How to Thread a Pfaff Varimatic 6091

 I purchased my Pfaff Varimatic 6091 in 1998 from Sewing Products Inc. The machine has served me well. I still use it when I sew standing by my cutting table or when I wind bobbins for my industrial Pfaff.  This is a more modern Pfaff than mine.

I made a short video showing the thread path. Its very straight forward. I also show the dual feed and how to insert the bobbin.

Just for fun, I threaded the machine 15 seconds and made a short. This machine and I are good friends. You will have to watch it on youtube, I can't figure out how to put a short in Blogger yet!

I also use a thread stand when I sew with cones on this machine. I found a metal one here, I do not like the plastic ones. I haven't found one that is heavy enough to stay in one spot.

Which Sewing Machine Should You Purchase?

If you are in the market for a new sewing machine the choices can be overwhelming. I believe there are good machines in all brands and at almost all price points (I am not a fan of the small plastic lightweight machines). If you are lucky enough to have a local retail sewing machine shop, that is my first choice. They generally offer lessons to help you learn the proper way to use your machine, and can service or tune it up when needed. Also, you can go into the store with samples, try some demo machines, and talk to a sales person about what machine is best for your needs.

If you don't have a local retail shop, I am an affiliate for Sewingmachinesplus.com, Inc.. While I haven't purchased a machine from them, I have purchased parts and presser feet. They offer financing, a price match guarantee, 60 day return policy, and expert sewing consultants to get you started on your sewing journey successfully. 

I know that there are good second hand machines. If you are just starting out, it can be difficult to get your machine running properly. If you have someone to teach you and/or someone mechanically inclined you can go this route, but I want you to be successful. Do not let a bad machine frustrate you when you are first getting started sewing!

And don't forget to join their mailing list while you are saving up and deciding which machine best fits your needs! (you may have to scroll down a little on the page to find it)

Thread an Industrial Pfaff 563 Sewing Machine

I made a video about threading my Pfaff 563 by request. I also talk about the bobbin winder on the machine because that is what the question was initially about. I feel really bad because I ignored a request from the same person for quite a long time. I'm kind of embarrassed that I don't use it! I've always wound the bobbins on the domestic Pfaff because they share the same bobbins and even the bobbin cases are interchangeable. 

How to Change the Needle in an Industrial Sewing Machine

In this video I show you how to change your needle in an Industrial Sewing Machine using my lockstitch Pfaff 563. It's important to note that all Industrial Machines do NOT use the same needles. You must do some research to figure out which ones will work in your Make and Model. You can support my efforts by using this affiliate link to purchase needles here. Used needles can be discarded with your recycling. I store mind in an envelope on my bulletin board until I have a small pile, then throw them in a tin can and recycle.

How to Change the needle in a Domestic or Home Sewing Machine

Changing the needle in your sewing machine often is important, but easy. If you'd like to support me through this affiliate link, you can purchase home sewing machine needles here. Remember to get a few different sizes and styles to use on different fabrics. If you aren't sure if your needle is damaged, bent or has a burr it's a good idea to change it anyway.  Used needles can be discarded with your recycling. I store mind in an envelope on my bulletin board until I have a small pile, then throw them in a tin can and recycle.

My Top 3 Rules for Successful Sewing (or How to NOT Break your Sewing Machine!)

What I tell my students or anyone else who will listen. 

Successful sewing tips. 

1- bobbin case

2- handwheel

3- DON'T touch that tension!

Recycled Denim Jacket with Circle Appliques

(this post contains affiliate links. Thank you!!)

 So, I've been recycling denim jeans for a while now. I'm working on creating a website, but for now the etsy shop will have to do. I'm selling in galleries and the response has been fantastic! I'm always looking for ways to make my denim more interesting and I stumbled upon the idea to add circles to my jacket and bags.

I started out cutting all the circles by hand, with a cardboard template and scissors, but you know that got old fast! Then I found these OLFA Rotary Circle Cutters and I thought I found what I needed to cut all of my circles! Nope. That too got old, and my fingers got sore. I tried many different hand held and automated cutters with frustrating results.

