Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine
Fran, if the Bernina has all the features you want, I recommend you go for it. I have a 12-year-old Bernina (fancier than you want), and I am absolutely sold on them. Ann Wass -Original Message- From: stilskin stils...@netspace.net.au To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Sun, Sep 2, 2012 8:57 pm Subject: Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine I have had several Husquvanas (presently an Optima 190) if you are not going for an industrial type and all have been great and have the features you list. The buttonholing is basic, that is, shirt style not keyhole. Maintenance has been simple, bobbin/shuttle are vertical, the thing has a little weight which is useful. The bobbins are an unusual size but easy to find. You get a good range of foot attachments and tension options and it is easy to operate. As said, I have had several of this brand and all have served well. Having said that, I also have a 1960/70s department store branded machine which is solid as a rock, sews zig-zag and straight without fuss, cost nothing second hand, can be fixed by a one-armed monkey, and goes like the clappers, -C. - Original Message - From: Historical Costume To:Historical Costume Cc: Sent:Sun, 2 Sep 2012 17:35:55 -0700 (PDT) Subject:Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine I bought a used Bernina 1008 of of ebay a few years ago, and loved it! Its since moved to backup status due to a parts issue, and I purchased a Necchi at the recommendation of my sewing machine repair guy (who was a big fan of Necchi's). Love both of the machines, but if you want a rugged workhorse, I'd go with a Bernina 1008, it will sew anything, and is a great machine. - Marion From: Lavolta Press To: Historical Costume Sent: Sun, September 2, 2012 6:53:54 PM Subject: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine I do not want a serger, or an embroidery machine. I want a machine with the following features: * Metal body * Durability * Infrequent need for service * Not quirky * Really good straight stitch * Zigzag capability * Easy buttonholes * Ability to sew both light and heavy fabrics easily, including crossing seams * Free arm or narrow bed? so I can sew sleeves easily * Probably the ability to lower the feed dogs * Mechanical machine, except I'm confused about the term. Even the mechanical machines (new not vintage) clearly have some computerization * A machine that doesn't try to make my decisions for me! * Probably a new machine, since I don't want to inherit someone else's problems and want to be able to get parts easily * Good track records. I have bought two expensive machines (over time) that were supposedly good machines from reputable manufacturers, yet they turned out to be a chronic PITA I am considering the Bernina 1008, since as far as I can tell the 1015 is no longer made. But clearly other manufacturers are also making mechanical machines. Thanks for any advice. Fran Lavolta Press Books of historic patterns www.lavoltapress.com www.facebook.com/LavoltaPress ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine
I would buy my same machine, actually: Pfaff 7550. Computerized, but does not interfere with my desires. Fits all of your specs. I bought it as a demo machine in. . .. well, probably 1994. It's a workhorse. I would not hesitate to buy a used one. The 7570 was its replacement model, but it was more highly computerized and nobody is selling any- that's how good they were. It's been tuned up maybe twice in 18 years. I can find parts, but haven't needed to. I bought the essential add-ons when it was new (tucker, for instance: it works with the differential feed). And I LOVE the build-in walking foot. ==Marjorie Wilser @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ On Sep 2, 2012, at 3:52 PM, Lavolta Press wrote: I do not want a serger, or an embroidery machine. I want a machine with the following features: * Metal body * Durability * Infrequent need for service * Not quirky * Really good straight stitch * Zigzag capability * Easy buttonholes * Ability to sew both light and heavy fabrics easily, including crossing seams * Free arm or narrow bed? so I can sew sleeves easily * Probably the ability to lower the feed dogs * Mechanical machine, except I'm confused about the term. Even the mechanical machines (new not vintage) clearly have some computerization * A machine that doesn't try to make my decisions for me! * Probably a new machine, since I don't want to inherit someone else's problems and want to be able to get parts easily * Good track records. I have bought two expensive machines (over time) that were supposedly good machines from reputable manufacturers, yet they turned out to be a chronic PITA I am considering the Bernina 1008, since as far as I can tell the 1015 is no longer made. But clearly other manufacturers are also making mechanical machines. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine
I'm amazed. . . the Kenmore was my mother's machine which I learned to hate -- literally chewed up anything with a soft hand, and refused crossed seams completely. ==Marjorie Wilser @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ On Sep 2, 2012, at 4:29 PM, R Lloyd Mitchell wrote: Fran, I am still singing the wonders of a Kenmore 158: series. Replaced my Beloved of over 30 years with a Pfaff Jeans and satin. The pfaff really has lived up to its hype and does not require a transition period between fibers...just like the Kenmore of the '70s. But for rugged costume mileage, it was always at MY beck and call. Picked up a free arm last month on e-Bay that never saw much sewing even though it was advertised as used. While searching, came across a number of them New and some with cases for about $200. My original one (1972) had key cams that I seldom used...but I love the button-holer, also with keys Great when you need to make dozens! ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
[h-cost] Kenmore
The thing about the Kenmore brand is, it's just that--a brand, not a manufacturer. Sears has used the name for years, but their appliances are manufactured to their specifications by various big or small firms. Who knows how many different companies have made Kenmore machine over the years? In general, what I've found with Kenmore appliances, is buy the top level that Sears offers, and you will be happy. Anything else, take your chances! Again in general, buy a Bernina sewing machine and you will be happy with it. Swiss engineering and attention to detail, plus their oscillating bobbin (not available on all models) make for a very good stitch, for a very long time. Kim -Original Message- From: h-costume-boun...@indra.com [mailto:h-costume-boun...@indra.com] On Behalf Of Marjorie Wilser Sent: Monday, September 03, 2012 11:25 AM To: Historical Costume Subject: Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine I'm amazed. . . the Kenmore was my mother's machine which I learned to hate -- literally chewed up anything with a soft hand, and refused crossed seams completely. ==Marjorie Wilser ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine
Was it the drop in bobbin kind...terrible! What?I really loved was the ability to sew wool-geogette-denium,all grads of cotton, velveteen etc without throwing a hissyfit. The sales demo even added leather and a piece of Balsa wood! I purchased it about the time the invisable zipper was coming to use. The steel regular zipperfoot beat the accommodatorwith great ease. I came to really appreciate my all metal model after using one of my mother's new and Approved light weights with plastic gears!!!? -Original Message- From: Marjorie Wilser the3t...@gmail.com Sent 9/3/2012 12:25:20 PM To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Subject: Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machineI'm amazed. . . the Kenmore was my mother's machine which I learned to hate -- literally chewed up anything with a soft hand, and refused crossed seams completely. ==Marjorie Wilser @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ On Sep 2, 2012, at 4:29 PM, R Lloyd Mitchell wrote: Fran, I am still singing the wonders of a Kenmore 158: series. Replaced my Beloved of over 30 years with a Pfaff Jeans and satin. The pfaff really has lived up to its hype and does not require a transition period between fibers...just like the Kenmore of the '70s. But for rugged costume mileage, it was always at MY beck and call. Picked up a free arm last month on e-Bay that never saw much sewing even though it was advertised as used. While searching, came across a number of them New and some with cases for about $200. My original one (1972) had key cams that I seldom used...but I love the button-holer, also with keys Great when you need to make dozens! ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine
Nope, the vertical bobbin kind, all metal, with cams for special stitches (anything but straight). Probably predates yours by 5 - 10 years. Still sews, but don't challenge it with anything but normal fabric for the 50s. (cottons, wools, NO polys or stretch). ==Marjorie Wilser @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ On Sep 3, 2012, at 10:11 AM, R Lloyd Mitchell wrote: Was it the drop in bobbin kind...terrible! What?I really loved was the ability to sew wool-geogette-denium,all grads of cotton, velveteen etc without throwing a hissyfit. The sales demo even added leather and a piece of Balsa wood! I purchased it about the time the invisable zipper was coming to use. The steel regular zipperfoot beat the accommodatorwith great ease. I came to really appreciate my all metal model after using one of my mother's new and Approved light weights with plastic gears!!!? ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine
Fran, I think I understand what you are looking for, but, in my experience, the quality of any electric tool (iron, sewing machine, etc.) today is a crap shoot. No matter how good a reputation a model of an electric tool has, some of those items will operate wonderfully and some of the exact same model will perform poorly, and I have no idea how to tell which is which before I buy. In order to sell things today, it seems that a company must price the item low, so the quality is mixed. It seems that quality control today is just a word in the dictionary. So one person may have wonderful success (good luck) with a particular electric tool, while another person may have only failures (bad luck) with the exact same model of that electric tool. So I don't think there is any way to assure you that if you buy XX model of sewing machine, no matter what brand or model, that you will have success with it. Because the race to the cheapest is fairly recent, older machines may be more successful than new ones. Adding to this problem, the warranty period for electric tools is quite short. In years past, electric tools were over-engineered so that they would work for much longer than the warranty period, but today we are lucky if they last through their warranty period. My solution to this dilemma, when I was looking to buy an iron, was to buy only from retailers that have a very good return policy. The retailers I purchased from were Costco and Bed, Bath Beyond. Fran, one of your requested features is infrequent need for service. I'm not sure if you mean routine maintenance or service to fix an problem. In order to keep sewing machines operating properly, they all need routine maintenance, some that the user can do (such as cleaning out lint or oiling) and some that a sewing machine repair person generally does. For example, I have a Bernina that I love, but when I purchased it I was instructed on how and how frequently to clean out lint and to oil, but I was also instructed that it should have routine maintenance by a qualified sewing machine repair person annually. I hope this helps. Bobbie bkal...@msn.com http://tailoretta.wordpress.com/ Message: 1 Date: Sun, 02 Sep 2012 15:52:11 -0700 From: Lavolta Press f...@lavoltapress.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Subject: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine Message-ID: 5043e31b.6080...@lavoltapress.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed I do not want a serger, or an embroidery machine. I want a machine with the following features: * Metal body * Durability * Infrequent need for service * Not quirky * Really good straight stitch * Zigzag capability * Easy buttonholes * Ability to sew both light and heavy fabrics easily, including crossing seams * Free arm or narrow bed? so I can sew sleeves easily * Probably the ability to lower the feed dogs * Mechanical machine, except I'm confused about the term. Even the mechanical machines (new not vintage) clearly have some computerization * A machine that doesn't try to make my decisions for me! * Probably a new machine, since I don't want to inherit someone else's problems and want to be able to get parts easily * Good track records. I have bought two expensive machines (over time) that were supposedly good machines from reputable manufacturers, yet they turned out to be a chronic PITA I am considering the Bernina 1008, since as far as I can tell the 1015 is no longer made. But clearly other manufacturers are also making mechanical machines. Thanks for any advice. Fran Lavolta Press Books of historic patterns www.lavoltapress.com www.facebook.com/LavoltaPress ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Kenmore
Thanks all for helping with my machine choice. Buying the top levels of any major brand, is a wise tho pricey move for the serious costumer (or textile person). I just opted for the Bernina 550 and now have a my old Viking 1+ as my backup machine. One specializes in machine quilting (great for smallish areas) and the latter specializes in embroidery. Both are made in Europe, rather than China where cheap is the watch-word. I chose based on reliability features not present in my other machine. The Viking wouldn't have been replaced if not for the fact that some of the wavemounted connectors on the motherboard and video controller had vibrated loose over the 15 yrs of moderately heavy use developed shorts. My electrical-engr husband debugged resoldered them saving me $600+ in repairs. (The repair shop guy was going to replace the boards, rather than do the inexpensive repair.) For those with gobs more money lots of space, I've just gotten started with the full size CNC controlled HandiStitcher quilting machine at TechShop (www.techshop.ws) which can handle quilts as wide as 120. Wow, what fun! I'm hoping for a few quilted petticoats in my future. Happy machine shopping to the rest of you, --cin Cynthia Barnes cinbar...@gmail.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine
Good recommendation, tho' I'd add that if you can wait, there's usually a 29% sale at the end of Aug every year 'most anything in the store, including the Bernina machines. --cin Cynthia Barnes cinbar...@gmail.com On Sun, Sep 2, 2012 at 5:41 PM, Sharon Collier sha...@collierfam.com wrote: My daughter just got a new machine. We went to Eddie's Quilting Bee in Mt. View, CA. She told them what she wanted and they steered her to a great machine. Maybe contact them and ask for advice, or if you are close enough, visit. Sharon C. -Original Message- From: h-costume-boun...@indra.com [mailto:h-costume-boun...