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Original poster

I've got a sewing machine :)

17 replies

supermariossister · 22/08/2013 08:46

had never used one before and hand sewed everything I did, it is all set up but learning to go any way other than in a straight line isn't going well! is it a case of practice practice and more practice.

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sewingandcakes · 22/08/2013 08:49

Yep, just keep practicing, maybe get a small kit or make a cushion cover or go online for easy tutorials. Take it slowly and be patient with yourself, and have fun!

What are you going to be making? I started off making clothes but now also make quilts, home decorations, curtains and more.... Good luck!

sewingandcakes · 22/08/2013 08:52

Also, read through the manual and go through any tutorials it gives you. Set the machine to its slowest speed for a while too.

If you're sewing round a corner, leave the needle in the fabric, raise the foot and turn the fabric, pivoting on the needle.

Original poster
supermariossister · 22/08/2013 09:14

I have a lot if the things I need but will need to buy some more bobbins so they can be ready wound. it comes with a DVD tutorial which I'm part way throughGrin I make Christmas things mostly, tree Decs, stockings, toy clothes and furnishings (much cheaper to make a sylvanian family bedspread than buy one I've found) I just seem to balls up moving around a corner. where would I find how to put it on the slowest setting? foot pedal is quite easy to master but it still seems quite fast

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MinniesMate · 22/08/2013 10:01

Does your machine have a speed slider control? Set that as slow as you can then machine can't run away with you.

If not sew in socks or bare feet and put a book under your heel so it touches pedal. This will lift your heel and you get greater control of speed.

What type of machine have you got?

sewingandcakes · 22/08/2013 10:03

It depends upon the machine and thinking about it now, I didn't have one on my old machine and the speed was controlled solely by the foot pedal, so it may be that you need to be really light when pressing it.

Carry on with the DVD, and maybe look on YouTube for a demonstration of sewing round corners. Happy sewing!

Original poster
supermariossister · 22/08/2013 10:17

brother ls14 , am getting better, the bare feet really made a difference to when wearin shoes! no speed slider I can see, so must be foot pressure Much easier to manage when light pressing

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SunnyL · 22/08/2013 10:21

Uh oh. Beware buying a sewing machine brings on the insanity in some women. Since buying my machine 18months ago I've spent so much time on it making dresses, curtains, cushions. Its flipping addictive!

Original poster
supermariossister · 22/08/2013 10:25

I can blame dp and my dad since they bought it. but he works nights so I have a lot of spare time Grin. I just suck at learning stuff I want to be good at it straight away

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Original poster
supermariossister · 22/08/2013 10:31

its fab, it would take me over an hour to hand sew the stockings. hmm speedyGrin I could have hundreds of stockings by Christmas haha

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VerucaInTheNutRoom · 22/08/2013 14:15

I hope this doesn't sound patronising but don't look at the needle when you're trying to sew a straight line. Instead, line the edge of your fabric up with either the side of the presser foot or one of the lines on the needle plate and try and keep the fabric lined up as you sew.

VerucaInTheNutRoom · 22/08/2013 14:17

Duh! Just read that you CAN sew in a straight line.

Original poster
supermariossister · 24/08/2013 08:33

I'm drowning in Christmas stuffGrin what else can I make

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bebanjo · 24/08/2013 11:04

When you say ready wound bobbins, you don't mean the bobbins underneath do you?
Where did you buy it from?some shops offer lessons, ask around some one may be able to show you.

Original poster
supermariossister · 24/08/2013 11:57

oh no I meant to buy more so I can have them wound ready. it was from Argos can't find local classes that would fit round childcareSad having fun though with my Christmas makings

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bebanjo · 24/08/2013 12:08

I only asked course I once knew someone that tried to buy some.
Whereabouts are you?

Aprillisa · 25/08/2013 18:04

Oh supermario I bought the same machine a couple of months ago and am learning from scratch also. I love it but the thread is inclined to slip out of the needle easily when starting to sew..I do find it easier to control the foot pedal without shoes on also. I only have the things that came with the machine so what else do I need to get to be all professipnal like? How many types of presser feet etc are needed ?Only came with an extra buttonhole one,some bobbins and a few needles.Got mine from Argos too supermario.Smile.
Its a great little machine though isnt it?

Original poster
supermariossister · 25/08/2013 20:20

havent bought much else yet other than bobbins and tailor chalk Grin. have found like you soar that the upper thread does come out the bare feet tip was priceless though

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