Finally, I tried GO! Baby Fabric Cutter . THIS was the equipment I was looking for. I still use the GO! Baby for the circles because I have two dies with various sizes, but as they get dull I will upgrade to the dies for the Accuquilt Studio Fabric Cutter.
Yup, I purchased the Studio Cutter. I had to! I use strip cutters with the Studio Cutter. It has enabled me to use up my scraps much more efficiently and cut down on the time I spend processing the jeans. 

I can get the GO! Baby to cut through two layers of denim and sometimes three if I stack it correctly. The Studio Cutter doesn't even notice four layers. I do have a Star Die and a small Flower Die for the Baby as well. They haven't gotten as much use yet, but I know they will. I also look forward to trying different styles as my business grows.

The Accuquilt website states "You may use the output (i.e., the cut shapes) resulting from the use of the die shapes Accuquilt licenses from third parties, as well as the output resulting from the use of Accuquilt proprietary die shapes, for any commercial or private purpose".  I LOVE this. Not only does the company acknowledge that their cut shapes are usable for any commercial or private purpose, they make it easy to find the information on their website.

Taking Better Product Photos

I've been working hard to improve many parts of my business. I even took the plunge and bought this. I am also doing the website building training. It is SO much info that I have a little bit of overwhelm going on. She says "How do you eat an elephant?, One bite at a time."

One of my biggest barriers to success is my product photos. My products do great in their brick and mortar locations, but online the photos are the single most important way for customers to view what they are looking to buy.

I made a couple purchases to increase my ability to take better pictures. I made my own little photo room. (affiliate links, thank you!)

First a backdrop. I use an old white sheet on the floor when I need to get a bigger view.

Neewer 6x9 feet/1.8x2.8 meters Photo Studio 100 Percent Pure Muslin Collapsible Backdrop Background for Photography, Video and Television (Background Only) - White

I sewed a casing in the piece I purchased, put it over the roll it came on and attached it to the ceiling with wire.

I also purchased a low cost kit with lights, stands and umbrellas. I did have to purchase brighter lights and they came with a diffuser, so I'm not using the umbrellas. I suggest you purchase the most expensive set up you can afford.

Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit by LimoStudio, LMS103



Photos can still be a struggle, but I think I have upped the quality with a small cost. Here is a photo of my unisex recycled patchwork poncho that is currently in the etsy shop.

Just so you know, I'm *not* good at photos. I only recently even got a smidgen of understanding about how lighting works. You can't sell online if you can't show your product in a good light. Watch videos on youtube, read a book on it. Get Adobe Photoshop Elements 15 and The Photoshop Elements 15 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter) to go with it. Learn all you can, I am. It hurts my brain sometimes, but its worth it!

Bobbin holders

I had a question on my Bernina 950 post about the bobbin holders I use in the photo. In order to include an affiliate link I'm making a new post here.

This is them:

GRABOBBIN Magnetic Bobbin Holder For Steel Bobbins

I have 7.

Pictures of the shop

Things are coming along. I have most of the machines at the new shop. It isn't a fancy space, its a work space and I couldn't be more pleased with it!

I will move the machines around as I need to for each job.

 Thread Racks, with room for customers.

The Bernina 950. I've got it set up for free-motion embroidery. I need to get a video.

The denim room. It even has a door, so I can close it when I need to get other things done!

Getting all the machines up and running

I rented industrial space and have been looking for piecework and making my denim.  I'm bringing everything over slowly and getting it all set up to maximize space and keep it from becoming too cluttered too fast.

Having this space is so enjoyable, I wish I would have done it sooner! I thought I wanted to only work at home. It is nice for many reasons, but the most glaring one is that I don't think about wanting to sew when I'm doing chores and stuff. I know when I get to the shop I'll have the time!