@indra.com] On Behalf Of Lavolta Press Sent: Sunday, September 02, 2012 3:52 PM To: Historical Costume Subject: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine I do not want a serger, or an embroidery machine. I want a machine with the following features: * Metal body * Durability * Infrequent need for service * Not quirky * Really good straight stitch * Zigzag capability * Easy buttonholes * Ability to sew both light and heavy fabrics easily, including crossing seams * Free arm or narrow bed? so I can sew sleeves easily * Probably the ability to lower the feed dogs * Mechanical machine, except I'm confused about the term. Even the mechanical machines (new not vintage) clearly have some computerization * A machine that doesn't try to make my decisions for me! * Probably a new machine, since I don't want to inherit someone else's problems and want to be able to get parts easily * Good track records. I have bought two expensive machines (over time) that were supposedly good machines from reputable manufacturers, yet they turned out to be a chronic PITA I am considering the Bernina 1008, since as far as I can tell the 1015 is no longer made. But clearly other manufacturers are also making mechanical machines. Thanks for any advice. Fran Lavolta Press Books of historic patterns www.lavoltapress.com www.facebook.com/LavoltaPress ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Kenmore
Wow what a great place! Too bad they don't have one in Florida. It would be a great place to try out certain crafts (like woodworking) without having to buy all of the equipment. Teena From: Cin cinbar...@gmail.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Monday, September 3, 2012 1:38 PM Subject: Re: [h-cost] Kenmore Thanks all for helping with my machine choice. Buying the top levels of any major brand, is a wise tho pricey move for the serious costumer (or textile person). I just opted for the Bernina 550 and now have a my old Viking 1+ as my backup machine. One specializes in machine quilting (great for smallish areas) and the latter specializes in embroidery. Both are made in Europe, rather than China where cheap is the watch-word. I chose based on reliability features not present in my other machine. The Viking wouldn't have been replaced if not for the fact that some of the wavemounted connectors on the motherboard and video controller had vibrated loose over the 15 yrs of moderately heavy use developed shorts. My electrical-engr husband debugged resoldered them saving me $600+ in repairs. (The repair shop guy was going to replace the boards, rather than do the inexpensive repair.) For those with gobs more money lots of space, I've just gotten started with the full size CNC controlled HandiStitcher quilting machine at TechShop (http://www.techshop.ws/) which can handle quilts as wide as 120. Wow, what fun! I'm hoping for a few quilted petticoats in my future. Happy machine shopping to the rest of you, --cin Cynthia Barnes cinbar...@gmail.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine
On 9/3/2012 11:19 AM, Cin wrote: Good recommendation, tho' I'd add that if you can wait, there's usually a 29% sale at the end of Aug every year 'most anything in the store, including the Bernina machines. --cin Cynthia Barnes cinbar...@gmail.com This is the end of August--or did you mean the end of September? The sale does sound like a good deal. Thanks, Fran Lavolta Press www.lavoltapress.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine
I'll also throw in my vote behind the Bernina 1008: no computerized parts. The sales person was actually honest when I bought it and said it was better for traveling and wouldn't need much maintenance. The only thing I'd add is that I found a guy to switch out the bobbin housing from plastic to all metal, so I'd recommend that. The Bernina 1008 is what I have at home and is the model of choice for our home machines at work. --Rachel ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Techshop quilting, etc
You're right, that's pretty much the charm of the place, that it's a clubhouse for powertool users. I can be found at San Jose Menlo Park Techshops. They're planning on expanding countrywide, including Raleigh-Durham Austin, I think. Look for one in/near Crystal City (Wash DC area) in Feb 2013. (FWIW, in the spirit of full disclosure, I do have had a business relationship with them for 6 years.) --cin Cynthia Barnes cinbar...@gmail.com On Mon, Sep 3, 2012 at 11:27 AM, Beteena Paradise bete...@mostlymedieval.com wrote: Wow what a great place! Too bad they don't have one in Florida. It would be a great place to try out certain crafts (like woodworking) without having to buy all of the equipment. Teena From: Cin cinbar...@gmail.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Monday, September 3, 2012 1:38 PM snip For those with gobs more money lots of space, I've just gotten started with the full size CNC controlled HandiStitcher quilting machine at TechShop (http://www.techshop.ws/) which can handle quilts as wide as 120. Wow, what fun! I'm hoping for a few quilted petticoats in my future. Happy machine shopping to the rest of you, --cin Cynthia Barnes cinbar...@gmail.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Techshop quilting, etc
