Tip of the Week

So you're ready to buy a sewing machine. The options can be daunting and confusing. And like a good customer said today there are sewing machines that cost as much as some cars. But which one is the sewing machine for your needs?

The first thing you should consider is what you are going to use the machine for and how much you will use it.

Singer 8280---Basic Stitches and Features
Great for learning to sew or occasional use

Today you can purchase a decent machine for around $100.00. This entry level machine will come with a few stitches---straight stitch, zig zag, and a couple of decorative stitches. This machine will do average weight fabrics fairly well and, with the right needle will handle light weight denims. If you are planning to use the machine mainly for occasional mending this might be the option for you.

Singer 9960
Heavy duty machine with 600
built in stitches---great all purpose
sewing machine

If you plan on sewing clothes or home fashions and using the machine once or twice per month you may want to go with a little better machine. For $300.00--$500.00 you can get a machine with features that can help you with anything from sewing that 2 year old's wardrobe to sewing drapes and curtains and even quilting. Not only do you get additional decorative stitch options, but several styles of button holes, extra presser foot lift for heavier or thicker fabric applications, twin needle sewing,  and drop feed dogs for free motion quilting and embroidery applications.

Husqvarna Viking H-Class 600E
Embroidery Machine with USB
connectivity makes a great starter
embroidery machine 

If you are mainly interested in home decor ---quilting or embroidery, then a new embroidery machine would be the one for you. Embroidery machines start around $1000.00 and many do regular sewing too. Hoop size drives the cost of the embroidery machines. Hoops start at 4"x4" and can go up to 14" or more. Some machines come with software so that you can make your own designs, use your clipart, or even make embroidery from your digital photographs. One option to look for in an embroidery machine is a USB connection to your PC so that you'll be able to transfer designs directly from computer to sewing machine without special cards, readers, or equipment. These machines also have bigger work surfaces---making quilting much easier.

But even the most expensive machines won't meet your needs until you know how to use them. Free classes like those that come with your new sewing machine when purchased at the Kalamazoo Sewing Center, friendly advise, and answers and help with any questions and issues that arise after your purchase insure that you will be satisfied.

And when it comes time to service your machine---we will be right there to provide fast, quality factory certified service too. Come see us and the new line of sewing machines today. 

Tip of the Week

Those slick, shiny new vinyls that are available today make me dream of a springtime April shower and dancing in the rain sporting bright yellow rain coats or shiny rain ponchos.

The vinyls can be a bit tricky to sew---you must get the stitches right the first time otherwise your project will be full of holes that are impossible to get rid of in all the wrong places.

Use some painters tape instead of pins and you'll have accurate stitches without pin holes.  

Tip of the Week

The other day a sewing enthusiast dropped by the sewing center looking for answers. She had recently retired and was finally enjoying her sewing machine that had spent many a long year in a dark closet of her home. This lady was making doll clothes for her granddaughters.  She just wasn't happy with the results. She blamed the less than optimal results on herself and her rusty sewing skills.

After listening to the reasons the clothes were not quite right we started researching the potential problems. One stood out among the rest---fabric. Whether you quilt, decorate your home, or sew fashions, one thing you need to watch out for is fabric grain.

Fabric grain that is off will result in crooked garments, garments that start out relatively straight but then become disheveled upon washing, home furnishings, and, yes, even doll clothes that don't hang or drape correctly.

Woven fabrics have a lengthwise grain running along the selvage edge. And fabrics have crosswise grain running along the cut edge of the fabric as it comes off of the bolt. Then there's a bias----that's crosswise across both the grains.

So what does this all have to do with the crooked clothes? Well, fabric has the least stretch along the lengthwise grain, a little more stretch on the crosswise grain, and along the bias---well unless you want a curvature effect you want to stay away from the super stretch of the bias.

In addition, the grain on fabrics aren't always straight right off the bolt. You'll know if you have a crooked grain if you join the selvages and the fold doesn't lay straight. Sometimes you can fix the grain---sometimes you can't. Grains that are crooked on fabrics with printed on stripes or plaids can't usually be fixed. You'll know if your fabric is printed if the wrong side of the fabric doesn't match the rightside---if it does, the fabric was woven with colored threads instead of printed after weaving.

