jaygee
Diamond
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Post by jaygee on Sept 7, 2020 17:25:34 GMT -6
My grandma’s sewing kit is just adorable. Looks like she has some good stuff in there - including the all important scissors. I can’t wait to use it and make a space for it to live.
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dc2london
Admin
Press Secretary
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Post by dc2london on Sept 7, 2020 17:35:00 GMT -6
My grandma’s sewing kit is just adorable. Looks like she has some good stuff in there - including the all important scissors. I can’t wait to use it and make a space for it to live. Do you have a tomato pin cushion tho? One must have a tomato pin cushion
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jaygee
Diamond
Posts: 28,240 Likes: 219,575
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Post by jaygee on Sept 7, 2020 17:43:27 GMT -6
My grandma’s sewing kit is just adorable. Looks like she has some good stuff in there - including the all important scissors. I can’t wait to use it and make a space for it to live. Do you have a tomato pin cushion tho? One must have a tomato pin cushion It does not. It actually has a really pretty pin cushion. But I shall add a tomato when I order my supplies. Or take one from the play kitchen. Lol.
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snowyowl
Amethyst
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Post by snowyowl on Sept 7, 2020 18:20:47 GMT -6
My grandma’s sewing kit is just adorable. Looks like she has some good stuff in there - including the all important scissors. I can’t wait to use it and make a space for it to live. Do you have a tomato pin cushion tho? One must have a tomato pin cushion The tomato drives me crazy. It’s always rolling under things!
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firefly
Bronze
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Post by firefly on Sept 7, 2020 18:31:40 GMT -6
I've dabbled in sewing and just got a bunch of fabric (hello Tula Pink) and am cutting out the pieces for a quilt top. I plan to quilt as I go so I don't have to bunch up the whole dang thing in my machine. I've also picked up EPP. Buy the paper pieces (they're laser cut and you don't save time or shoulder ache cutting them out yourself) and for the love of Dog, get the Sewline glue pen. Elmer stick glue doesn't work LOL.
I love aurifil thread, but that's pricey to play with. Connecting Threads on Amazon has quite a few color sets and will last a long time.
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Pistol
Diamond
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Post by Pistol on Sept 8, 2020 6:39:45 GMT -6
I am sad nobody tagged me in here. Get a brother machine. If you are wanting to do woven fabrics (non stretchy fabrics) then a very basic machine is all the more you need. Really you can do quite a bit of knit stuff on a basic machine too. If you want quilts find one that has the longer arm but really, I made the boys weighted blankets with just a standard arm machine just fine. A longer arm would have been nice but not necessary.
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Pistol
Diamond
Posts: 28,064 Likes: 62,420
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Post by Pistol on Sept 8, 2020 6:42:51 GMT -6
Thanks everyone this is so helpful. I have my grandma’s sewing kit so I’m going to go through that today and see if anything is salvageable. At least I have the box to use if nothing else. I was supposed to get her machine too but there was a mixup. Grandma is still with us but doesn’t sew anymore at her age. I’m going to hunt around for the machine a little more and see what’s going on with prices. I’m still going to look for a used one online. maybe I hear you. I have no business taking on a hobby right now but I’m kind of losing myself in this pandemic and need to do something. Especially thinking of winter. So this will have to be a really part time hobby. Are there any sewing machine stores near you? Sometimes they will have used ones where someone trades their current machine in for a newer one and you can grab a good quality machine for a decent price.
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jaygee
Diamond
Posts: 28,240 Likes: 219,575
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Post by jaygee on Sept 8, 2020 6:44:21 GMT -6
I am sad nobody tagged me in here. Get a brother machine. If you are wanting to do woven fabrics (non stretchy fabrics) then a very basic machine is all the more you need. Really you can do quite a bit of knit stuff on a basic machine too. If you want quilts find one that has the longer arm but really, I made the boys weighted blankets with just a standard arm machine just fine. A longer arm would have been nice but not necessary. I was wondering where you were. I though my sewing quest may be too basic for you. 😉 Thanks for the recs. I watched another round of how to pick a machine videos last night so I’m inching closer to figuring it out.
