Beginner Sewing Course: Equipment

Hi everyone, I have just started the beginners sewing section of the sewing and tailoring course. So in the first few videos we went over the equipment we'd need and the basics of the sewing machine again, which I won't bore you with since you've already been over the sewing machine course with me.

Anyway today we are going to talk about the equipment that was recommended for this course and for anyone who wants to start sewing.

So the equipment that was recommended to us was:

• A Tape Measure - It's best to have two of these - keep one at your sewing machine and the other at your ironing board.

• Scissors: 
• Tailoring scissors. for material
• Paper Scissors, for cutting patterns
• Pinking Scissors to prevent material from fraying.
• Small scissors to cut any loose whiskers and notches. Once again it's best to have two of these. 

• Hand Sewing Needles.

• Pins.

• Sewing Machine Oil.

• Tailors Chalk.

• Thread: For the machine and hand stitching.

• An Ironing Board and Steam Iron.

• Buttons - which can be collected over time. 

• A Sleeve Board: For ironing sleeves.

• Unpicker/ Stitch Ripper. 

And Last but not least. In fact it's probably one of the most important things, and that is....

• A Sewing Machine! 

Optional Equipment:

• Fray check - this gets put on a button hole and prevents it from fraying.

• I can't remember the name but it's a tool which turns small straps in the correct way. 

Final World: 

One final tip I wanted to share with you was the sewing machine needle size recommended for most project, and this was a 90. So I need to change mine since I normally work with an 80.

Bargin Patterns

Where I live is notorious for having lots of charity shops,  a new one seems to pop up each week. Which is fab for bargain lovers like me!

So when I'm browsing I always look for patterns even,  if they're not my size to put in my collection. So today (Saturday 21st February 2015) I had a great little find and what makes it even better is they are my size!

For 99p I got 3 uncut prima patterns. Yes, they may not be the best patterns any of us  have ever bought, but they will do and should make some beautiful garments if sewn correctly!

I got a pattern for:

• A flared skirt in different length. (The shortest is my favourite... hey no judging I'm young!)
• A Top and Tunic - Great for beach wear.
• A Kimono.

What's the best sewing accessory you've found in a charity shop? Let me know and watch this space for blogs about making these garments. 

DIY: Planter to Pincushion

So I have suddenly become a major fan of Google+ and as I a was surfing through and adding people to my circles I found this fab video by Professor Pincushion, who was showing people how to turn a vintage planter into a pincushion. Anyway as soon as I watched this I knew I had to try it. So here is a blog showing you the process and how the final product looked!

Below is Professor Pincushion's original video.

Making The Pincushion:

Step 1: The Supplies.

• Planter
• Material
• Trim
• Baking Paper
• Stuffing
• Needles
• Thread
• Glue
• Scissors
• Sewing Gauge
• Pen

Step 2: Measuring the planter.

My planter was 8cm at is widest part and once I had multiplied it by 3, I needed a circle with a width of 24cm.

Step 3: Drawing the Circle.

NOTE: Since I didn't have any pattern paper I used baking paper.

Step 4: Cutting Out the Circle

Step 5: Cutting Out The Circle Pattern.

Step 6: Sewing Round the Material

Step 7: Pulling It In, Stuffing It & Closing It.

Step 8: Gluing the Cushion To the Planner.

Step 9: Trim

As you can see I took some artistic license at this point and added a bow to the back.

Finished Product:  

As you can see mine is certainly not as neat as Professor Pincushion's, but I am absolutely in love with it and it was quick and fun to make. So I recommend you all give it a go! 

Update: The Course

I am now about two thirds of the way through the sewing machine section of the course and am learning so much about my machine, it's unreal!!!

What what have covered today:

• Cleaning the sewing machine.
• Sewing machine needles.
• Thread tension and feed dogs 

Tips I have picked up and wanted to share with you.

•  You want to clean machine every four to five weeks. Using a brush which should have come with the machine and some sewing machine oil. You need to clean the machine to remove lint and fabric fibers which could of gathered in the feed dogs. 

• The numbers on the needle pack when you buy them are to indicate the thickness of they can handle. For example 70 would be for thin fabric and 100 for Jean fabric. 

• To check the tension is correct in the bobbin, place the bobbin in the case and hold the thread and let it hang if the bobbin falls out or begins to wind down the tension needs to be adjusted. To do this use the screw driver which came with the machine.

The Magic Of A Bobbin

Hi everyone, Jess here. Today we are going to be talking about Bobbins.

So every machine uses bobbins however some need a bobbin case, some don't. Mine has a bobbin and bobbin case. I don't know what's better. SO leave me a comment and let me know what you prefer!

Something very important we learnt in today's lesson is that there are different types of bobbins, these are:

• Plastic Bobbins
• Fully Metal Bobbins which are used in industrial machines.
• Bobbins with holes all round the front and back circle.

Apparently it's best to not use different bobbins with your machine, so always stick to the type you originally received when you bought the machine. 

Other things we learnt:

• How to fill the bobbin. 
• How to tread the bobbins in the bobbin case. 
• How to place the bobbin into a sewing machine.

Update: The Course So Far.

Hey guys! Sorry it's been SOOO long since I've posted, I've been rather busy this week. So let me give you an update on what's been happening on the course so far...

The Sewing Machine:

In the first set of videos we have covered the basics of a sewing machine. I have learn a lot about my machine especially since the example machine is a Bernina. Something very interesting I've learnt is that my machine has a lever which I can push with my knee to lift the foot. So that will defiantly come in handy when sewing clothes. Another thing I didn't realize is you can buy extras to complement your sewing machine. (For example different tread holders.)

Other topics we have covered:

• The different types of spool holders.
• Changing the bulb on your sewing machine.

Great tips I picked up:

• Have two sets of scissors, unpickers and tape measures. Keep one at the sewing machine and one at the ironing board when working on a new project.
• Use embroidery scissor to cut loose 'whiskers', because they're the sharpest. 
• You can never have enough sewing machine needles. 
• Keep some tailors chalk around to mark darts and notches on your fabric. (Must get some!) 

Basic Sewing Kit

So today I am going to talk about the basic sewing kit I keep on my desk, for quick projects. Firstly I bought this sewing kit when I was in Aldi for £2.99, so it may not be the best quality. However I do have a larger sewing box I keep my more specific items, sewing patterns and extensive collection of cottons in.



Anyway lets talk about the design, this sewing box is a cute tin with a light green, floral,  vintage pattern on and more importantly inside is:

Scissors

Pins

A pin cushion (I prefer my larger pear pin cushion though)

Needles

A thimble

Tape measure 

Cotton

A rotary tool
Stitch unpicker 

Different types of thread

So that's what's in my miniature kit, what handy things do you like to keep in yours?