Work is coming in slowly, and my denim is selling slowly. I'm hoping to get a shirt gig.  I may have messed it up a little. I really wanted a great sew only order like I had years ago in Milford, but this could be a cut and sew.  I just need to get my hands on one so I can show them my professional sewing.  Supposed to be this week. I'm trying to be patient!

My Artisan overlocks are waiting on parts, but I've got the Babylock set up for a coverstitch and, just in case, I finally got the buttonhole attachment on the Singer 403A.

It feels great to be sewing again.

Deconstructing denim and Pfaff 138

I've been recycling denim for a few years now. My brain loves the different blues together! I'm creating things that I like and people are buying what I'm making. What a crazy concept!

Its a good feeling getting these ideas out of my head. I can't really explain it. I've had this rug idea for a couple years, but didn't have the Pfaff 138 running. I can't even remember for sure when I bought it! Has to be at least 6 years. It was a fabulous deal on craigslist, $250.00. I needed the umph of an industrial type machine and the huge zigzag. It isn't very big yet only 10" x 25". Mary pointed out that it will be crazy heavy when its done, but I'm making it anyway. Not sure yet how big, we'll see!

Here is some other recycled denim I've been working on. A poncho and a tunic.

Best scissors for deconstructing jeans

I'm a big fan of Fiskars spring loaded scissors. I use their Micro tip 5" blades instead of clippies for cutting thread at the sewing machine. I once had a customer that did a fake flat felled seam on boiled wool. Each pass with the sewing machine meant a trim on the seam, followed by another stitching line.  I got good at using them and can't sew without them now. They do get dull quicker than I would like them to.

At last year's Sewing Expo in Novi, MI I purchased the above spring loaded 7" heavy duty power shears from the Kai booth. I noticed them when I was saying hello to an amazing sewer, Rosebud. I meant them to replace the small 5" blades that I use, but their blunt tip makes this not a good trade off.  (I won a pair of Kai shears in the 2008 PFF and those things have never been dull.)  They are very heavy duty and perfect for deconstructing denim. I've got a system for taking them apart and with any other scissors, I'm in danger of cutting myself because they slip at the thick parts if I go too fast. These cut through the whole pant like butter.

you can use this affiliate link to find them here:
Click Here to view our huge selection of Scissors in stock at WAWAK Sewing!

It worked!

On my, this time it worked so well I have no idea what I did wrong. Only that it was VERY wrong! Excellent. I don't need to buy new equipment I can use what I have. Yippee!

ScanNCut by Brother

 Have you heard of the ScanNCut by Brother?
 
I just finished writing an article for examiner.com  and I really want to get one! I've thought about getting the cricut or other cutting machine, but they aren't really about sewing and fabric. I really can't picture myself getting into card making.

I can picture using this to put my kids art on to a tee shirt. The videos on youtube make it look easy. I could make stencils for doing the hand embroidery and denim appliques too.

Gotta get the shop cleaned up first. Have been sorting and purging all month.  Pretty soon I'll find my table and get back to making!

A Long Winter

 It was a long winter here in Michigan and elsewhere. And in spite of the 80 degree temps yesterday, we are back into the 50's today.

I wasn't able to spend much time in the shop because of the new baby and the low temps. It feels so good to be able to go out and play again.

Sewing refreshes my spirit and calms my nerves. It gives me a sense of accomplishment as well as some extra income.  I've got a lot to do. I have sorting and cleaning, my contest entry and lots of plans for denim.

In the meantime, I have been looking at my Alabama Chanin books. I made a cute boa! But alas not with hand sewing. I always change my mind at the last minute and opt for speed.

I also struggle with focus. I have much to do at home, and in spite of good advice early in my sewing career, have never managed to do just one thing. I write, I teach, I sew and on top of all my family responsibilities something gives. We must eat, but the house isn't always clean and the laundry gets done when we are out of everything! I am blessed to have an understanding husband and so many great opportunities. The examiner.com page gives me the opportunity to meet many interesting people. While I'm not really shy, I am a little insecure and have been surprised by the very positive response I receive when I use the title to help with an introduction.