And I could only dream they'd ever bother with Santa Barbara. . . it's too small. sob ==Marjorie Wilser @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ On Sep 3, 2012, at 11:35 AM, Cin wrote: You're right, that's pretty much the charm of the place, that it's a clubhouse for powertool users. I can be found at San Jose Menlo Park Techshops. They're planning on expanding countrywide, including Raleigh-Durham Austin, I think. Look for one in/near Crystal City (Wash DC area) in Feb 2013. (FWIW, in the spirit of full disclosure, I do have had a business relationship with them for 6 years.) --cin ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Techshop quilting, etc
They had the Austin and Raleigh ones listed on the website. Hopefully, they will venture down into central Florida. I bookmarked their website so I'll check back every once in a while. :) I can think of so many crafts that I could try there without having to waste money on equipment I may not use: woodworking, jewelry casting, big sewing jobs, etc. Teena From: Cin cinbar...@gmail.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Monday, September 3, 2012 2:35 PM Subject: Re: [h-cost] Techshop quilting, etc You're right, that's pretty much the charm of the place, that it's a clubhouse for powertool users. I can be found at San Jose Menlo Park Techshops. They're planning on expanding countrywide, including Raleigh-Durham Austin, I think. Look for one in/near Crystal City (Wash DC area) in Feb 2013. (FWIW, in the spirit of full disclosure, I do have had a business relationship with them for 6 years.) --cin Cynthia Barnes cinbar...@gmail.com On Mon, Sep 3, 2012 at 11:27 AM, Beteena Paradise bete...@mostlymedieval.com wrote: Wow what a great place! Too bad they don't have one in Florida. It would be a great place to try out certain crafts (like woodworking) without having to buy all of the equipment. Teena From: Cin cinbar...@gmail.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Monday, September 3, 2012 1:38 PM snip For those with gobs more money lots of space, I've just gotten started with the full size CNC controlled HandiStitcher quilting machine at TechShop (http://www.techshop.ws/) which can handle quilts as wide as 120. Wow, what fun! I'm hoping for a few quilted petticoats in my future. Happy machine shopping to the rest of you, --cin Cynthia Barnes cinbar...@gmail.com ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Techshop quilting, etc
Stained glass, shining up brass, restoring old furniture, vintage cars, metal casting... and playing with the plasma cutter just because you can. In a costume focus, you can also powder coat costume bits, laser etch or cut pieces. You might deposit a very fine layer of sliver or gold on your pewter buttons from Tudor Tailor. There's a gal at the SJ who used the laser cutter on a poly knit fabric to make leaves for an evening gown. As it did the cuts the edges fused slightly making a tidy edge. The laser cutter at SJ can cut up to 10 layers of dress or quilt weight cotton at a time. I'd be pleased to give a tour of either SJ or Menlo Techshop to any of you. LMK, --cin Cynthia Barnes cinbar...@gmail.com On Mon, Sep 3, 2012 at 11:53 AM, Beteena Paradise bete...@mostlymedieval.com wrote: They had the Austin and Raleigh ones listed on the website. Hopefully, they will venture down into central Florida. I bookmarked their website so I'll check back every once in a while. :) I can think of so many crafts that I could try there without having to waste money on equipment I may not use: woodworking, jewelry casting, big sewing jobs, etc. Teena ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Techshop quilting, etc
Just the other night I was talking with my husband about my dream to open something exactly like this. I guess I won't have to since I can get to Crystal City pretty easily. Terry On Mon, 3 Sep 2012 11:35:54 -0700, Cin cinbar...@gmail.com wrote: You're right, that's pretty much the charm of the place, that it's a clubhouse for powertool users. I can be found at San Jose Menlo Park Techshops. They're planning on expanding countrywide, including Raleigh-Durham Austin, I think. Look for one in/near Crystal City (Wash DC area) in Feb 2013. (FWIW, in the spirit of full disclosure, I do have had a business relationship with them for 6 years.) --cin Cynthia Barnes cinbar...@gmail.com On Mon, Sep 3, 2012 at 11:27 AM, Beteena Paradise bete...@mostlymedieval.com wrote: Wow what a great place! Too bad they don't have one in Florida. It would be a great place to try out certain crafts (like woodworking) without having to buy all of the equipment. Teena From: Cin cinbar...@gmail.com To: Historical Costume h-cost...@indra.com Sent: Monday, September 3, 2012 1:38 PM snip For those with gobs more money lots of space, I've just gotten started with the full size CNC controlled HandiStitcher quilting machine at TechShop (http://www.techshop.ws/) which can handle quilts as wide as 120. Wow, what fun! I'm hoping for a few quilted petticoats in my future. ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
[h-cost] 1849 Bonnet (1/12 scale)
