Thread

The Bernina Sewing Guide for my 830 recommends a mercerised sewing thread (3ply) in a size 50 for use with fine and medium needles (70 or 80). I typically use Gutermann polyester sew all. So far I can not find definitive documentation that this thread is most compatible with my sewing machine. The Gutermann website does not provide weight specifications for the home sewing threads.

Needle Organizer

One of my goals is to become more organized so that I can develop speed sewing. I tried to design my own sewing machine needle organizer. Finally, I gave up when I found this specially designed tomato cushion. The tomato keeps track of needles by size, type, and use.

The general rule of thumb is to change the needle with each new project. Sometimes, several projects are in process at the same time and needles need to be changed for a short bits of time only.

Extra fabric needed to match plaids, stripes, or one-way design fabrics...

These famous words are found on almost any pattern. Yet, no pattern company is so bold as to suggest how to calculate how much extra yardage is needed.

small plaids---add approximately 1/4 yard
medium plaids---add approximately 1/2 yard
large plaids---add approximately 1 yard

Stripes require the same as plaids.

One way designs of a single motif requires as much as an additional garment length in yardage. Smaller motifs may just require the extra amount to be the distance between the motifs.

Simplicity 5797

This pattern is next on the cutting table. I plan to make the black and white version. Being a little confused about possible fabric combinations, I have decided to go with satin backed crepe. The project provides several additional challenges. Which color zipper; black or white? Probably white so that the pull tab is not noticeable. I will make a sample of both. The pattern envelope is missing the facing pieces so I will have to construct my own. And finally, the pattern will require grading as I could only find the pattern one size smaller than I need. This pattern is copyright 1964.

Off and Running!!

One of my goals, over the next several months, is to become familiar with the various feet that came with my sewing machine. Of the nine original feet that came with my sewing machine, I have only ever used three. Recently I purchased an invisible zipper foot as I plan to put in zippers.

Hem, hem, Hooray!!

Several days ahead of schedule, I managed to hem 3 pairs of pants for my college bound daughter. I was surprised to see the difference in the stitching. One pass was done from the inside and one from the top. The topstitched side looks remarkably better.

Another Weekend Wardrobe

Weekend Wardrobe

My Very First Pair of Sewing Scissors

This is a picture of my first pair of sewing scissors. And yes, I never used them on paper. I learned the lesson at a very young age. They still work well today after forty plus years.

Fiskars has New Colors!!

Dedicated shears are instrumental to sewing. Now everyone can have there own set unique in color. Although my own set was the original orange; it has been updated to coastal yellow. Christine, of course, has the light pink set. Leah is privy to the new blue and Abbey the coastal coral. David also has his own set; grey.

Rule Number One: Never use sewing scissors to cut anything but fabric or pattern pieces pinned to fabric.

Rule Number Two: Never use or borrow my scissors. You have your own. Take care of them and they will serve you well.