Keep A Sewing Machine In Working Order With Basic Maintenance

By: Samantha Clemens

A few basic inspections on your own sewing machine prior to as well as after use will keep your machine operating well and also ought to help you save money in the long run. But not only can the list keep your machine working it’s also important for your health and safety. Sewing machines are certainly not playthings. They are able to maim or kill if not serviced properly. Just for basic safety we recommend un-plugging the device from the electric supply prior to looking to do any servicing.

Clearing Away Lint

Lint is a build up of fluff through using thread. Sooner or later without correct cleaning the lint will quickly clog the machine and work its way into the most hard to get at places.

The majority of the covers on the machine ought to come off easily to help you to get to the lint with a painting brush and clean it out. You can expect to normally discover a build up on the bobbin case. Don’t use a vacuum if at all possible. Oil as well as other little parts may be sucked up because of the strong suction. Try to clear the lint from the machine every time you’ve completed a task. This way your machine will be all set to be used.

Oiling A Sewing Machine

Always make use of the proper oil. The oil you put in your car is not adequate so do not make the mistake of attempting to use it. Usually sewing machine oil is very clear and you probably would have received some along with the machine initially. Any local sewing machine shop will have loads available if you need more. Refer to your owners guide book for the parts that require routine oiling. A few machines have got all these places marked however check your guide regardless. Once you have finished applying the oil find some old material and run a few stitches up and down it. This allows any kind of excessive oil to escape on to the scrap item and not on your brand new sewing project. Oiling your machine correctly stops deterioration and also keeps every thing functioning efficiently. It also helps prevent rust which often can appear on surface areas. There are numerous moving parts on a sewing machine and too little oil could eventually damage the sewing machine.

Tighten Up All Loose Screws

While you oil the machine look for any screws which may have become loose and tighten all of them as required. Buy good set of hex keys as more and more brands are choosing some of these screws.

If you encounter a missing screw then don’t use the machine until it’s replaced. Serious damage may be caused to the machine particularly if it is missing within the timing gear.

Electrical Inspection

Be wary of for wires which may have split or where the external Pvc material covering is becoming damaged. It probably won’t often be a problem internally workings with the machine as these electrical wires are usually fixed and really don’t move. The commonest problem is with the cable on the pedal. Make sure it’s not being stretched while being used. Be sure the external PVC on the wire is not split and showing the copper interior cores. Look at the plug where it fits in to the machine. Subsequently after excessive usage these wear out and become loose making your machine stop at the time you least need it to. Electrical issues cannot just stop your machine functioning they might hurt and even cause death. If you’re in any uncertainty consult a neighborhood electrician or service agent.

To Summarize

As mentioned initially these are just the basics of sewing machine maintenance. In an additional article I will go over servicing in detail however just by adopting the basics as discussed above you will keep your machine in working order and also much less time having it mended.

About the Author

Samantha Clemens has been mending sewing machines for a living for more than 20 years. For additional info please go to her web site Sewing Machine Repairs

(ArticlesBase SC #2581167)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Keep A Sewing Machine In Working Order With Basic Maintenance

Wanting to Learn How to Sew Clothes

Author: Gargi Nath

If you are one of those people who have always loved thinking of new and creative ways that clothes could be designed, then you may want to consider learning how to sew clothes. Sewing is a pretty basic thing once you get the hang of it so all you have to do is get yourself started. Whether it is learning how to sew leather or cotton, the general concept is usually all the same. When it comes to learning how to sew clothes though, you are going to want to try and make sure that you are starting with some scrap fabric first. This way your mistakes will not cost you as much money as working on something like better material would.

Learning how to sew clothes can be both an exciting and scary time all at once but you have to just roll with the punches and stick in there. That is the only way to make it through to the point that you are completely comfortable and sure about your own ability to sew. At that point you will be so good at what you do that you could teach someone else how to sew clothes so that other people can enjoy the hobby. Until then though your job is to simply keep practicing so that you can become very good at it.

