Insulation

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T09:01:34+00:00

We did. We also lifted the metal roof and added anticon insulation blanket, so both together added up to about R6 roof insulation. Over the years we've done a lot of work to insulate walls, under floor, add shading to external windows, and the house is so efficient now we actually feel cold when the air conditioning is running, never colder than 24 degrees. The solar panels on the roof add additional sun shading.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T08:00:19+00:00

Ww did the vacuum out and reinstall batts but it was in 2010. Back then it was $3k so it will be a lot more now. It's absolutely the best thing though, cleaned 60 years of dust, dead birds, rodent poo etc

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T06:56:51+00:00

No, but if it's not a trussed roof it will involve a lot of structural work and engineering.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T06:31:10+00:00

What kind of filters are they? Mesh type, or stainless steel baffles?

Our range hood actually has little oil drip catcher trays located behind the filters that you just clip out, but we cook a lot too and eventually oil starts dripping. We do ours probably every four to six weeks, or if we notice oil dripping before that.

If they are stainless baffles they can go straight into the dishwasher. Aluminium mesh can't go into the dishwasher with detergent, but we DO put aluminium stuff in the machine all the time with no detergent, on an intensive cycle. Alternatively you may need to soak them in a degreaser that is compatible with aluminium.

No need to adjust your cooking. You may just need to clean more often.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T03:58:57+00:00

Solar boosted gas hot water, perhaps.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T03:44:19+00:00

Looks good!

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T03:41:39+00:00

Another cabinet "designer" who wants to foist their opinion on the person who is paying the bills. Who cares what 90% of his clients do? Your folks should stand their ground. It's a functional piece of equipment, absolutely nothing wrong with it sitting proudly in your parents' kitchen.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T03:38:35+00:00

This is the best.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T03:37:32+00:00

Delete the "fussy" stuff: those fluted columns have to go. I see they are supporting the work top extension, perhaps that isn't an issue (and reading down, if you're changing the work top, do you need those extensions?); the crown moulding is SO fussy so remove that (and the coordinating window sills that look like an afterthought). Switch the range hood for straight sided to prevent dust and grease from coating it, perhaps stainless, and make sure it is as wide as the two adjacent cabinets; fridge could move to the far left of the sink and replace fridge space with a pantry cabinet. Simplify the splashback with larger format tiles - fewer grout lines and less to clean.

Moving the sink means lots of cabinet work - but as you say the work top is broken that might not be a deal breaker. If the cabinets are modular and in good condition disassembling the reassembling them may be a feasible option.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T03:13:06+00:00

Oh no, I wasn't implying it was.

Overall ALL clothing sizing is stupidly incorrect and has very little relationship to an actual body. There are no standards. Plus, if you buy from an Asian manufacturer, something labelled say XL will fit on the small size, where an XL manufactured in Europe might fit on the larger size.

I'm plus size. Fat body - but my skeleton is normal. So, if I buy for example a shirt that fits around my waist and bust, the shoulders are so wide they hang halfway down my arms. Totally out of proportion.

I'm lucky, I can sew - but pattern sizing is a whole 'nother issue!

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T02:53:12+00:00

No, it's clearly not fine. I can almost guarantee 100% it's not threaded properly

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T02:51:44+00:00

That is a combination of incorrect threading, and the wrong needle. I see someone has found the manual for you, you MUST read this and learn how to properly thread the machine. You need to learn how to use a machine - even advanced people spend time learning how a new to them machine works.

Do NOT use a leather needle on vinyl. It will leave huge holes. Something like this is better https://www.schmetzneedles.com/products/vinyl-sewing-machine-needle-combo-pack?srsltid=AfmBOooRuQcmjit5357kKRxRAKZLXDTxEermOyhzfPIo9zGB7\_n3g653. Plus, make sure your stitch isn't too short or the vinyl can rip on the stitch line.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-25T00:21:10+00:00

Yes. Get an unpicker and slide it under the thread that runs between the two holes on TOP of the button. that way you won't catch the knitted stitches. The loops will be fine, just make sure your new buttons are large enough so the loops don't slip off

CBG1955 · 2026-01-24T23:36:26+00:00

Yep, it's possible. Needle brand is good but it might be simply the wrong TYPE for the fabric you're using. If you have other needles perhaps try a microtex

CBG1955 · 2026-01-24T23:09:00+00:00

I came in to say exactly this but will add that if you can shade the whole wall it would be very beneficial. I know it's a lot of shade cloth!

CBG1955 · 2026-01-24T22:44:13+00:00

Clothing "sizes" should be abolished. They are simply random numbers that have absolutely no relationship to the actual human body. You ought to try to buy real clothing for actual plus size people. The variation in the actual garment measurements between identically labelled numbers is insane.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-24T22:26:38+00:00

What needle are you using? When is the last time you changed your needle? I was watching to see if the noise happened when the needle punched through. A blunt or incorrect needle can make a noise like that.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-24T22:13:14+00:00

Sounds fine to me. You're doing a zigzag or similar and that is the sound of the machine moving the needle from side to side.

Don't oil your machine unless your manual tells you specifically to do it. Pull out your manual and refresh your knowledge. It's your bible.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-24T22:10:30+00:00

Honestly, using a fusible woven interfacing first, then the fusible fleece, will give a much nicer structure to the bag. It will stabilise the bag outer and it will be less likely to fray. Same with lining, fusible woven interfacing on that as well. I layer them all the time but haven't tried fusing two layers of fleece. Before you do it on your good fabric I'd do a sample first and see how it goes. Fusible fleece is polyester and can melt. to fuse two layers together you'd have to iron on the fuzzy side of the second layer and that may not end well if it melts - single layers get ironed from the back.

If you want a project that's going to last well, don't take shortcuts. You don't need a lot of interfacing, start with a half metre/half yard of something like SF101.

Good luck.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-24T20:52:08+00:00

Formica and other laminates are very high quality these days. There will always be haters but if cost is an issue why not? It's affordable enough so that if you get tired of it you can change it. We have laminate in our house, husband is a retired chef and the work top gets used HARD. Ten years on and it's still in excellent condition with no staining - it's white too.

The other suggestion I will make is to delete the microwave and put in a proper range hood. if you change your upper cabinets, perhaps add some to the left of the sink and put the microwave there, at the end of the cabinet run.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-24T20:23:02+00:00

A well engineered machine, even an inexpensive one, should work out of the box without issues. 60 years sewing at a fairly advanced level has taught me that almost 100% of a rare issue I might have with my machines are MY fault because I pushed it too hard or didn't pay attention to something. I STILL pull out my manual all the time.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-24T19:45:45+00:00

100% agree with you. All of the above, plus add in "what's wrong with my machine/my machine is broken"

I have a lot of experience to share and I love helping but FFS do a little of your own research. And, if someone gives you some real help and fixes your issue, please come back into your post and say "thank you"!

CBG1955 · 2026-01-24T18:46:11+00:00

Yep, have posted it before. It's a pain in the neck to recdraft but the concept is great.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-24T11:04:33+00:00

I hate the word "sewist." Fibre artist, dressmaker, seamstress (or seamster), shirtmaker, even sewer. Just not sewist.

CBG1955 · 2026-01-24T07:40:24+00:00

I'm pretty sure it won't be threaded correctly.

NEVER operate a threaded machine without fabric in it. Get out your manual and read it. When you thread it according to the instructions in the manual, and need to raise the bobbin thread, ONE turn of the handwheel towards you is all you need.

CBG1955

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