More Quilt tops for the Prayer Blanket Ministry

I'm not labeling them for the months anymore because I've lost track and gotten behind on my one a month. One is missing because I didn't really like it so I didn't take a picture, but I regret it now....

my first fence rail


I started this one a long time ago and finished it for the Ministry



And denim -go figure the woman in charge wanted denim....





I have to finish them now too, the woman who was doing it had knee surgery so I don't get to do just the fun part now....

You can see my other quilt tops here.

Style #61002 - Pattern on Manilla Paper

I've remade another pattern on Manilla File Folders. This one is bigger so I had to tape some together. I can't believe how much easier it is to have them this way!


Some of my new pattern tools. A screw punch and pattern notcher from here.


Recommended by FI. I really need that see-thru plastic ruler, but it will have to wait.

My new bag, I love, love, love it!


It is on Etsy!

My Babylock Evolve

Remember my Evolve from last years PFF challenge? (And by the way, in case you were wondering, I did not send in an entry for this years contest, maybe next year....) Well I finally gave it a try. Hey! Its only been 9 months!

Anyway, the machine came with a video that shows how to thread it. It is definately appreciated. I'm not sure I could have figured it out without it. The machine works great! I had some piecework that needed a coverstitch.

My machine and sample coverstitch.



What a beautiful stitch! I'd like to have the clear foot and I definately need more practice lining up the stitch on the round, but the machine is amazing. No problems with the tensions, the machine does all the work. Its not an industrial machine, and feels kinda slow to me, but I think I read it will go 1200 stitches per minute.

So with the contest last year I've tried the wide overlock stitch, rolled hem and now the coverstitch. All stitches look great and no problems with any of the different weights of fabric.

Making Motivation

I've been reading FI and I decided to practice and update some of my tote patterns. I'm issuing style numbers, making production patterns with color coding and I will be making a direction card after I streamline the sewing (again).

In order to motivate myself, (I'm a procrastinator, I finished sewing about 5 things before I started getting paid to sew) I signed up for a tent at a local festival this September. Only problem is I have NOTHING to put in the booth. (OK I have a dozen things, but it feels like nothing)

Here is what my original pattern looked like.


Here is what the new color coded, labeled and separate pattern pieces look like. (I have the blue in pencil because I don't have a blue pen yet)


traced out on jeans


Here is a finished bag from the new pattern on manilla paper. It isn't perfect and I skipped the pocket, but it is much easier having everything ready.


It makes me crazy seeing what a difference it makes to have each piece separate and labeled. It took forever to make the patterns, but I was doing it every time I made a new bag! I was redoing the placement for the handles and pocket every time. And I didn't even have a strap pattern just a measurement written on the shell piece! Now I can just go thru all the pieces and I'm ready to sew, before I had to remember which ones I reused for lining and interfacing (and they aren't supposed to be the same size anyway!). The harder paper makes a huge difference too. I haven't purchased a roll yet, I'm just using manilla file folders.

My style number is 61001. I have chosen 6 for accessories because I like the way it sounds. I have 5 numbers because I am prone to excess, plus I am considering using the second number to differentiate between recycled,recycled patchwork,and just plain fabric. Even though I'm not using a different pattern, the work and cost for each of the different styles would be notable for customer ordering or inventory. The last three numbers are for numbering the 999 bag patterns I plan on making (ha ha!).

An example:
recycled denim

recycled patchwork denim (different size bag)

fabric


I also need to make a direction card, as the link explains, it is necessary for sewing production. In my case I'm lame for not having done it sooner because my memory is good, but I rarely sew it in the most efficient order when I haven't touched it in a while. That is my next task.

Tutorial: Thread a Bernina 950

This is how I thread my Bernina 950. This is a pic of mine, I added a thread stand after I bought it.


This is a view from the back. Right now the machine is threaded from the thread stand. If using cone thread and a thread stand, first the thread goes through the top of the stand, then the hook behind the thread post, then the hook behind the take up lever. If you are using a spool on the thread post, the only hook you use is the one behind the take up lever.


Another closer view of the hook behind the take up lever. And showing the thread going into the guide toward the front of the machine.


The thread comes from the back on the right through the guide. Down and under the thread regulator, up through the take up lever, and down through the thread guide just above the needle, then through the needle.


Hard to see, but it is important to note that the needle is inserted slightly off center. The eye should be facing between the 6 and 7 on a clock. The long groove is the front of the needle. Needles 16X231 BALL POINT and Needles 16X231 SHARP.


This is how the bobbin goes in the bobbin case. The thread rolls off over in the direction you see the thread going.


Another look. Bobbin in case. Sorry its a little fuzzy, you get the idea...


I hate winding bobbins in the middle of a project (thought you can with the Bernina 950)or unwinding bobbins for a new thread color. I bought 20 extra bobbins as soon as I could find them.

Some Basic Sewing Information.....

1.Don't turn the hand wheel backwards. Never. It should only be turned towards you.
This is something that comes naturally to me because I learned to sew on a treadle machine. I'm surprised at how many people try to do this. This is the best way to mess up the timing on your machine.

2.Leave the tension on your machine alone! The only reasons you should be touching it are for speciality feet, special needles or some machines ask the tension dial to be set differently for the button hole. First rethread, make sure the bobbin is in correctly, and make sure the needle is the right size and type for the fabric you are sewing. Otherwise leave it on the factory setting.

3.If you want to slow the fabric down, step lighter on the presser foot. Don't slow the fabric down by holding it back. You will get an uneven stitch and just might break your motor too.

4.The sewing machine sews in a straight line. You are not making the sewing machine sew straight, you are guiding the fabric under the presser foot in an even fashion. If you veer off correct gently, don't try to do it too fast.

That is all I can think of right now, I've been reading Yahoo answers and I'm not happy with some of the sewing advice that is given. I really have to stop reading. They are always telling people to adjust tensions! I RARELY touch my tensions. I have to stop reading them. Someone is insisting that you have to thread your machine with the presser foot up?!? Huh? What nonsense! As if that makes any difference at all. In fact, I'd say I'm more likely to thread the machine with the presser foot down! My Industrial machines have a knee lift, so the presser foot is definately down when the machine is threaded. And with my home machines, I put the foot down when I'm threading to get it out of the way of the needle. The only time I can think of it making a difference is if there is an auto threader that requires it to be up.

OK, I think I feel better now. Sigh....

Christine has a Blog!

Christine Jonson Patterns now has a blog! Keep updated on what is new in Christine's studio, what kind of new fabrics she has found and when the new patterns are coming out.

Christine hired me in her retail shop in 1995 and it began my career in sewing. I've learned an incredible amount from her over the years. She is always willing to pass on what she knows. I hope you can learn from her too!

Visit Christine and see what is new!