So how do you fix?

•   Wash and press your fabric. Fold so that selvages are together and stretch on the bias. If that does the trick the fold will become straight and neat when the selvages are together.
• Cut through the selvage and pull a crosswise thread all the way through from selvage to selvage adjusting the fabric as you pull the thread. You can then cut along the trail that your missing thread has made in the fabric and you will have a squared, crosswise grain. (I've had the best luck with this method.)
• You can simply cut through the selvage and rip tear the fabric. The fabric will tear along the crossgrain, giving you a nice squared grain.

Again, nothing much will help a fabric that has printed on stripes or clear diagonal lines---you'll have to catch this type of problem at point of purchase and not purchase faulty fabric no matter how much you fall in love with it.

So before you start your next project take a look at that fabric and make sure its grain is straight and your masterpiece will be a masterpiece.

Tip of the Week

Curious about the different types of sewing machine needles and why you would ever step past that package of assorted size Universals?

Here are the top needles and the particulars on why and how they make different jobs easier, more efficient, and give better, professional results:

• Universal needles---the good old stand by. For general purpose sewing these guys are great. Different sizes handle different weights of fabric.These are the needles that handle most sewing jobs but for special situations, when the stitches don't exactly turn out as planned read on.
• Topstitch needle---Did you ever need to thread heavier thread into your machine, whether for decorative topstitching or a speciality, heavy seam. The Topstitch needle has a big eye for that big thread---making it easier to use for this kind of project than that trusty Universal.
• Embroidery needles are used for that delicate embroidery work. Embroidery threads can be more delicate than all purpose thread. To protect your embroidery thread and project the Embroidery needle has a special scarf (the part of the needle that interacts with the bobbin to form the stitch), a bigger eye, and a rounded point.
• Denim needle---while that heavy duty Universal may work just fine for some projects, you may want to include a package of Denim needles in your sewing supplies. Denim needles are super sharp to go through those heavy fabrics---canvas too. A Denim needle simply won't be shoved aside by heavy fibers!
• Quilting needles---sure you can quilt with a heavier Universal, but for some real help for both you and your machine, try a quilting needle. A quilting needle, with it's specially shaped point and ballpoint will absolutely glide through all those layers---even if you decide on a 10 layer quilt.
•  Stretch needle---if you have one kind of  needle besides your Universal/Embroidery needles , grab a package of stretch needles. Stretch fabrics need special handling for good results. These needles have a special scarf that grabs on and eliminates pesky missed stitches. Stretch needles can help out in a pinch with both genuine and synthetic leathers too.
• Ballpoint needles handle specialty knits with ease. With their special ball points they stitch through those knits without snagging the fabric; keeping the stitches and fabric beautiful.
• Leather needles are the best for leathers. Super sharp ---they were made just for this job.

Still curious? There are many great resources on the internet to answer any sewing question that may be needling you. Here are just a few:

• Husqvarna's Accessory Guide
• About. com's Sewing Parts of a needle
• Singer Sewing's Scoop on needles 

Tip of the Week

Whether you're a fashionista or have a daughter or granddaughter who is--- now's the time to start thinking of that spring wardrobe. The professional fashion designers put out their spring collections months ago (they're oohing over  their fall collections now).

Trends for this spring and summer are in what we used to call "pastels"---pale, pillow mint colors that look great on everyone---light tangerines, lilacs, the palest raspberry, airy lemon yellows.

Plenty of inspiration can be found on the internet---with a quick search with words like spring 2012 fashion trends you'll be able to view what the professional designers are doing . And with your sewing machine you can create one of a kind creations of your own---not the same old off the rack everyone else has.

Or, if time is short, how about using that sewing machine to make embellishments to that off the rack or thrift store jacket, dress or pant? Maybe you already have an accessory or garment that you love but that could use a bit of updating? A little embroidery on a sleeve, adding a trim to that handbag, or a decorative stitch on the hem of that spring dress adds a little something to make that garment or accessory your own original.

