better, and some projects such as costumes, Christmas stockings,
> etc.
Pop over to my web site and look in The Learning Zone: there you will
find MY list of essential sewing stuff. :) I sew professionally, and I
teach sewing to total beginners, so the list is fairly well refined.
URL in my sig at the bottom of this missive...
>
> My sister used to sew a lot, but quit a long time ago. I figured she
> would be upset that I am starting up one of her former hobbies. This
> has happened in the past with photography and horseback riding. She
> seemed irritated at first and then very friendly as she examined my
> machine. She is going to get her portable machine out and come over to
> help teach me. I don't know if she is honestly happy, or looking to
> compete. She is naturally better at this kind of thing than I am, but I
> tend to study and catch up.
Ignore her attitude, whichever it is. Accept the friendly stuff, blow a
gentle breeze on the rest. My older sister (VERY bright academically!)
took up sewing later than I did (I was seven, she was in her early 30's
before she really got the bug!). I was delighted, and she still comes
to me for 'lessons' and advice some 20 years later. She was once also a
teacher. She says @yes, Miss' in dutiful tones when I tell her sewing
stuff. We have a giggle. :)
>
> We went to the store the other day, and she recommended a seam ripper,
> a wrist holder for pins, and a fabric pencil/eraser kit. I asked about
> cheap fabric remnants and a couple other things, and she said she would
> give them to me free and not to buy them. I thought we were going to
> get together today, but I haven't heard from her, so I guess I need to
> go ahead and get these myself.
I hate those wrist holders! I just park a few magnetic pin holders
about the sewing room...
>
> On the way to the store, I said I wanted to get some needles as it came
> with one in it and one spare in a package. She said I should be fine
> with 2 needles. No need for new ones. The book I am reading said a
> needle is only good for a few projects, and that bad stitches are often
> a result of an old needle. I have no idea how much the current needle
> has been used, so I figured I would use it to practice a little and
> then change it. Most of my material will be lightweight stuff like
> pillow cases, t-shirts, etc. I would like to work with some light denim
> shirts and hem some heavier denim jeans.
GET THOSE NEEDLES! One 'every few projects' is way too few! New needle
after 5 to 8 hours sewing is MUCH better, and yes, different needles for
different fabrics/processes...
>
> At the store, there was a clearance sale on machine needles. 4 and 5
> packs for 25 cents each. The two needle sizes are 90/14 and 75/11. I
> asked which she would recommend and what they are for, and she told me
> she didn't know anything about needles, just used the same ones all the
> time.
Silly woman! The 90/14's are thicker, and will be better for thicker
fabrics, the 75/11 are for finer fabrics. Standard 'Universal 80's are
the bog standard does most things needle for woven fabrics.
>
> So, I have somebody who wants to teach me, but I am very doubtful about
> the information. She admits she quit because my dad asked her to hem
> his jeans. This was over 10 years ago. I know she made some nice things
> back when she was in high school. She made a prom dress that I loved.
> And my favorite pair of jeans was a pair she made. I don't want to
> question her or make her feel like I am doubting her, but I would feel
> a whole better getting advice from people who actually do a lot of
> sewing currently and actually know the equipment well.
See my list! Others here will have their favourite things...
>
> Can you give me suggestions for what kinds of things you find yourself
> needing a lot?
>
> Which types of thread you prefer, which needles are most useful?
I use cotton thread for cotton and wool stuff, polyester for artificial
fibres and mixtures of wool/cotton and polyester, and silk for silk
fabrics. You'll need good quality threads: Mettler, Guttermann, and YLI
are names to look out for. Here in the UK I like Empress Mills as well,
and Sylco for cotton thread, but I hate Drima with a passion!
I buy needles in packs of 100! The ones I buy most of are Universal
(mean they are for WOVEN fabrics, not knits) 70's, 80's and 90's. You
may not need to buy bulk packs. I do sew for others, after all, and
have several machines set up and running at any one time. Later on when
you get to sewing knit fabrics, you'll need needles designed for those
fabrics. If you are going to sew jeans or heavier fabrics, I suggest
getting jeans needles, which are designed for the heavy, tight weave of
denim.
>
> I did pick up a magnet for dropped pins.
Good move! :)
>
> Do you need oil for the sewing machine? Is it a special kind?
Yes - sewing machine oil! The local sewing machine shop will have it.
Check in the machine manual for oiling points and frequency. Some
modern machines don't get oiled by the user, but will need an annual
service where certain points get oiled by the service engineer.
