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. 

Sewing a swirl on my denim Market bag with my Industrial Pfaff 563.

So as much as this video did turn out, it isn't what I planned. I tried to do a whole tutorial. But it seems that my phone doesn't want to take long videos. Maybe it is the remote thing that starts and stops the video hands free. Anyway, its something I need to figure out. I also have to research how people get a good view of the sewing surface of the machine. I haven't found a spot with a good view that doesn't get in the way of the sewing. Forward march! Not giving up :)

Replace an Invisible Zipper in a Dress

So again the tech isn't my strength. I had a glitch where the internal memory ran out before I was finished sewing the zipper into the dress. Its OK I have to get a better view of what I'm doing anyway.

Some links to the videos and the links I promised to share.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Affiliate links to supplies I used.
invisible zipper feet
similar to generic zipper foot I used
Needles
Thread

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.