So whether you're sewing for yourself or your family, on a limited budget or have a fashionista windfall, let's dust off those sewing machines and create---the power of creativity with a sewing machine.

Tip of the Week

Thread----so many choices. If you're new to machine embroidery you'll soon be wondering about all those choices and not only about what color to choose.

Rayon thread's shine makes it a great choice for colorful, high gloss designs. Rayon comes in a 40 weight and heavier 35 weight. Be sure to swap out the needle on your machine---use an embroidery needle and keep the needle sharp for the best results.

For durablity, colorfastness, and washability Trilobal Polyester thread is had to beat. This thread is now being made with a glossy finish that comes close to Rayon. Again, a size 75/11 embroidery needle is recommended for this 40 weight thread.

When shine and sheen don't matter nothing ever beats good, old fashioned natural cotton thread. Vintage hand embroidery was done in cotton and now machine embroidery can also use this natural fiber. Cotton thread holds color very well---as demonstrated in all those heirloom examples that remain colorful from years past. A heavier cotton thread 20-30 weight makes great redwork designs (use a 90/14 sharp embroidery needle.) Cotton comes in a number of weights---use your embroidery needle in the correct size.

For your bobbin thread a lightweight bobbin thread is best. We carry pre-wound bobbins in black and white; a real time saver when you're anxious to start creating and don't want to be held up by winding bobbins. If  you would like your design's back to match the front then use a coordinating thread, otherwise it is perfectly acceptable to use white or black bobbin thread depending on your fabric and design choices.

We carry a wide variety of colors and types of threads in addition to bobbin threads and pre-wound bobbins. We carry R/A, Hemingworth, Coats and Clark. We've just added the Floriani line to the choices we offer to inspire your creativity. And if you are ever in doubt about what type of thread is best for your project----simply ask our staff.


       

Tip of the Week

 Sewing machines, even the beginner models, come with a lot of different stitches these days. Depending on your model, you may have stitches that can make a variety of projects different, more interesting, or just plain, easier and professional.

I had a quick project for Christmas that involved using a couple of reasonably priced fleece remnants that I cut into squares, added a little embroidery, and with a couple of those decorative and utility stitches I had a simple Christmas gift that cost pennies and was a cute mini quilt.

I used a stretch utility stitch to join my squares and finished the edges with a cute decorative stitch that really looked cute and added a special touch.

So next time you have a project you're working on try one of those other stitches besides the straight stitch or that zigzag. And take a look at your book and find all the uses for your utility stitches. You'll be surprised how much of a difference it makes in your project when you use one of those stitches that came free with your machine---whether when your sewing knits or just want to add a special something to your next project.

Tip of the Week

Planning to complete that first quilt? Wondering about thread?

Depending on your particular project you'll want to take the following items under consideration as you select your thread for your heirloom quilt.

• What Color is usually a question asked by quilters and the answer is ---it depends. For the piecing a color matching the darker blocks maybe what you need. For quilting, if the quilting is the part of the project that you want to pop then use a contrasting thread. For beginning quilters a matching thread that blends stitches into the background may be called for. Whatever color you select do a sample before you apply to your entire quilt to make sure you are getting the affect that you want to achieve.
• Quilting and Piecing Thread or is All Purpose all right to use? Quilting and Piecing Thread is specifically designed to be used in quilting. Using a fine piecing thread can help keep your piecing seam accurate---the finer the thread the easier you'll find it to keep accurate. A cotton thread of size 50 is recommended by expert Debra Wagner in her book Teach Yourself Machine Piecing & Quilting.    

Be sure to make a sample run of your project. Adjust tension, if necessary.And make sure your creation is exactly you.
     

Tip of the Week

The gifts keep on coming at the Kalamazoo Sewing Center in our 12 days of Christmas party. Each day we're offering a gift up ---go to our website to see what today's gift is by clicking on the tree---today's gift is number 10---that cute little heart shaped gift.

What will you find in the gifts? Try over a $1000.00 in savings on machines and notions--Special buy some get some free offerings and a last chance offer to get that Diamond you're dreaming of---send Santa (hint, hint).