Hi, Thank you for all your help and advice on my first straw hat. I'm still hoping to surprise someone with the dressed doll, so I won't post the whole outfit until the project is finished, but I'm too excited about finishing the hat not to show it to you. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.516383471710247.130900.10157974475type=1l=00cec87117 Of course there's lots I have learned in making this hat and the next one will be better. Im trying to work up the courage to try to reduce the fray-check stain on the bow, I wish I had hidden my stitches in the lining. Thing I'm still having the most trouble with is exaggerating details either because I can't make them small enough or because I want them to be apparent. The topline of the hat should have been straighter, the brim is too big, etc. But I'm still pleased with it for a first try! Thank you again! Lauren Lauren M. Walker lauren.wal...@comcast.net ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] 1849 Bonnet (1/12 scale)
Charming! Tres elegant! I'll look forward to the whole story ( dress), after the gifting. ==Marjorie Wilser @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ On Sep 3, 2012, at 4:17 PM, Lauren Walker wrote: Hi, Thank you for all your help and advice on my first straw hat. I'm still hoping to surprise someone with the dressed doll, so I won't post the whole outfit until the project is finished, but I'm too excited about finishing the hat not to show it to you. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.516383471710247.130900.10157974475type=1l=00cec87117 Of course there's lots I have learned in making this hat and the next one will be better. Im trying to work up the courage to try to reduce the fray-check stain on the bow, I wish I had hidden my stitches in the lining. Thing I'm still having the most trouble with is exaggerating details either because I can't make them small enough or because I want them to be apparent. The topline of the hat should have been straighter, the brim is too big, etc. But I'm still pleased with it for a first try! ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine
I'm kind of amazed at the consensus on the Bernina 1008. I just never see that kind of agreement on anything! Lauren M. Walker lauren.wal...@comcast.net On Sep 3, 2012, at 2:32 PM, Galadriel wrote: I'll also throw in my vote behind the Bernina 1008: no computerized parts. The sales person was actually honest when I bought it and said it was better for traveling and wouldn't need much maintenance. The only thing I'd add is that I found a guy to switch out the bobbin housing from plastic to all metal, so I'd recommend that. The Bernina 1008 is what I have at home and is the model of choice for our home machines at work. --Rachel ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] Advice on new sewing machine
Of course the problem with Kenmore products is that different models were manufactured by different manufacturers. I have a Kenmore that was my mother's (early 80s) that she gave me because she hated it. And guess what? I hate it, too. But I haven't figured out what I want, except I wish I hadn't given up the early White zigzag that was my grandmother's. Lauren M. Walker lauren.wal...@comcast.net On Sep 3, 2012, at 12:25 PM, Marjorie Wilser wrote: I'm amazed. . . the Kenmore was my mother's machine which I learned to hate -- literally chewed up anything with a soft hand, and refused crossed seams completely. ==Marjorie Wilser @..@ @..@ @..@ Three Toad Press http://3toad.blogspot.com/ On Sep 2, 2012, at 4:29 PM, R Lloyd Mitchell wrote: Fran, I am still singing the wonders of a Kenmore 158: series. Replaced my Beloved of over 30 years with a Pfaff Jeans and satin. The pfaff really has lived up to its hype and does not require a transition period between fibers...just like the Kenmore of the '70s. But for rugged costume mileage, it was always at MY beck and call. Picked up a free arm last month on e-Bay that never saw much sewing even though it was advertised as used. While searching, came across a number of them New and some with cases for about $200. My original one (1972) had key cams that I seldom used...but I love the button-holer, also with keys Great when you need to make dozens! ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
Re: [h-cost] 1849 Bonnet (1/12 scale)
Adorable! And my hat's off to you. I hate doing tiny stuff. Sharon C. -Original Message- From: h-costume-boun...@indra.com [mailto:h-costume-boun...@indra.com] On Behalf Of Lauren Walker Sent: Monday, September 03, 2012 4:18 PM To: h-costume h-costume Subject: [h-cost] 1849 Bonnet (1/12 scale) Hi, Thank you for all your help and advice on my first straw hat. I'm still hoping to surprise someone with the dressed doll, so I won't post the whole outfit until the project is finished, but I'm too excited about finishing the hat not to show it to you. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.516383471710247.130900.1015797 4475type=1l=00cec87117 Of course there's lots I have learned in making this hat and the next one will be better. Im trying to work up the courage to try to reduce the fray-check stain on the bow, I wish I had hidden my stitches in the lining. Thing I'm still having the most trouble with is exaggerating details either because I can't make them small enough or because I want them to be apparent. The topline of the hat should have been straighter, the brim is too big, etc. But I'm still pleased with it for a first try! Thank you again! Lauren Lauren M. Walker lauren.wal...@comcast.net ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume ___ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