Where To Get The Teachings

A lot of people start out by simply reading a book or two on how to sew clothes. There are also a lot of different magazines out there that cater specifically to people who want to learn how to sew clothes. These types of magazines can do a lot of good for people who are really trying to learn how to sew clothes. If you find that by reading these types of books and magazines that you are not learning enough then it is probably time to get some one on one teaching from someone that is skilled in the art of sewing.

There are a lot of places that a person can go to for classes on how to sew clothes and the prices are generally reasonable. Most times, these classes can be found at the local library or through a craft store. Be sure to look around for these classes on how to sew clothes so that you can get started on your new hobby. And once you learn enough from the classes you can then go off on your own to do what you want.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/needlework-articles/wanting-to-learn-how-to-sew-clothes-580353.html

About the Author

I am Gargi Nath from Kolkata,India.I am a Professor of English.Please visit my blog http://needle-sewing.blogspot.com for more detailed informations on sewing.

Embroidery Digitizing – Designing Clothes The Easy Way

By: Sunil Punjabi

Clothing is important as a commodity because it has worldwide appeal and plays a substantial role in the world economy. Fashion trends are a global phenomenon so wearing the right kind of attire plays an important role in everybody’s life. With this view several embroidery digitizing companies have come up all around the globe to meet the current standards and vast range of fashion wear.

Digitizing embroidery simply means creating fashionable and varied forms of embroidery by utilizing computer generated software and applications. The digitizing application is fed several stitch patterns or image files, which it stores, and processes into several files which are then read by embroidery machines to be sewn into perfect embroidered fabric. embroidery digitizing has vastly simplified the process of designing fashionable clothes, as the process employed is simple and requires minimum human intervention. The whole idea of creating your line of clothes seems much easier, faster and cost-effective than it used to be before. Today, people are actually thinking about designing their own clothes since the advent of digitizing software and machines.

The simple requirements of embroidery digitizing are a computer-operated system, digitizing machine and software, and design patterns. The designs employed can be self created or you can download the designs online or further manipulate them to give it your own personal touch. embroidery digitizing software can also be downloaded from the internet to help you in creating your own patterns. This way you can also boost your embroidery skills and come up with unique stitches that will never have common designs. With the simple instructions anyone can learn the digitizing techniques and it is far simpler than the complex hand embroidery techniques.

Computerized embroidery has become popular over the years due to the low labor that is placed in its work and the high supply of quality clothes that are made out of it. Perfecting the art of embroidery manually is quite difficult but the digitized embroidery is almost always minutely perfect. Less effort and lack of wastage of time are added advantages. Manual embroidery requires an embroidery machine that is costly and but the cost of embroidery digitizing is far less as anyone can easily buy the embroidery software and install them in their computer systems to create amazing embroidery patterns. The economics of selling your self- designed clothes are also promising. Besides, one can also opt to sell their embroidery techniques, as there are several individuals and companies who seek quality embroidery designs and patterns.

There are many websites and online manufactures who are regularly using digitized embroidery to create fabulous clothes. A lot of websites also sell their digitized patterns and have uploaded their finished designs for consideration. Today people from various fields are actually thinking about creating their own clothes and selling it online since the inception of digitized embroidery has made it all very simple. All in all embroidery digitizing can be a good source of income and beneficial to a lot of people in future.

For all your requirements for digitizing, embroidery digitizing, machine embroidery services, please contact us or call us for a quote – http://www.superdigitizing.com/

About the Author

I am a Microsoft Certified Professional. I conduct Training and Certification Guidance for Microsoft .Net Certification Courses through my training institute-Sierra Infotech. I also own and manage a SEO Company and article Directory.

(ArticlesBase SC #2846570)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Embroidery Digitizing – Designing Clothes The Easy Way

5 Challenges When Making a Quilt

By: Sharon Camp

As a quilter there are many challenges you face when designing, sewing and ultimately quilting the finished product.  Here are the 5 most important steps that you need to complete before the finished product can be proudly displayed and viewed by others.

Step 1

Choosing the fabric for the quilt can be one of the most challenging and exciting tasks facing the quilter or one of the most frustrating.  Color choices can indeed determine the overall success of your quilt because it can either be alive and sparkle with its color or be dull, drab and boring due to the lack of it.

