Or how about if you’ve bought one and needed to have it shipped it to you?

There is definitely a right way and a wrong way to ship a sewing machine – no matter what method it’s being sent!

Make a mistake, and you could have a box full of very expensive little pieces…

But sewing machine manufacturers manage to ship thousands of machines daily with very few issues.  So how can you ship your precious sewing machine safely?

sew2go has an excellent series of articles on how to safely and securely pack a sewing machine – as well as a horror story of shipping gone wrong…

image: Stock.xchg

Post from: Blisstree

Shipping Sewing Machines

If you complete this meme, leave a link in the comments – I’d love to read about it!

image: C Findlay-Harder

What brand and model do you have?

I’ve got a Bernina 1530

How long have you had it?

Well… my mom bought it new and then passed it on to me, but it’s been exclusively in my possession for about 7 years now.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

What is it worth today, or what was it new?  I’m not sure to be honest...

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

Let’s see, I sew clothing for myself and my family with it.  I create art quilts and free motion embroidery on it.  I make handbags and accessories.  I can’t forget that I’ve sewn dog blankets, horse equipment and other odd things with it too.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

I tend to go through spurts of tons of sewing, then not touch it for weeks.  When I sew, I sew for hours in a day.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

I love it to bits!  I’ve sure missed not having it this week while it’s been away getting a tune-up.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

It’s got computerized embroidery functions, but I tend to use my straight, zig-zag and stretch stitches for 99% of the sewing I do.  I love the knee lift – it makes my life so much easier.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

The throat is a little small for big quilts.  I actually quilted a king-size quilt on it, but I trashed my shoulders trying to squish it through.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

My mom actually gave it to me – she felt that I do more heavy-duty sewing these days, and I needed a better machine.  What can I say, I’m a lucky daughter

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

Absolutely!  It’s been a fantastic workhorse over the years.  It’s built well.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

Is it comfortable to use?  What’s the history of the manufacturer (ei – do they build good machines?)  Does it have plastic or metal parts?  Can you easily get replacement parts?  Can you have it serviced locally?  Does it have the features you need?

Do you have a dream machine?

I’d love to have a long-arm someday…

Post from: Blisstree

Sew Mama Sew Sewing Machine Meme

Why not wear it around your neck instead?

Check out this adorable vintage sewing machine necklace from indie jewelry designer, Eclectic Eccentricity:

The metal sewing machine is covered with black enamel and accented with gold paint – just like those old treadle or hand-crank machines!  It’s finished off with a teensy little scissor charm, hung from a brass bow.  The chain itself is made from little hearts, joined together.

image: Eclectic Eccentricity

Post from: Blisstree

Sew Much To Do…

The old house has been cleaned and we passed the final inspection.

Of course, I still can’t find my good sewing scissors, I have no idea where my thread ended up and I’m not sure if my camera cord is in the house or in the garage…

This however, puts a big smile on my face:

image: C Findlay-Harder

My sewing table and sewing machine are set up again and ready to go!  Now to go sort through the 15 boxes marked “fabric” to find the project I was actually working on…

Post from: Blisstree

Wordy Wednesdays

Apparently someone has started a rumor in Saudi Arabia that old sewing machines contain a “magical” substance known as red mercury.

The general belief is that red mercury has all sorts of amazing abilities, from turning off cellphones, helping the owner to find gold or even build nuclear weapons!

There is of course, no such substance as red mercury and as far I can can tell, mercury of any kind has never been used in sewing machines.

“RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi police are investigating the origins of a hoax that had hundreds of people believing that old sewing machines may bring fortune because they contained an elusive, and probably mythical, substance known as red mercury”

quote: Reuters

image: Stock.xchg

Post from: Blisstree

Red Mercury in Sewing Machines??

1. How to use the straight stitch and zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine.  Knowing how to change the stitch length is also very useful.  These two stitches are incredibly versatile – in fact, they’re the ones I use 99% of the time!
2. Can you choose a pattern based on your sewing skills? Most pattern companies will list the level of difficulty for their pattern – either on the pattern envelope or in the pattern book.
3. Once you’ve picked a pattern, can you choose the correct fabric, interfacing and notions? Things like the correct fabric choice are crucial to the sucess of your finished project.  Patterns are designed to work with certain fabrics, and they generally won’t work as well with a fabric that’s really different from the one that is called for.
4. Do you know how to change the needle and clean and oil your sewing machine? Machine needles need to be changed after about 10 hours of sewing.  Keeping your machine well maintained will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
5. Can you safely handle things like seam rippers or rotary cutters? Basic safety is so important in the sewing room – it’s easy to get hurt, so learn how to handle sharp things safely.
6. Do you know basic hand stitches? Running stitches, blanket stitch, basting etc can be very hand skills to have.  Can you finish off your stitching with a knot?
7. Ironing seams during sewing as well as the finished garment is one step that will help give you a beautifully finished product.  Do you know how to use your iron with different fabrics?  Do you know how to iron things like collars or hems?
8. Can you make a buttonhole? Most sewing machines these days come with buttonhole settings, even automatic buttonhole settings.  Being able to make buttonholes will give you sew many options for creating your own garments.
9. Do you know how to sew on buttons, attach snaps or use other closures? Buttons aren’t just for garments – they show up on toys, blankets – even decorative accents in home decor.
10. Do you know how to keep yourself comfortable during sewing? Seamstresses and sewers often fold themselves into uncomfortable positions, work in poor light or have tables or chairs that are the wrong height.  If you’re comfortable, you can sew for longer and you’ll be “sew” much happier!

Is there a skill that you want to brush up on, but aren’t quite sure how?  Check out your local fabric or sewing machine shop for classes or demos.  The library or bookstore can be fantastic for learning new techniques or brushing up on old ones.  And of course, the internet is full of great ideas, techniques and videos

image: Stock.xchg

Post from: Blisstree

10 Things Every Seamtress Should Know

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170132995722

All I can think about is how long that would take to do…

Post from: Blisstree

want to buy a Singer 401?

He said “you’ve got something sitting in the living room – needs some work, but it’s got a cabinent”.

I got home to find this charming old Singer in the middle of my living room:

One of my moms dropped it off at our house, after picking it up for free at a local quilting shop.  The motor still runs, but I haven’t had a chance to get any further with it than that

Hey, it’s got “electronic” written on it – sounds like fun!

Post from: Blisstree

it’s raining sewing machines

I did however find a fantastic site for treadle machines called “The Sewing Machine Shop“.  They have a ton of links to other treadle sites, instructions on servicing machines and even tutorials on how to clean a grungy old machine

I’ve heard fantastic things about treadle machines – let’s hope I can get mine up and running!

Post from: Blisstree

tuning up an old treadle machine

I think I may try using this technique on a small project before I do a whole garment…

You can read the whole tutorial here.  Very cool!

Post from: Blisstree

machine embroidered lace fabric