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jaygee
Diamond
Posts: 28,240 Likes: 219,575
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Post by jaygee on Sept 8, 2020 6:45:18 GMT -6
Thanks everyone this is so helpful. I have my grandma’s sewing kit so I’m going to go through that today and see if anything is salvageable. At least I have the box to use if nothing else. I was supposed to get her machine too but there was a mixup. Grandma is still with us but doesn’t sew anymore at her age. I’m going to hunt around for the machine a little more and see what’s going on with prices. I’m still going to look for a used one online. maybe I hear you. I have no business taking on a hobby right now but I’m kind of losing myself in this pandemic and need to do something. Especially thinking of winter. So this will have to be a really part time hobby. Are there any sewing machine stores near you? Sometimes they will have used ones where someone trades their current machine in for a newer one and you can grab a good quality machine for a decent price. There are a couple. They were all closed yesterday but I’m going to call a couple on Friday when I have the day off.
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Post by babybean on Sept 8, 2020 6:46:27 GMT -6
I am sad nobody tagged me in here. Get a brother machine. If you are wanting to do woven fabrics (non stretchy fabrics) then a very basic machine is all the more you need. Really you can do quite a bit of knit stuff on a basic machine too. If you want quilts find one that has the longer arm but really, I made the boys weighted blankets with just a standard arm machine just fine. A longer arm would have been nice but not necessary. Ftr I was going to tag you but thought I saw you comment already. Excuse my weary mind, Pistol! 😉
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Pistol
Diamond
Posts: 28,064 Likes: 62,420
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Post by Pistol on Sept 8, 2020 6:46:35 GMT -6
This is a good thinking point about the space. I have the space but you know how H and I feel about clutter so I need to be thoughtful about where I set up shop. I think I could actually have a nice space in the basement or maybe garage after our planned rearranging project to turn our garage from tandem to side by side. I would recommend a dedicated space. I hate having to set up everything and then put it away in the midst of a project. It was really great to have a whole room for it where I could just shut the door. Not trying to discourage but it's really a pain if you have to pack up everything and put it away every time you want to do some sewing. Especially working on larger projects. Totally agree. I have a huge table (4'x8') H built me in the basement and sometimes I still feel like its not enough space.
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Pistol
Diamond
Posts: 28,064 Likes: 62,420
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Post by Pistol on Sept 8, 2020 6:47:50 GMT -6
I am sad nobody tagged me in here. Get a brother machine. If you are wanting to do woven fabrics (non stretchy fabrics) then a very basic machine is all the more you need. Really you can do quite a bit of knit stuff on a basic machine too. If you want quilts find one that has the longer arm but really, I made the boys weighted blankets with just a standard arm machine just fine. A longer arm would have been nice but not necessary. I was wondering where you were. I though my sewing quest may be too basic for you. 😉 Thanks for the recs. I watched another round of how to pick a machine videos last night so I’m inching closer to figuring it out. Nope. I was busy building a storage building in the backyard all weekend with H.
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Pistol
Diamond
Posts: 28,064 Likes: 62,420
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Post by Pistol on Sept 8, 2020 6:50:43 GMT -6
If you decide to get into trying to make clothes, let me know and I can help with some different places to get patterns. The ones I buy are digital so I buy them and then print them off at home or if they are a bigger pattern most companies offer their patterns in a large print format (think blueprint size) that I will go to my local UPS store and have printed off. I have been dreaming of getting a projector because that has been the latest craze and the thought of not needing to print or store patterns is very attractive to me.
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jaygee
Diamond
Posts: 28,240 Likes: 219,575
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Post by jaygee on Sept 8, 2020 23:14:55 GMT -6
Can I get some feedback on this machine? www.singer.com/Stylist-7258-Sewing-Machine?search_referer=global_searchIt looks like it retails directly from singer for over $400, but I just found a listing for a used (but it says barely) for $200 near me. Wondering if it’s worth taking a shot on a used machine since this seems like a deal. Everything else I’m finding used is close to the brand new prices.