Since you might be like most quilters and wish you were wealthy enough to have the complete “stash” that contains every fabric that you ever could want to use, choosing your fabrics carefully is important.  Colors chosen for the background should be quiet, more neutral so as not to call attention to this part of the quilt and allow for the printed colors to jump out and shine.

There are two recommended quilter color tests that will help in your selection.  First, place the colors next to each other to be sure they compliment and do not detract from each other.  The second and equally important is to stand back at least six feet and look carefully to see how the fabrics melt or mix together.

Select fabrics that will enhance your pattern.  Use the color wheel to help in the selection of colors that compliment or intensify.  The hot colors of yellow and orange will dominate the quilt and conversely, the cool shades of blues will add a depth dimension to your quilt.  Remember that the neutral shades are pleasant to the eye and allow for the others hues to show their true color.

Be sure to prewash all fabric, tumble dry and iron prior to cutting for your projects.

It is always wise to buy a little extra fabric in case of wrong cuts than to be short.  This way you can add the extra to that fabric stash for your next project!

Step 2

Whether you plan to use a precut pattern, draft your own blocks, use a template or cut out pieces with a rotary blade, the design of the quilt becomes your true masterpiece.  Whether your blocks are pieced or appliquéd, simple or complex, each can be connected block to block or with sashings and cornerstones.  Another alternative that frames the blocks and gives a three dimensional look to your block is a framed or window block.   Blocks can be set on a horizontal pattern running crosswise or lengthwise.  Another alternative would be the zigzag effect which is produced by placing the blocks diagonally.

Enhancing or enlarging a block or the size of the quilt can be easily done by the adding of borders.  Well-designed borders add to the colors in the quilt blocks, as well as bring out designs and shapes featured in the blocks.   Interesting borders can be pieced, appliquéd, and mitered corners add stunning results that frame the blocks in the center.

Step 3

No matter the colors or the design that is chosen, the construction or the sewing of the quilt has rules that need to be followed carefully.

Be sure to sew exactly ¼ ” seams from edge to edge.  If possible, keep the straight of the grain on the outside edges of the quilt section.    Press the seams in what is called “opposing seams.”  This pressing of the seams in opposite directions allows the matching of the points or corners and always pin the points of matching prior to sewing.

Step 4

Once the quilt top is completed, a layer of batting is then sandwiched between this top and a lower layer of fabric.  Once the fabrics are arranged, stretched smooth, and basted together with long running stitches to hold the layers together until the quilting can be completed.  Choosing to quilt by hand or to machine quilt is an individual preference.

When quilting by hand, since the stitches create the design, it is important that each one be made carefully.  A simple running stitch is used, though the size differs from one quilter to another in the number of stitches to an inch, it is more important that each stitch be uniform in length.  Usually a 5 – 8 stitch per inch is considered to be pleasing and attractive hand quilting.

As a machine quilter, you can have the option for a quicker and often time’s stronger stitch since the machine is being utilized.  Work is done in small areas at a time, since maneuvering the material under the arm of the machine is often cumbersome and tricky.  An alternative to this process would be the quilter’s long arm, which is designed to not only work on a larger quilted area, but more intricate design patterns.

Step 5

The final and often times over-looked step is giving your quilt a name.  Many quilts many be placed in a quilt show, or sold on line, but some may be just love and meant to spend hours being loved and cuddled with by that special person who was lucky enough to be the recipient of a handmade quilt.  After the many hours the labors of love on the quilt, take time to personalize it by giving it the unique, special touch, it very own name.

About the Author

Come and choose one our handmade children’s quilts, a lasting keepsake, a unique birthday gift, or Christening gift, for that special “little one.”

Visit my website: http://www.uniquebabyquiltboutique.com and chose of one unique handmade children’s quilt from my collection for your child’s birthday or other special event.

Sharon Camp has been quilting for over 30 years.

(ArticlesBase SC #2951218)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – 5 Challenges When Making a Quilt

16 Creative Ideas For Repurposing Baby Food Jars Into Crafts

Author: Shelly Hill

When it comes to frugal crafting, I like to repurpose regular household trash into new craft projects. One of the items I like to use are empty baby food jars. These little jars can be repurposed into many different types of craft projects.

