THE FHG SEWING THREAD :-D

[ilove2patch]

As requested, a place for us to ask for help and advice from other stitchers and to show the things we make.
Over to you.:-D

[chips-and-brown-gravy]

Maggie, I am just about to start on a quilt project and I'm so pleased you started this thread.

I asked advice at a patchwork shop and was advised to use 4oz polyester batting, but now I am thinking about buying bamboo stuff.
Is it easy to hand quilt?

[ilove2patch]

Yes the bamboo batting should be fine Chips. I am going to get some myself to try when I go to the next quilt show.:-) Any flat batting is suitable but the puffy polyester stuff is awful. Hard to work with & nasty to quilt.

[nanny*sam]

Woo Hoo have been lurking for a few years and have just noticed a sewing thread, I have my biggest sewing problem ever and no-one to ask... till now...

Hi all and I hope someone might be able to help, here goes...

I am 2/3 of the way through making leatherette/vinyl stuff seats for my camper, I borrowed a friends sewing machine as mine is only basic and the biggest stitch length was a 4. My friends was a 5 and worked perfectly.
Anyway she has lent it to another friend over xmas and cant remember the make of it but she remembers it was only cheap bout £100 a couple of years ago. Pretty sure it was a Brother.
Now heres where my problem starts.... My friend is struggling to get it back (long story) and all shops I have spoke to about a new machine are trying to tell me no way would a basic one work. A friend of the family is an upholsterer working with leather and vinyl on a daily basis and he says I need a £1000 professional machine.

Aghhhh I know a basic machine works as long as it has a stitch length of 5 on it as I have got this far and all is perfect.

So, sorry for the long, long post but can anyone recommend a cheapish machine that has more than 4 stitch lengths (whatever that means in sewing terms)as I want to get the seats finished before easter. And the thought of doing it by hand is scary lol, more piping to make and stitching through 4 layers on some parts.
My hands are crying just thinking about it.

Cheers, Sam

[chips-and-brown-gravy]

I've got a cheap Singer one that has 5 or 6 stitch lengths, however I do think you'll have a problem sewing a thick, tough fabric like vinyl on a cheap machine, there's nothing like knackering a machine than sewing something like vinyl on it.

The other alternative is a cheap tradle machine - they go through pretty much anything.

[nanny*sam]

Oh Chips do you know which model number it is?

I've been quoted nearly £400 to finish them off for me so even if I paid for a machine half that amount I'm still quids in.

I got the foam free and topped with a very cheap memory foam topper. The cream vinyl was free and only paid for the burgundy... So so far has only cost me £48. If I'd of bought the seats ready made in the stripe with the piping it would of cost me £495 without memory foam.... gosh I need a comfy bed lol...

I've completed one cushion from the 3. The second just needs finishing on the last edge and the 3rd cushion hasnt even been started.

Right I'm off searching ebay for Singers 🙂 Thank you

[ilove2patch]

You might get one from Freecycle.

[nanny*sam]

Thank Maggie will try that tomorrow my head is spinning with ebay and google searching 😞

[mushy*peas]

Thanks for the zig zag help.

Tee shirt was a present from his friend in Japan - so was bought in Japan the wrong size and as his friend is visiting this country, he wants wear it so his friend can see his present is in use 🙂

As for the vinyl stitching, don't forget to use a big size needle and heavy duty cotton.

[*elphaba*]

Oooh a comfy thread :-x

Nanny, I'd think about getting a secondhand older machine. My ancient metal Singer happily sewed leather.......this new one struggles with two layers of denim 😞 You should be able to find one reasonably cheaply as everyone wants fancy computerised ones now. Good luck!

[ilove2patch]

Morning.:-) I agree with Elph about the old metal machines sewing anything.:-)

[*elphaba*]

I miss mine 😞 Something went wrong with it that my Dad couldn't fix or I would still have it. Mind you, I couldn't buttonhole or put in zips as I didn't have an attachments so that freedom is a joy with my new one......but I do dearly miss the power of that old workhorse

[mushy*peas]

Right, I think it's off to the sewing machine today.

Wish me luck :^O

[westcountrypottery]

Quilts 1700-2010 - a major exhibition at the V&A

http://tinyurl.com/yh99xzj

[learning2me]

That looks good - wish I was closer.

[ilove2patch]

I hope to be going later in the year.:-D It looks amazing.

[mushy*peas]

Well - tee shirt sorted, but not without a fuss.

Started sewing and the tension was all wrong, so loads of loops underneath.

I ended up having the spool out three times to see if I had put it in right. Tried lots of stitching with different tension.

Got the screw driver out and dismantled the foot plate and defluffed with a little brush.

Eventually re-threaded the needle and that was it :8} I know how to thread my machine, so Lord knows how I missed the top tension thingy last time I used it.

[huggles1253]

I've read this thread & it's like a different language!
scrim binder :O

[learning2me]

Just been to the library and got some books on Quilting Maggie.
Going to have a good read before I decide to start anything.

[ilove2patch]

Good idea Learning.:-) I often do that before buying a book.

[learning2me]

Well I've been looking at the books and think I've confused myself even more :O