And don't miss out on any future deals or class information---register for our free newsletter.  Go ahead click on that heart shaped box and see what today's deal is.....

Merry Christmas!     

images of packages credit:Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.netImage: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.netImage: Master isolated images / FreeDigitalPhotos.net Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net Image: scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tip of the Week

Only 18 more sewing days to go! Need some inspiration for decorations and last minute gifts?

Point your browser over to these sites for patterns and designs.

And for your sewing supplies come see us with that Friends and Family coupon today for some real savings.

• Viking/Husqvarna
• Singer Sewing
• Coats and Clark
• Embroidery.com    

Tip of the Week

One of the challenges that beginning quilters face are those 1/4 inch seams---there isn't a whole lot of room for error.  And if the seams aren't straight and exact it can throw off the whole quilt making it difficult or nearly impossible to piece; with crooked results.

Never fear though---help is available no matter what machine you own. For those who have Husqvarna/ Viking machines---Designer Diamond, Rubys, Sapphires, and the Emerald 203 simply be sure to choose the 1/4 inch stitch and use your A or B foot.

If you have a machine that doesn't have the special 1/4 inch stitch, pay the Sewing Center a visit and pick up a 1/4 inch or Quilting foot accessory for your particular machine. They come in metal or see through plastic and will help keep those stitches at a quarter of an inch and your quilt even and accurate for a more professional result.            

Tip of the Week

Has your machine been speaking a little louder than normal? Often a sewing machine tries to warn you of potential problems by becoming noisy or clunking.

If this happens, look for lint or threads that can become stuck in the bobbin area or on the hook or needle bar. You can also try a new needle.

And always use a good sewing machine oil to keep your machine oiled (if appropriate for your machine) according to your instruction booklet.

Tip of the Week

Is your sewing machine covered under your homeowner's policy? What if something happens when you are transporting it to and from class? Check with your insurance agent. Some companies require a separate rider in order to cover certain machines.    

Tip of the Week

Today there are needles for all different sewing projects. Using the right needle for the job will make sewing easier and you'll get much better results.

For general all purpose sewing, the first thing you need to look at is the type of fabric you are going to sew. What weight is the fabric?

Needles have numbers and there are two types of numbering systems; American and European. The higher the number the heavier the fabric. A great chart comparing the two variations of  numbers can be found here.

What type of project are you working on? Use embroidery needles, stretch needles for stretchy fabrics, needles for leathers, microtex or sharp needles for synthetic leathers, denim needles, topstitching needles, and self threading/handicapped needles. There are quilting needles, and needles for heirloom sewing, and free motion sewing. And finally, there are twin needles and even triple needles for decorative and precise rows of topstitching.

All these needles have special features that perform the job professionally with ease.

Using the incorrect needle can cause problems such as skipped stitches, breaking or bending of the needle, or snagging and creating large holes in your fabric.

A more detailed online article regarding needles and needle usage can be found here.

And we're always here to help at the Kalamazoo Sewing Center. If you need assistance or advice, pack up your thread and fabric and come see us. We'll find the needle that you need for your project.    

We're on Facebook and Twitter!

Did you know that you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook so that you' never miss out on an event, class, or special deal?

And we have a calendar of events posted online on our website.

We're here to help you with your purchase of a new sewing machine, repair and oil your sewing machine, help you or a family member become a sewing aficionado, or help in any other way to make sewing easy, fun, and creative. 

Tip of the Week

Did you know that thread spooled on a cone should always be taken from a cone standing up and down? If your machine's spool pin is horizontal, you can stand the cone spool on the table rather than your horizontal pin.

As a general rule it is better to place your thread at a distance from the machine rather than on the machine pins to give the thread more distance to work out the twists. Running the thread through a loop can also often knock out the twists; this is why using a thread stand can reduce thread breaks

For added control we have a large variety of spool holders that hold from one to multiple spools of thread for those big projects. Come in and see us at the Kalamazoo Sewing Center and we'll set you up with the solution for those pesky thread breaks.

Happy Sewing!