You can paint them or leave them plain. One of my quick and easy ways of decorating them is to just glue 1/4″ wide ribbon around the lids rim and then glue a powder puff or fabric pillow on top. You can accent your powder puff with a satin ribbon bow or leave it plain.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Bath Salt Containers (fill with your favorite homemade bath salts)
2. Bubble Bath and Bath Oils
3. Hold Desk Supplies (staples, paper clips, rubber bands, pencil leads, etc.)
4. Craft them into a pin cushion
5. Hold Sewing Supplies (needles, bobbins, buttons, snaps, etc.)
6. Hold Craft Supplies (buttons, beads, brads, eyelets, etc.)
7. Hold Loose Tea and give it as a gift
8. Candle Holder (pour candle wax into them or just sit a tea light candle inside it)
9. Tooth Pick Holder
10. Party Favors (decorate them for party favors and fill with candy)
11. Blowing Bubbles Solution (make homemade bubble solution for the kids)
12. Mini Candy Dish (fill with small candies like M&M’s, Jelly Beans or Tic Tacs)
13. Sand Art (purchase colored sand and let the kids make sand art inside the jars)
14. Homemade Body Butter Containers (fill with homemade body butter and body lotions
15. Lip Balm Tubes Organizer (You can fit 4-5 standard lip balm tubes inside)
16. Gift Jar Container (all kinds of jewelry will fit inside for gift-giving)

Repurposing your empty and clean baby food jars into useful and pretty crafts is a great way to save them from your local landfill. So, the next time you are getting ready to trash an empty baby food jar, think of all of the crafty things you can create with it.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/16-creative-ideas-for-repurposing-baby-food-jars-into-crafts-2938917.html

About the Author

Shelly Hill is a mother and grandmother living in South Central Pennsylvania who enjoys crafting, sewing and scrapbooking. Shelly has been crafting for over 30 years. You can visit Shelly’s online craft site at http://passionateaboutcrafting.blogspot.com for FREE craft project ideas and FREE craft patterns.

Must Have Home Sewing Box Essentials

By: Shelly Hill

As a work at home mother and grandmother, I often don’t have a lot of time to mend clothing when the need arises here in our home. When I did find the time, I often didn’t have the supplies on hand that I needed so I would end up delaying the mending of the clothing item(s

) that needed to be repaired.

To solve this problem, I sat down one Saturday afternoon and went through my sewing box. I then made a list of everything that I felt I needed to have on hand to handle all of those mending emergencies. On Sunday, I headed out to our local fabric store and picked up everything on my list. Once I got back home, I sorted through everything and organized it.

The very first thing you need is a good sewing box that has organizational features. The one that I own is heavy duty plastic and inside is four lift-out trays. These trays all have removable dividers so I can customize them to suit my own needs.

Here is a list of the basic sewing items you will need to complete your sewing box.

1. Sewing Thread (Basic Colors) – white, black, brown, red, green, yellow, orange, tan
2. Needles – various lengths and tips
3. Straight Pins – one box of pins (I prefer rust-proof pins)
4. Measuring Tape
5. Scissors – I recommend a high quality pair of fabric scissors
6. Buttons – You will want to stay stocked with various colors and sizes of buttons
7. Safety Pins – I recommend various sizes in both silver tone and gold tone metals
8. Seam Ripper – Every good sewing box needs a great seam ripper tool.
9. Needle Threader – Even if you have great eye sight, a needle threader can save you precious time when you are in a hurry.
10. Iron-on Patches – I keep white, black, denim, navy, tan and brown iron-on patches in my sewing box at all times.
11. Fabric Glue – If you are in a hurry and need a quick fix, you can hem a pair of pants or fix a seam with a few dabs of fabric glue.
12. Thimble – Protect your fingertips and invest in a good thimble.

Now, if you are a seamstress, you should also keep on hand various colored zippers, zipper pulls, elastic (various widths and lengths), buckles, etc.

Once you sit down and go through your sewing supplies and organize them, you will find that you will tackle those home mending projects more quickly. Keeping a well stocked sewing box saves time and energy and your family will thank you for keeping their favorite clothing hanging in their closets instead of on your mending pile.