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jaygee
Diamond
Posts: 28,240 Likes: 219,575
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Post by jaygee on Sept 8, 2020 23:19:29 GMT -6
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Pistol
Diamond
Posts: 28,064 Likes: 62,420
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Post by Pistol on Sept 9, 2020 3:50:22 GMT -6
I think I would go with the Janome. I have heard a lot of people complain that modern singers just aren't built like they used to be. Janome is a really good brand too.
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AmyG
Ruby
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Post by AmyG on Sept 9, 2020 10:52:03 GMT -6
I would go with the 2nd singer cause it doesnt have huge overkill on number of stitches and it says heavy duty so it might be closer to a machine that can sew thru lots of layers for quilts. Not sure in that other brand
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Post by sudokufan on Sept 9, 2020 11:04:49 GMT -6
I think either of those machines would be good - I agree with Pistol that modern Singers don't have a great reputation, but that heavy duty one seems to be an exception to the rule; I see it recommended in a lot of sewing communities. And Janome has a great reputation.
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jaygee
Diamond
Posts: 28,240 Likes: 219,575
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Post by jaygee on Sept 15, 2020 16:34:13 GMT -6
Hi guys! So I finally picked a machine. I swear I tried so hard to avoid Amazon but alas, that was where I went. I guess there is just an absolute run on everything sewing. I got this machine: www.amazon.com/Brother-CS7000X-Computerized-Quilting-Stitches/dp/B08BH5GTNC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=brother+cs7000x&qid=1600209086&sprefix=brother+cs&sr=8-1It will be here on Thursday. Thanks to the poster who mentioned practicing on old sheets. I for some reason saved DS’s comforter that got a small tear in it and am going to use that fabric for my first projects. I also have an older duvet cover from our guest room redecorating. And I purchased a few fabrics today to try to sew some burp clothes for a friend who is having a baby soon. So we shall find out if I’m a sewer soon! ETA: and I guess I just realized why people say seamstress. Lol.
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Post by mrsweasley on Sept 15, 2020 16:38:19 GMT -6
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Post by oreobitsy on Sept 15, 2020 20:56:46 GMT -6
jaygee I just saw this thread! I am excited for you to try out all those fun stitches on your machine. It looks fun. I really enjoy the mathematical and precision aspect of sewing, even if my cutting and sewing tends to veer off from straight lines. It’s just calling to have things fit together. Find a place to get cheaper fabric but don’t feel bad about buying fabric. I’ve repurposed baby blankets into masks and placemats recently.
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jaygee
Diamond
Posts: 28,240 Likes: 219,575
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Post by jaygee on Sept 15, 2020 21:02:12 GMT -6
jaygee I just saw this thread! I am excited for you to try out all those fun stitches on your machine. It looks fun. I really enjoy the mathematical and precision aspect of sewing, even if my cutting and sewing tends to veer off from straight lines. It’s just calling to have things fit together. Find a place to get cheaper fabric but don’t feel bad about buying fabric. I’ve repurposed baby blankets into masks and placemats recently. Yay! I love math but I’m creative also. I’ve been watching an ungodly amount of YouTube sewing videos.
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Post by oreobitsy on Sept 15, 2020 21:21:02 GMT -6
As someone mentioned earlier, The Missouri Quilt company is good for videos. I’m sure there are some local fabric shops in your area that have shifted online recently and I bet it would be a great way to find like-minded friends. My area has some virtual classes but I couldn’t make the times work with my dinners and kids.
I also spend a lot of time looking at Spoonflowers blogs and design ideas. That’s a place where people design their own fabrics. I’ve uploaded some kid artwork onto canvas fabric to be printed.
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Post by Dramaphile on Sept 16, 2020 6:59:17 GMT -6
congrats jaygee! I have a Brother, they're great beginner/intermediate machines! I used the Melly Sews free beginner sewing video course and found it very useful for getting to know my machine and doing some basic projects. Also, "Sewist" or "Maker" are the commonly used terms among the online sewing community. If you like podcasts, I'm a big fan of the Love to Sew podcast, they have lots of useful episodes on things like fabric type, tips and tricks, thread, etc.
