I have been enjoying my adventure learning the in's and out's of my machine. It is a sewing as well as an embroidery machine and I thought a couple months ago it is time to make sure I know how to use every foot. That is I have so far. (I have list for few more) I used the quilting guide in the mat pictured here and have learned using my bias foot. I made the bias for this and still having a time understanding making the continuous cut kind. This mat is for a friend she wanted a mat about 24 inches for on her table.

Good for you!
After concentrating on my embroidery machine for a couple years, I joined a Husqvarna Club for a year to 'relearn' my sewing machine.
That is a great way to learn all your feet if you are lucky enough to have a good sewing shop close by.
I learnt how to use a Gathering Foot. Wow that was fun even though I have no littlies to sew for.
Also learnt that I knew more than I thought I did.
Good luck with your machine adventures. :-)

oh i see you like a challenge!!!!I also see you are learning how to work the beast (i call this computer the beast)
Enjoy yourself and make something pretty today hugs Carolyn

1 comment

by highlandermom 01 Apr 2015

Computer and myself getting along well. I can remember it being a challenge. My sewing machines each one has it's own personally so to speak and I am one of those puts backwards first and can't handle instructions as well. So self taught and I do love the challenge. There is so many methods to hit in newer fancy machines and stitches compared to my straight stitch/zig zags I started out with. The cutting needles and more feet than you can count on your hands and toes. Lots to get into. Hope to make another skirt and get a walk in my sunshine is shinning today. Hugs back

WELL DONE MARY! I think you are coming along way to try everything & that is the best way to learn. I really like what you have done here. As for the ties... I do it the lazy way & fold in on the right press & stitch on the front so no turning. Time saver & less stressful for me. Kudos ~hugs~

1 comment

by highlandermom 01 Apr 2015

Lol there is a method to my madness I am 1st wanting to know machine very well. 2nd there is few more feet I need to hint for and I can say my tools are used and needed, like my bud gets his and uses. I have done the fold just wanted to go with the pattern for a change. After that battle it may be this way again. Hugs

Well done.
I like top stitching on ties and I really don't like turning long lengths so I actually fold it as if it was bias binding and top stitch the ends and long side closed. For ties you don't even have to cut on the bias unless you want the stretch it gives or you are binding around curves.
I use my simplicity bias maker to Fold and press the binding/ straps ready to use. Such a timesaver. I bought it with a 40% off coupon.

1 comment

by highlandermom 01 Apr 2015

I can see this happening fast I got one of those bias makers and the hand/iron type. Thanks for commenting.

Good for you...I need to do some of the same!

1 comment

by highlandermom 01 Apr 2015

Thanks for taking time to comment. Go for it. I figure only way to understand more on stitches is use machine to its full potential. My hubby got me the quilting table and loads of embroidery thread. I have lots of fabric but need to use both sewing fancy and embroider it it is tough sewing I will use my other machine.

I have been wanting to use my feet more also. I seem to get lazy when it comes to taking off the walking foot.

2 comments

by cfidl 01 Apr 2015

If your length was shorter I would use a straw and a bobkin to push it through.

by highlandermom 01 Apr 2015

Great mind think alike actually I did that kinda. I used the bodkin, a stick to start turn and grabbed with bodking pulled back some at a time as the bodkin short compared to the length with the pull. So next hubby told me about a conduit ribbon might work. I am going to check that out. It is strong so electrician can pull through many feet of conduit. He told has measurements on it. So That is on my adventure list to check into today.

Good for you for trying and learning new things. There's always that next challenge.

1 comment

by highlandermom 01 Apr 2015

These kind of challenges help to balance out the spiritual battles. Life is one big challenge. I remind myself that is why we are supposed to be thankful for all things.

Great job taking the time to learn all that your machine is able to do! I know your message will motivate others to attempt learning more about their own machines.

