Month: September 2014

Did you know that September is National Sewing Month? I’d heard about it earlier than promptly forgot about it until I stumbled upon someone commenting about this online.

Perhaps that explains why the sewing bug has hit me hard? Nah… the cooler months are when I tend to get a lot of sewing (and now weaving) complete.

My daughter and I have a few simple sewing projects planned for this weekend, but the major sewing won’t happen until next weekend when I finally start sewing a bit more for myself.

Currently, I’m still researching the Blind Hemming Machine. I’ve found a lot of great information from websites. I’ve been reading the information and the few videos I’ve stumbled upon. I’ll be sure to refer to that information once I finally do purchase the machine. From what I’m reading (and what I already know) purchasing the Blind hemming machine will cut down my sewing time considerably. I can’t wait!

Last evening, I finally got around to sewing the adult bib. I’d drafted a pattern for it earlier in the week and while I’d been itching to sew… something. I didn’t get around to the actual sewing until last evening.

I now do my sewing in it’s own designated area and I must say I like this arrangement a lot more. There are a few things I will purchase like a collapsible sewing table, mannequin and that blind hemmer machine but for the most part I’m good.

My daughter chose the above embroidered design and I must say she made an excellent choice. I’d made this design months ago and set it aside. I’m making another one for one of her friends and will attach it to a bag.

Since the material was so thin, I added additional material to serve as the liner and stitched that to the front part of the fabric. I then attached another piece, sewed everything together on the wrong side and flipped over. Tah Dah! Now, we have a sturdy adult bib.

This simple project was made for one of my older church friends. I’ve made one for her before. I hope she likes this one.

One machine I’ve forgot to include in my “must have” sewing equation is the blind hemming machine and just like my Overlock sewing machine it only serves one purpose, it creates a finished hem.

The blind hemmer has a curved needle, which helps it take a “bite” out of the fabric. and unlike the overlock or coverstitch machine, it only uses a single thread, that creates a chain stitch. This hem can be found on drapes, tailored pants, skirts, dresses and a few other garments that escape me currently.

While some might think that’s not impressive. It is for me. I love the blind stitch hem and do a lot this particular hem by hand, since I much prefer it the “blind stitch hem” of my  Brother PC420 or even my Serger. No thanks, even though it takes longer, I much prefer to do that hem manually since my stitching is much nicer. Therein lies the problem, to finish some seams manually, it can take several minutes, a few hours or even longer. Can you see why a machine that solely does this would be appealing? Recently, the demand for me to do this type of hem has increased, so I need a viable alternative.

I’ve been researching blind hemmer machines for a little bit and have narrowed my selection to the Reliable MSK-588 Portable Blindstitch Sewing Machine.

Here’s what I like about this machine…

The Reliable MSK-588 sewing machine is built right, with the best quality components available, from the all-metal design of the casting to the finish quality that you expect from a Reliable product. Great care is taken in preparing each and every machine so when you plug it in you know it will sew right out of the box. Flexibility, no matter what you are hemming. The true skip-stitch function on the MSK-555 allows you to go from fine sheer material all the way to heavier woolens. Note: You may need to change the needle size and make other adjustments when you change fabric types. The MSK-588 comes complete with everything you need to get started; 3-needles, 2-screwdrivers, 4-piece allen key set, wrench, tweezers, oiler, 1-table clamp, variable speed foot controller, knee lifter, instructions and a trouble shooting guide to help first time users.

• It’s sturdy; all metal
• It’s an industrial machine
• Portable blindstitch sewing machine with 1:1 to 2:1 true skip-stitch function
• Adjustable stitch penetration for various types of fabric; 1725 rpm maximum speed
• Adjustable thread tension; swing-away plate for sewing flat pieces
• Variable-speed foot controller; includes array of accessories for getting started
• Measures 11 by 12 by 10 inches

While my daughter was doing her homework, you could find me drafting a pattern.

The pattern I created was nothing fancy, it’s only an adult sized bib. One of my older friends asked if I could make one for her. I designed and sewed one for her several months ago; however, I’m making a few more so she can have some extras. At least one of these that I’m creating now, will have an embroidered design.

My daughter snapped my photo and told me with an exasperated sigh, “Mom, you have too much hair!” I can’t take a picture of your face since your hair is in the way.” I said, “Uhm, the drafing is the focus not me, but when I design my outfit I’ll push my hair back, deal?” She smiled and nodded…