Tag Archives: quilting

Sewing Machines, VSM Repair

Fragile Tension – Tension does not have to equal stress (Updated with a video)

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Possibly the most common reason a machine ends up on my bench is for tension.  Usually bird’s nests.  The thing is easily 80% of the time, there’s nothing really wrong with the machine that a repair person needs to look at it.  Sometimes it’s basic maintenance, sometimes it’s because someone told you at some point “DON’T YOU TOUCH THAT! EVER!”

I’m sure that the people who’ve said that meant well, but today I’m going to show you how to manage that dial properly and what to do when it’s not proper. Continue reading Fragile Tension – Tension does not have to equal stress (Updated with a video) →

Life, Pets, Sewing Machines

Review: Clover Wonder Clips

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This past week, I had more time than I think I’ve ever had to sew. I’ve been babying my lower back this week, because the last time I thought it was “good enough” (last Friday), I set my recovery back a week, at least.    So with time at the computer limited, and no lifting sewing machines, I decided it was time to finish a number of UFOs.   This seemed a good opportunity to put the wonder clips through their paces.

Most of my UFOs are not quilting projects.

  • I’ve had 2 pair of jeans sitting on my desk for a couple of months that need hemming.  They’re not even marked.
  • Then there are the “thundershirts” for all of our furry creatures.
  • The one quilted project is another featherweight case liner for yet another featherweight (there are 3 in total in the house)

So on to the performance of the Wonder clips. Continue reading Review: Clover Wonder Clips →

Sewing Machines

testing threads

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As I mentioned in a previous post, I intend to do a comparison between several  threads to decide which I like the best for piecing and quilting. I currently have 6 of the threads that I reviewed from a cost point of view, plus one spare (Sulky) that my rep at SMS asked me about, and I’m considering picking up the last 2, just for the heck of it.

Tomorrow, I’m headed out to get a couple of rulers (they’re on sale for  70% off at the local fabric shop – who can pass that up? As an added bonus, they sell one of the two threads I’m missing for this test) and some topstitch needles  so I will pop into the quilt shop at the same time and grab the MasterPiece. Over the next several weeks, I hope to review each thread, by making a set project that will require piecing, as well as quilting.

I’m thinking of using this Continue reading testing threads →

Sewing Machines

Followup to the Universal adjustable sewing desk

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I had a couple of questions asked in PMs the other day on the Quilting board about the Universal Desk I built a couple of weeks ago, and am posting them here with permission.

when you have your machine in it… does your machine ‘vibrate’ backwards? I see you have a gap at the back/right side of it and am wondering if you have something you insert in there or if you just leave that spot open. (to the right of your wheel)
Life, Sewing Machines

Second Floor – Hardware, Children’s wear, Ladies’ lingerie… A Universal Desk

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Lately I’ve been experimenting with Free Motion Quilting (FMQ).

Yes, I see that surprised look on your faces!  I do, in fact, sew sometimes!  When I’m not buried elbow deep in the innards of a sewing machine, sometimes I even use them.  🙂

My latest “thing” is FMQ.  It’s really fun, but if your sewing surface isn’t set up correctly, it can be a real pain in the neck, shoulders, wrists, arms, back, and head.   With a lot of damage already in my back and wrists from computer work, (and dirtbikes, and old car wrecks, and skiing,… well you get the picture.)  I had to think this one through pretty carefully.

I wanted a new desk, but had to do it on a budget.  I’m willing to contribute some sweat equity, so I figured I’d give it a go at building something.

Continue reading Second Floor – Hardware, Children’s wear, Ladies’ lingerie… A Universal Desk →