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Pistol
Diamond
Posts: 28,064 Likes: 62,420
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Post by Pistol on Sept 16, 2020 7:11:49 GMT -6
Hi guys! So I finally picked a machine. I swear I tried so hard to avoid Amazon but alas, that was where I went. I guess there is just an absolute run on everything sewing. I got this machine: www.amazon.com/Brother-CS7000X-Computerized-Quilting-Stitches/dp/B08BH5GTNC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=brother+cs7000x&qid=1600209086&sprefix=brother+cs&sr=8-1It will be here on Thursday. Thanks to the poster who mentioned practicing on old sheets. I for some reason saved DS’s comforter that got a small tear in it and am going to use that fabric for my first projects. I also have an older duvet cover from our guest room redecorating. And I purchased a few fabrics today to try to sew some burp clothes for a friend who is having a baby soon. So we shall find out if I’m a sewer soon! ETA: and I guess I just realized why people say seamstress. Lol. I've also seen sewist. Lol
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Pistol
Diamond
Posts: 28,064 Likes: 62,420
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Post by Pistol on Sept 16, 2020 13:13:15 GMT -6
congrats jaygee! I have a Brother, they're great beginner/intermediate machines! I used the Melly Sews free beginner sewing video course and found it very useful for getting to know my machine and doing some basic projects. Also, "Sewist" or "Maker" are the commonly used terms among the online sewing community. If you like podcasts, I'm a big fan of the Love to Sew podcast, they have lots of useful episodes on things like fabric type, tips and tricks, thread, etc. Sewhere.com has a podcast they do too. I haven't listened but from what I understand they cover a lot of technical things too. How to alter patterns, blend sizes, etc. I am in their fb group (self sewn wardrobe) which has a lot of good information in it.
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jaygee
Diamond
Posts: 28,240 Likes: 219,575
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Post by jaygee on Sept 20, 2020 11:50:40 GMT -6
Can anyone recommend a batting brand they like? I’m a little overwhelmed with the choices. And do you buy it by project or in bulk? It’s more expensive than I thought. I want to make a quilt soon and think I will just buy as needed because I don’t know what my productivity will be like.
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Post by babybean on Sept 20, 2020 12:30:11 GMT -6
Can anyone recommend a batting brand they like? I’m a little overwhelmed with the choices. And do you buy it by project or in bulk? It’s more expensive than I thought. I want to make a quilt soon and think I will just buy as needed because I don’t know what my productivity will be like. I don’t recall brands but agree it’s expensive af. I get it when it’s on sale. I usually overbuy fabric and have extras for random little projects. I would buy as needed to start and then buy more in bulk if you find you’re using it a lot. ETA: I have a fabricland membership which usually saves a fair amount and they’re constantly running sales so you can usually get a good deal. Even for the few projects a year I do the membership is worth it.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2020 14:20:05 GMT -6
This is a good thinking point about the space. I have the space but you know how H and I feel about clutter so I need to be thoughtful about where I set up shop. I think I could actually have a nice space in the basement or maybe garage after our planned rearranging project to turn our garage from tandem to side by side. I would recommend a dedicated space. I hate having to set up everything and then put it away in the midst of a project. It was really great to have a whole room for it where I could just shut the door. Not trying to discourage but it's really a pain if you have to pack up everything and put it away every time you want to do some sewing. Especially working on larger projects. Yup. This is why I rarely get to see anymore. Pre-kids i sewed a lot. Now it’s once or twice a year because it’s all in a closet and has to be done in the dining room when the toddler is napping or to bed.
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Post by mrsweasley on Sept 20, 2020 15:09:45 GMT -6
Can anyone recommend a batting brand they like? I’m a little overwhelmed with the choices. And do you buy it by project or in bulk? It’s more expensive than I thought. I want to make a quilt soon and think I will just buy as needed because I don’t know what my productivity will be like. Last time I got some at JoAnns I just picked whatever was the cheapest at the thickness I wanted 🤷♀️ I think it was 50-60% off
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