November 2nd, 2009

Read the Label before purchasing!

Here is a useful tip I learned on my own and the hard way!

When I am sewing trims, ribbons, etc. I now make very sure that if I am planning to sew them that there is no sticky type peel off tape or adhesive, such as used in “crafts” trims very often. I mistakenly thought the adhesive would be a good idea to “hold” the trim in place while I stitched since I don’t trust glues and tapes for a permanent attach. Well, the resulting mess and ruin ended in a several hours marathon cleanup. I couldn’t at first imagine WHAT was going on and thought my needle was to fault on the machine, thread breaking, stitches skipping etc. So, I changed the needle, tried again, same awful results. Finally, I realized the needle was sticky with adhesive, So I cleaned them with some rubbing alcohol. Now I was just trying to get my machine sewing again. The “project” had been laid aside until I could figure out what to do about the sticky stuff.

However, my troubles weren’t over. The machine was still presenting the same problem with clean needle and cloth. Finally, after lengthy cleaning of the hook assembly and bobbin case with a Q.tip and alcohol, my machine was able to “sew” again. I will never sew over any adhesive that doesn’t state on the package that it WILL NOT HARM THE MACHINE!

October 22, 2009

Sewing Tip – Keep it Clean!!

If you love to sew and care about your machine, its really important to keep the machine clean.

I must tell you, I have looked at a lot of old and some not so old sewing machines, and in most cases I find the area under the feed dogs PACKED with lint. Although this is probably a new way to produce “felt”, I don't think it will catch on in the long run. Here's what to do to keep your lovely sewing machine from becoming a candidate for the repair shop. Use that little lint brush that came with the machine, and if it has been misplaced, purchase a little tune up kit for under $10 which usually includes a light bulb, oil, cleaning brush, etc. If you are short on the cash look around your old makeup brushes to see what might work, my favorite brush is an old mascara brush (cleaned of course).

So get in there ...under and around those feed dogs and bobbin case and brush away the fuzzies. While you are in the cleaning mode, it takes just a moment to oil those spots recommend in your machine manual and then wipe down the entire machine with a clean soft dry cloth in case you spilled a little oil in the process. If the machine has been let go for a long time and is sticky or really dirty you can use a little wd40 on a clean soft rag to wipe it down if its one of the old enamel finish type, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES would I use any of the “wipes” on the market. Most of these contain alcohol and will attack the surface of the painted machines in many cases. If the machine is a newer plastic housing, a slightly damp rag will work fine.

Just as a precaution, UN PLUG the machine before you start any cleaning and delinting project.

Remember the phrase, "a stitch in time saves 9", applies to more than sewing that small rip, A little planned maintenance on a periodic basis relevant to how much you sew will mean a long life for the machine and few repair bills.