And now a little more tent stitching on:
Tomorrow is full of appointments, and then it's home to get that studio in order. I am really wanting to start something new, but want to get things put away before rewarding myself.
Question...is there such a thing as a little tiny sewing machine that I can pick up to zig zag the edges of linen? At CS1 I used Aunt Chrissy's sewing machine, but I didn't bring it over here since I really don't have a place for it. I know I can manually hem the edges, but given my sub par skills, we'd be here 'till Doomsday. Just wondering if there might be an option out there that doesn't involve tons of cash and an advanced degree in sewing.
Hope your very own weekend was swell!
If I were close to you, I'd be happy to stitch the edges of your pieces...and if you'd like, you could mail me your pieces...Just won't be done in the snap of a finger...let me know :) The little toy machines that you can purchase are quite often more of a headache than a help.
ReplyDeleteDoes your LNS have a machine you can use?
ReplyDeleteMany of the sewing machines have a small portable or beginner model that is designed to take to classes. Just check with a local dealer. These days, most machines are so well made that it's more important to have someone to service it than what brand it is.
ReplyDeleteJoann's has a basic Singer on sale next week for under $100 (at mine it will be 99.99 - but there is a $25 off $100 purchase coupon, so a spool of thread puts you over)
ReplyDeleteI just turn the edges of the fabric under a 1/4 inch and baste them down, quick and easy...
ReplyDeleteI was also going to mention some of the very basic Singer models, that JoAnn's sells. But is your sister's machine in a cabinet, rather than just sitting in a case? You can always remove it from the cabinet, get a case for it, and put it on a table or desk when you need it.
ReplyDeleteI can also offer to do it but it would mean postage both ways so it might not be economical. Check with your guild ladies too.
ReplyDeleteI've put masking tape on the edges before, and that worked pretty well. Either that, or the suggestion above to fold under the edges and baste, would solve the problem without having to buy a machine you don't have room for.
ReplyDeleteJanome has a small machine that would work. Used to be $50 but I think it's around $80 now. I've seen it at both Michaels and Joanns. Good luck. Much happiness in your new home.
ReplyDeleteWhat about hand basting on bias tape? It would easily keep the edges of the fabric from fraying.
ReplyDeleteFRAY CHECK - under $5. easy peasy! Sold at Joann's, Michael, Walmart, online....
ReplyDeleteI use this:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.joann.com/prym-dritz-fray-check-sealant/1052851.html
Very easy!
Heidi
Coni - Another one here that would serge the edges of your linen for you. I am in VA, so the travel time mail wise would be your only issue.
ReplyDeleteI always used to put masking tape around the edges.
ReplyDeleteMaybe check this out and see if this would help, not expensive.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.joann.com/search?q=Hand%20Sewing%20Machine
Marilyn
Coni, I've never written to you, but follow you religiously and wish you so much happiness. I have a Singer Tiny Serger, very small and light, that only serges and does great. I don't think they're being made anymore, but there's lots of them on Ebay for $50 and under. They're a pain to thread, but then do a wonderful job. Good luck with---everything.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you got a few stitches in :)
ReplyDeleteConi, you might try asking your guild members about zig sagging your edges. Or perhaps a quilt guild might do it. Happy to see a few more stitches in your canvas.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but, no, not masking tape (I used to work in a LNS which also did framing, and could tell you some masking tape horror stories!). For linen, I recommend hand basting or Fray Check, if you don't have access to a sewing machine. For canvas: painter's tape or there's something called Stitcher's Tape (used for framing I think) -- local needlepoint shops usually have something like that they can apply for you.
ReplyDeleteLynn in southern NJ
Walmart used to have a small one and they also have a regular sized one very light weight for $100. Why don't you take your linen to EGA and ask one of the nice ladies if they could do it for you? I'm sure they would love to help out!
ReplyDeleteTake a look at this one: http://www.sears.com/lil-sew-desktop-sewing-machine/p-011W007463761001P?plpSellerId=Kmart&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2 I don't have this machine but it is small and very inexpensive.
ReplyDeleteBring your fabric up to the lake! I have two machines so we can have ourselves a baste-a-thon! Maybe sit out on the deck and do some stitching and just relax! :-)
ReplyDeleteNow I think this is the best idea ever!
DeleteAmazon has a small hand held Singer. The machine has very mixed reviews and I don't own one. I tend to go ahead and just whip stitch, or turn down edges and baste, or ... shock ... just leave the edges raw and stitch away. Most of the time, I don't have any problems when I leave the edges raw.
DeleteIt looks like you are beginning to settle in.
Coni, I have this one on my wish list at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0021L9322/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3OM8E5GHTGYPR&colid=1MWN5LBPQA4MJ A friend of mine brought this to a retreat and we all did the edges of our fabric with it. Great little machine.
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
Don't buy a new Singer. Sorry, but they don't have an inner frame - all plastic insides - even the main machine shaft (the thingy that makes the needle bar go up and down) just has a clip to a plastic machine frame. They work for a short time and then....the hook turns, requiring a trip to the spa (never less than $80.00 around here), you get it home and 2 canvasses later, boom, hook turns again. I work at a small sewing machine and fabric shop - we see those Singers coming in for repair all the time. Do you NEED more aggravation in your life right now, Coni?? Nope, me either. I would ask at your LNS to see if they have anyone who will overcast edges for you; or you could try Fray Block - a sister product to Fray Check - that leaves fabric softer, sealed, and not yellowed. It comes in both a tube and a small nail polish-like bottle with a brush (much easier to control than the tube). The other option is to take a good hard look at that machine still sitting at CS1 - does it have a case, does it work just fine (maybe it needs a little spa tune up day)before you throw the baby out with the bath water? Mostly when you buy a sewing machine you are looking for a dealer that will help you with that machine when things go South, a place to go when you don't know how to do something. Check one out; maybe they even have a gently used machine that can be purchased for a song. You don't have to go for the Porsche of sewing machines (now don't you go peeking in my sewing room, ladies - I have a problem, I know). A nice little computerized machine, plugged into a surge protector will do just fine. Computerized so that you have full piercing power of the needle even at a snail's pace. Ok, off my little soap box now, I will crawl back under this nearby rock and quiet down. I had to respond to this one because you didn't seem to be listening when I was sitting here yelling at my computer, NO, CONI, DON'T DO IT!!
ReplyDeletethere is a little hand-held sewing gizmo at Joanne's and other places that sews with the opening and closing of your hand pressing on it
ReplyDeleteI use fray check, or blue painters tape. They both work wonderfully. No sewing required!
ReplyDeleteI miss being a kid whenever we travel. Which isn't very often now. Back then we just got in the car with meals, laundry and lodging magically provided.
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