>
>
>
> Thanks for helping out a beginner :)
You are very welcome! :)
>
> Meghan & the Zoo Crew
>
Who's in the zoo? I only have two cats at the moment. Right now they
are snuggled up together in a pile of quilts...
--
Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.katedicey.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!
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Posted by friesian@zoocrewphoto.com on October 4, 2006, 4:30 am
Kate Dicey wrote:
> Pop over to my web site and look in The Learning Zone: there you will
> find MY list of essential sewing stuff. :) I sew professionally, and I
> teach sewing to total beginners, so the list is fairly well refined.
> URL in my sig at the bottom of this missive...
Thanks! I see I need to get more than one pair of scissors. And
probably something to keep my things in so that they don't disappear or
get mistaken for regular scissors.
I bought some small pins, but I was told to get small ones, so I will
get some longer ones too.
What is a point turner?
> > We went to the store the other day, and she recommended a seam ripper,
> > a wrist holder for pins, and a fabric pencil/eraser kit. I asked about
> > cheap fabric remnants and a couple other things, and she said she would
> > give them to me free and not to buy them. I thought we were going to
> > get together today, but I haven't heard from her, so I guess I need to
> > go ahead and get these myself.
>
> I hate those wrist holders! I just park a few magnetic pin holders
> about the sewing room...
> >
I have one of the tomato things, but she said she really liked the
wrist thingy. I may just leave them on the magnetic wand or in the
plastic tub. I guess I will see what I find works best for me.
>
> GET THOSE NEEDLES! One 'every few projects' is way too few! New needle
> after 5 to 8 hours sewing is MUCH better, and yes, different needles for
> different fabrics/processes...
> >
I have Thursday off, so I will go back and pick up some more supplies.
I bought 4 packages of the 70 and 2 packages of the 90. They had a
bunch more. I was looking at the other needles there, and I had no idea
what to buy. I should have asked here before we went, but I assumed she
would know. (I know, never assume)
What is the difference between machine needles and ballpoint needles?
> I use cotton thread for cotton and wool stuff, polyester for artificial
> fibres and mixtures of wool/cotton and polyester, and silk for silk
> fabrics. You'll need good quality threads: Mettler, Guttermann, and YLI
> are names to look out for. Here in the UK I like Empress Mills as well,
> and Sylco for cotton thread, but I hate Drima with a passion!
Thanks. I definitely need to get thread. My mom's sewing machine is
packed away, who knows where. My sister said she would give me some,
but I don't know when that will be.
> > Meghan & the Zoo Crew
> >
> Who's in the zoo? I only have two cats at the moment. Right now they
> are snuggled up together in a pile of quilts...
>
My personal crew is a dog and 2 1/2 cats.
Jenny - 13 year old sheltie
Kira - 12 year old Balinese
Jay Jay - 3ish Ragdoll
and the half - Chase - 6 year old Siamese mix. He belongs to my nephew,
but he thinks he is mine. And I get the feeding and kitty litter
duties. So, I count him as half mine :)
You can see a photo here of the whole crew. I rent the basement, so my
mom has a sheltie and a Siamese cat as well as 7 turtles. So, I
consider them as part of the household crew.
http://www.zoocrewphoto.com/cats.htm
Maynard is the angel. He died in May of 2005 (10 days before his 19th
birthday), and this was my Christmas card from last year. He fit well
as the angel. The orange cat is my sister's. They live next door, and I
had an empty shelf to fill, so I borrowed him for the shot. My sheltie
is the one on the right.
Thanks again for your advice. I hope to pick up more goodies on
Thursday.
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Posted by Kate Dicey on October 4, 2006, 6:20 am
friesian@zoocrewphoto.com wrote:
> I bought some small pins, but I was told to get small ones, so I will
> get some longer ones too.
I'm a pin freak! I have many different sorts, but the ones I use most
and which are good for most purposes are the Prym extra long, extra fine
sort. Good quality, long enough to stay in thick fabrics and fine
enough not to leave big holes in fine fabrics. I buy them in boxes of
250g! But then I do give lots away when teaching...
>
> What is a point turner?
A pokey thing for helping to turn the points/corners of garments (bits
like collars) out with a nice sharp point. Mine is a polished piece of
cow bone: very hard and smooth. This bamboo one is nice, too:
http://www.sewandquilt.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SQ2&Product_Code=244108
> I have one of the tomato things, but she said she really liked the
> wrist thingy. I may just leave them on the magnetic wand or in the
> plastic tub. I guess I will see what I find works best for me.