I still like to sew for others when I can. It has to be someone I've known for a while because my family keeps me from meeting too sharp of deadlines now, but I still love the pre cut out repetition! Thanks for stopping by :) time to make dinner!

Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine

Lots of people tell me they want to sew, but they don't know how to use their machine. I can relate! It took me forever to learn that it mattered which way the bobbin went in on the machine. But once I figured that out I was off and sewing. I recommend this video class.




Claudia Miller goes over threading, bobbin winding and insertion, and many other little details to get you sewing.  And best of all the class is free! Its free to register there, too. But you do have to set up a free account. There are many other free classes in other crafty topics, but I haven't looked at them. 

Once you "buy" the free class it is yours to watch as often as you need. Plus, you can ask questions and get help as you go along. You can have your machine next to the computer and go through it with her, pausing if you need to.

If you are looking for a sewing book to get you going successfully, I recommend  The New Complete Guide to Sewing: Step-by-Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Accessories Updated Edition with All-New Projects and Simplicity Patterns (Reader's Digest). Take a look at the used books for a better price.

Sewing is such an enjoyable hobby for me, I want everyone to be successful! 

Interesting Question

I use blogpatrol.com to track visitors and popular topics to my blog. It is free and I find it very useful. Tonight I see that someone found my blog by searching for "sewing machine used by Christine Jonson". I happen to know that answer, and it is not already written here in the posts.

Christine uses a (*drum roll please*) Pfaff 1222 E! I looked here for a picture of hers, but the one that shows up is not the original one. She has a beautiful all metal body 1222 E. She does have another that looks like these, but she bought it later as an extra shop machine.

An important feature is the dual feed. I was sold on it after using Christine's machine and I couldn't find a used 1222 E or another used Pfaff at that time (I think it was about 1995). It was before the internet became so useful! I bought a new one. It was the cheapest Pfaff I could get at the time with dual feed. And I suspect the shopkeeper gave me a deal. I paid $600.00, it was worth every penny and was the most I could afford at the time. I still have it accessible, have used it very heavily (it has a thread mark!) and it still runs like a dream. It handles all types of fabrics expertly. I just used it this week because my industrial Pfaff 563 wouldn't sew vinyl.

My Pfaff Varimatic 6091.


Holy cats! You can still get one!

I encourage anyone who has a similar question for Christine to ask her! I'm sure she would answer your questions in good spirit :)

edit November 28,2013**The Pfaff 6091 doesn't seem to be available anymore at the link (I recommend stalking your local craigslist.org, they do show up from time to time in excellent condition, be sure it has the dual feed), but here is a link to bobbins for the older Pfaff models Pfaff 93-040970-45, PD60 9033P Pack of 25 Empty Plastic Rotary Bobbins 130-362 808-955 1006-1475 2010-2040 6085-7570+ later Sewing Embroidery Machines

Make an Extra Large Thread Rack

I'm in the process of moving my sewing work space from the basement to the attic. Ahhhh, sunlight. It has been down in the basement way too long. It will be crowded up here, but worth it.

I need another thread rack, so I'm making it again.

I get a piece of 2' X 4' peg board and 1/4" by 48" dowels and Wood Glue from a hardware store.

I used a dremel to cut the dowels into 5 1/4" pieces and proceed to glue them in, slightly slanted upwards.





I didn't put the dowels as close as I could have, you will have to experiment based on the amount of room you have available.

Hung up....


I have 4 total, I'll take a pic of the work space when its all up here.

So, I went to an Estate Sale.

Child Dressform
Originally uploaded by Diane Slade Inc

I'm not supposed to be going to Estate sales because I'm supposed to be decluttering here. BUT, my cousin called and told me that it had Dressforms! I need (want) another woman's dressform, I like to see the projects I'm working on hanging on them. And I always seem to have one less than I need.

This estate sale did not have a woman's form, but it did have this child's form. I didn't have a child's form!! So, now I do.... Hurray!

I also bought 6 vintage shirts to sell on another venue. Sigh, an addict!