In reference to turning small tubes like your 4 foot tie string. 2 ways I have done it depending on if you have a serger- which may defeat the idea of getting to know your machine better. Anyway with the serger since you wanted the opening about in the middle of your tie string, I would serge off about 3 feet to make a string cord and leaving it still attached lay it along the right side of the material along the fold line, so it is well clear of your seam line, that you will next be stitching. Proceed to stitch across the bottom short end and up the long edge for 2 feet of tubing then do the same thing for the second half of your tie string, not forgetting to again serge off 3 feet of cording and tuck in the fold away from the seam but also be sure to leave about a 1 inch or so opening when you come to the area the seams will come close to meeting. As you get close to the opening take the time to fish out each of those 2 serged cords. The amount of opening really does not have to be very large as you will just need enough space to pull the material tie strings through. Because the serged string is connected to each tie string end, as long as it has not gotten caught in any of the seams, you should easily be able to pull that string and turn your tube right side out, very easily, even for tubes much smaller than you have here.

The second way I would use if I was using my sewing machine is to take a button hole thick thread and this time take about 6 feet for each end of the tie and taking one of the lengths about at the half way point I would using my zig zag stitch, stitch over the top of the thread for about 1/4 inch but very close stitches, right at the fold point but within the seam allowance, at the end of the ties. If you pull that thread it should easily slide under the zig zag stitches. Fold the material as you prepare to sew the seams of the tie and again lay those doubled over button hole thread along the fold line. Start sewing your seams starting at the ends and sewing to the middle again being sure to fish out those button hole threads when you come close to the middle where your seams will come close to meeting and also as you start to sew, down on the tie ends, try to lay the string in such a way that you are not splitting the threads with your machine needle, which would make it hard to pull the string completely out when you were finished turning the tube right side out. If you did not mind the string remaining in there then there would be no worry if you split the string as you were sewing that end seam. Again you will not need too much space left unstitched since you will only need enough space for the material tube to pass through. Pull the string and it should easily pull through and since you zig zagged over the thread you could just continue to pull the string and pull it all right out and leave no thick string remaining. Hope that this is clear enough for you and others to understand what I am trying to explain. Using just thread, in order to help turn the tubes, you can learn to manage turning very small tubes and in those cases trimming the seam allowance down will allow you to make them even smaller. This also would work to cover rat tail cording but I have not done that one yet, though it was explained to me, to do it this same way, just using the one cord not doubled over as I use for the button hole thread method. Hope you continue to have fun learning your machines capabilities!

1 comment

by highlandermom 01 Apr 2015

Bless you for your time with this information. I understand and will try all these to my what is fast, looks good, works for me. Another sewing journal page.

good for you to master it all!! Have fun playing!

1 comment

by highlandermom edited 01 Apr 2015

Thanks for dropping in and commenting.

You put me to shame. I have had my machines for several years and have not tried out every foot.

1 comment

by highlandermom 01 Apr 2015

Hubby knows I love my machine I told him he could get off buying me a diamond ring I had been wishing for if I got this machine. I tell him almost daily as I hug my machine in front of him..... I love my machine isn't it pretty! Now if I can learn feet that came with it as well as ones I got. Then as ask for the candlewicking foot, another couple binding feet, Rolled hem I forgot that one when was getting, a non stitch foot would be nice for vinyl, Well you get the idea. So I hope you pick one of your not used yet feets and have an adventure with your machine.

When I bought my embroidery machine in late 1990's dealers were 150 miles away so I am self taught. Sure don't forget what you get figured out. Then embroidery sites so helpful learned even more. Now if I could get started digitizing I could take another huge step. Also my BSR foot needs to make me practice. Have fun. Enjoyed your pictures.

SQ

1 comment

by highlandermom 31 Mar 2015

That is how I have learned all my sewing etc. Thanks for taking time to comment.

Could you fold it in a 1/4 of an inch on each side then fold in half and sew it from the right side?
Beautiful work you have done.

1 comment

by highlandermom 31 Mar 2015

I was about to go for that very measure but pattern showed so I was determined I would get it. Next time .... will see what else I can come up with.