Good move! :)
> What is the difference between machine needles and ballpoint needles?
Something labelled 'machine needles' usually means Universal point
needles. Ballpoint, Jersey, and Stretch needles are all for knit
fabrics rather than woven fabrics. Stretch are for Lycra/elastane
enhanced fabrics like swimsuit fabric, and sewing elastic.
> Thanks. I definitely need to get thread. My mom's sewing machine is
> packed away, who knows where. My sister said she would give me some,
> but I don't know when that will be.
Use new thread if you don't know the age of the old stuff: thread goes
brittle with age.
>
> My personal crew is a dog and 2 1/2 cats.
>
> Jenny - 13 year old sheltie
> Kira - 12 year old Balinese
> Jay Jay - 3ish Ragdoll
>
> and the half - Chase - 6 year old Siamese mix. He belongs to my nephew,
> but he thinks he is mine. And I get the feeding and kitty litter
> duties. So, I count him as half mine :)
>
> You can see a photo here of the whole crew. I rent the basement, so my
> mom has a sheltie and a Siamese cat as well as 7 turtles. So, I
> consider them as part of the household crew.
>
> http://www.zoocrewphoto.com/cats.htm
>
> Maynard is the angel. He died in May of 2005 (10 days before his 19th
> birthday), and this was my Christmas card from last year. He fit well
> as the angel. The orange cat is my sister's. They live next door, and I
> had an empty shelf to fill, so I borrowed him for the shot. My sheltie
> is the one on the right.
Oh, they're lovely! :) Mine are on my web site. They have their own
gallery in the Resources section, but also turn up in other places...
Notably in the middle of a pile of sewing! Keeping their little furry
hackles of the customer stuff can be interesting...
>
> Thanks again for your advice. I hope to pick up more goodies on
> Thursday.
>
Happy shopping!
--
Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.katedicey.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!
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Posted by Joy Beeson on October 12, 2006, 9:20 pm
On Wed, 04 Oct 2006 09:01:15 +0100, Kate Dicey
> I use cotton thread for cotton and wool stuff, polyester for artificial
> fibres and mixtures of wool/cotton and polyester, and silk for silk
> fabrics. You'll need good quality threads: Mettler, Guttermann, and YLI
> are names to look out for. Here in the UK I like Empress Mills as well,
> and Sylco for cotton thread, but I hate Drima with a passion!
In the U.S., at least, the best cotton sewing threads are still only
three ply. The spool will be marked 50/3, which means that it's three
"yarns" twisted together, and the yarns are fifty hanks to the pound.
(Could be fifty "skeins", rather than "hanks". It's been a long time
since I looked this up, and all I remember is that skeins and hanks
are not the same; I have the vague impression that one is a fraction
of the other, like pints and gallons.)
For durable sewing, you need 100/6 cotton: six yarns that are each
half as thick as the three yarns in 50/3. The only well-spun 100/6
left on the market is a crochet/lacemaking thread called DMC Cordonnet
Special: I buy it by mail order from lacemaker's supply vendors such
as Snowgoose http://www.snowgoose.cc/ and Holly van Sciver
http://www.vansciverbobbinlace.com/2Threads.html
Since it's meant for lacemaking, it comes in a ball that has to be
re-wound onto a spool; luckily I have a collection of old wooden
spools that are big enough to take an entire ball, and a hand-cranked
drill that makes the job reasonable.
Cordonnet comes only in white and ecru, so there are times when I have
to resort to weaker thread. When this happens I take a swatch to a
particular clerk at the only fabric shop in town, and she walks
straight to a spool I'd never have gotten around to considering. And
she is authorized to unwind a spool to lay a thread across the swatch
and make sure it really matches.
(Pity they don't have fabric that I want: I have a vested interest in
seeing these guys *prosper*. Luckily, the area appears to have an
ample supply of patchwork makers (who for some reason call themselves
"quilters"), who spend extravagantly on cotton prints. But (pout)
"quilters" never use silk thread; even the well-informed clerk thought
I wanted *rayon*!)
There are times when a weaker thread is more durable than a stronger
thread. For example, after patching a nightshirt, I sewed the pocket
back on with two-ply basting thread: if he catches this pocket on a
doorknob again, the pocket will rip off without tearing the
nightshirt.
Joy Beeson
--
joy beeson at comcast dot net
http://roughsewing.home.comcast.net/ -- needlework
http://n3f.home.comcast.net/ -- Writers' Exchange
The above message is a Usenet post.
I don't recall having given anyone permission to use it on a Web site.
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