About the Author

Shelly Hill is a mother and grandmother living in Central Pennsylvania who enjoys cooking, crafting and sewing. You can visit Shelly online at http://passionateaboutcrafting.blogspot.com for free craft and sewing project ideas or her recipe and cooking site at http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com for free recipes and cooking tips.

(ArticlesBase SC #2938929)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Must Have Home Sewing Box Essentials

Author: Joey Robichaux

It’s a treat sewing with fleece — the edges don’t unravel, so there’s no need to finish seams. Fleece is kind of stretchy, plus fleece garments are normally a little loose, so fitting isn’t a big issue.

Even though fleece is easy to sew, there are two sewing tricks that can make your fleece experience much more pleasant!

First, you want to use a longer stitch length when you sew fleece. Rather than your normal setting of 2 or so, you may want to go up to a 4 or a 5. Some people even suggest a basting stitch for fleece!

The reason is that fleece stitches can pull through the fabric if the stitch length is too short. Longer is better when you sew fleece. The plus side of this is that it makes your sewing much faster!

Next, you want to make sure of your “right-side/wrong-side” when you sew fleece. Some people are surprised to find that fleece has a right/wrong side — the print usually appears the same from both sides. Solid colors have the same color depth regardless of the side. How can right/wrong side come into play?

The catch is that fleece will always curl to one side or the other. The side it curls towards is the “wrong” side! When you cut a piece of fleece, you’ll not the cut edge will always curl in a certain direction. Take careful note of this when you assemble fleece garments or projects; match your right/wrong sides carefully to up the quality of your finished product!

To make this a little confusing, the selvedge edge of fleece doesn’t folow this rule! The selvedge edge normally curls towards the “right” side! For best results, don’t leave your selvedge edges raw — trim them instead. After all, fleece edges won’t unravel, so there’s no real need to keep the selvedge edge.

Keep these two tricks in mind when sewing fleece and you’ll find your sewing experience much more pleasant — and the results more enjoyable!

About the Author:

Joey Robichaux operates Sewing Machines and Sewing Projects — offering free sewing projects and reviews of older mechanical sewing machines — as well as Sewing Stash, an extensive sewing and crafts directory.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Sewing Tips for Fleece

Author: Joey Robichaux

It’s a treat sewing with fleece — the edges don’t unravel, so there’s no need to finish seams. Fleece is kind of stretchy, plus fleece garments are normally a little loose, so fitting isn’t a big issue.

Even though fleece is easy to sew, there are two sewing tricks that can make your fleece experience much more pleasant!

First, you want to use a longer stitch length when you sew fleece. Rather than your normal setting of 2 or so, you may want to go up to a 4 or a 5. Some people even suggest a basting stitch for fleece!

The reason is that fleece stitches can pull through the fabric if the stitch length is too short. Longer is better when you sew fleece. The plus side of this is that it makes your sewing much faster!

Next, you want to make sure of your “right-side/wrong-side” when you sew fleece. Some people are surprised to find that fleece has a right/wrong side — the print usually appears the same from both sides. Solid colors have the same color depth regardless of the side. How can right/wrong side come into play?

The catch is that fleece will always curl to one side or the other. The side it curls towards is the “wrong” side! When you cut a piece of fleece, you’ll not the cut edge will always curl in a certain direction. Take careful note of this when you assemble fleece garments or projects; match your right/wrong sides carefully to up the quality of your finished product!

To make this a little confusing, the selvedge edge of fleece doesn’t folow this rule! The selvedge edge normally curls towards the “right” side! For best results, don’t leave your selvedge edges raw — trim them instead. After all, fleece edges won’t unravel, so there’s no real need to keep the selvedge edge.

Keep these two tricks in mind when sewing fleece and you’ll find your sewing experience much more pleasant — and the results more enjoyable!

About the Author:

Joey Robichaux operates Sewing Machines and Sewing Projects — offering free sewing projects and reviews of older mechanical sewing machines — as well as Sewing Stash, an extensive sewing and crafts directory.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Sewing Tips for Fleece