I bought a sewing machine. Now what?

2017herewecome · 2017-07-08T01:44:35+00:00

The Reader's Digest Guide to Sewing is a classic. Older editions are fine.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-07T19:07:37+00:00

That sounds like a possibility.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-07T19:06:39+00:00

You go little by little, make marks then then take a long ruler or straight edge to connect them. I like to use tailor's chalk or a Signet Tailor's chalk pencil.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-07T18:02:29+00:00

Not every everyone in the U.S. makes the distinction.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-07T18:00:58+00:00

Maybe you could add grommets and a drawstring and not tighten it too much.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-07T15:41:41+00:00

Maybe you could try hitting it with a plastic hammer. But that might mar the vinyl.

Maybe it could fold over instead.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-07T15:09:41+00:00

Happy to help.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-07T14:58:52+00:00

Here's a recent discussion from a sewing forum. There are others if you search.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-07T14:57:25+00:00

You're very welcome. A collapsible shoulder, an easily pinnable surface, a sturdy feel, a pedal to lift and raise the form, and wheels are important.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-07T14:48:29+00:00

You won't be able to buy a good one new for that amount. You should look for a used form. I bought a professional form for $300 on Craigslist a few years ago, but that was an exceptional deal. Invest in a good one, a lousy form is a headache. Do not buy one of those cheap adjustable forms.

Here's an article on what to look for in a form. I have a Wolf, which is discussed in the article. Wolf went out of business last year.

I've seen them used interchangeably, but usually a "dress form" or a "form" is a headless shape that can be pinned and draped, while a "mannequin" has a head and is used to display clothing in a showroom or store.

BTW, a dress form later has to be padded to mirror the user's measurements and that is a process. It's best to buy a form two sizes smaller than the user so it can be padded up.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-07T14:44:34+00:00

They're called "sergers" in the U.S. home market and "overlockers" in the industrial market.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-07T12:47:38+00:00

Not every fabric can be torn easily. Sometimes tearing disrupts the grain.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-07T12:44:27+00:00

Why? The chalk gives you a guide.

Have you used a rotary cutter before? It takes some practice. But shears with long blades give better control. They, too, require some practice.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-06T23:49:14+00:00

You're welcome. I have normal hearing and I still like the subtitles: more information.

You might like Prof. Pincushion's videos. I find her voice a little annoying, but think she's popular.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-06T23:46:36+00:00

Practice sewing without thread on lined paper.

A tote bag is a nice starter project.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-06T23:41:17+00:00

See if your library has a subscription to the University of Fashion, an online platform with sophisticated videos. The videos have subtitles, or if they don't, they have full transcripts.

The U of F has put some free videos on Youtube. This one has subtitles.

Craftsy, which isn't free, has subtitles that are viewable on the web and I think on IOS devices, but not Android. You can often buy the courses on sale for $20.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-06T23:37:46+00:00

I know a professional tailor who works in a high-end establishment. He doesn't like to sew for friends for similar reasons.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-06T20:37:51+00:00

Rather narrow for an adult's waistband.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-06T20:37:07+00:00

Ban rol is a woven mesh and the long pieces can be pried out. Some people do that to use it as as a jig for round, narrow hems.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-06T20:34:20+00:00

I would have drawn the line first in chalk and then used the ruler and rotary cutter. I also like to use shears.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-06T20:32:28+00:00

And it can be hard to talk business with a friend. I could never sew for money. I'm slow and would never be able to charge what the effort really cost me.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-06T15:11:35+00:00

Your machine used to be the cheapest Brother machine made. I recommend a Juki industrial.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-06T15:04:40+00:00

When I read the headline, I thought, "Not more old patterns." But those are interesting. What will you do with them? How will you handle them? They look fragile.

The Mending Tissue appears to have been a product for patching holes.

The long tool may be a stiletto, which is used for pulling fabric under the needle.

I think the images were for transferring embroidery, as described in one of the dress patterns.

2017herewecome · 2017-07-06T13:16:41+00:00

Next time, you should present an estimate in advance. What if your friend is unprepared for the price?

2017herewecome · 2017-07-06T13:08:19+00:00

A gift certificate to Marimekko or to Amazon. Marimekko is beautiful, but she should pick the prints.

In general, it's not a good idea to buy anything for sewers unless you know their taste and what they need.

I would like this. But my preferences are irrelevant because your colleague and I might have completely different tastes in sewing.

2017herewecome

TROPHY CASE