The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Food & crafts => Crafts => Topic started by: hebber on October 21, 2008, 05:37:43 pm

Title: sewing machines
Post by: hebber on October 21, 2008, 05:37:43 pm
Does anyone know anything about sewing machines?  I'm trying to use one I inherited from my aunt. It's a janome memory craft 4000, and it's got no foot pedal or power cable with it.  I can find universal foot pedals on e-bay, but no power leads.  Do you think I could use the universal foot pedal?  and if so any ideas how I might get the right power lead.  I'm hoping to make curtains, to cut down heat loss even more from my house.  a bit ambitious actually.  I was the worst girl in class at needlework.  My parents apologised to the teachers at parents evening. Also - any good tips about getting started, in case I do get it working.
Title: Re: sewing machines
Post by: Rosemary on October 21, 2008, 08:28:14 pm
I don't know anything about sewing machines but, funnily enough, I was thinking about getting one to make some clothes for my daughter. She's quite short but round, if you get my drift, and if clothes fit her round the way, they are way, way too long.

I wasn't great at school either - Latin I could do, but I was always told I was academic not practical and it stuck. But I'm prepared to give it a go...
Title: Re: sewing machines
Post by: Fluffywelshsheep on October 21, 2008, 09:27:11 pm
you could always try your local freecycle group some one might have a power cable they don't need for a sewing machine?
Linz
Title: Re: sewing machines
Post by: HappyHippy on October 21, 2008, 09:50:23 pm
Hi,
I did some sewing evening classes about 15 years ago.
If I remember rightly I managed to cobble together a skirt & jacket under the watchfull eye of the teacher.
Since then however I've kinda stuck to curtains and cushions !
For curtains you need to multiply the width - the amount depends on which type of pleat you want, if it's just a kind of gentle gathered effect 1+1/2 times the width is fine, allow 1-2 inch on either side for the hem and the same at the bottom, plus an allowance for the header tape (the tape makes it a total doddle)
If you're using a lining just sew it into the top and sides of the curtain (in case of shrinkage when washed)
The easiest way is to pin it, then iron it before stiching - that way it lies nice and flat and you get a good result. I always find it easier to work with medium to heavy weight fabric for curtains as they seem to hang better and any small imperfections (of which I usually have a few lol!) don't show the same. A really good pair of dress making scissors is a wise investment, as kitchen ones just pull at the fabric when cutting, I also have a 'stitch unpick' (a wee curved cutting device) which allows you to undo any mistakes.
There are websites and tonnes of books to cover the basics - try your library before shelling out cash. I'd also try to track down an instruction manual to cover setting tensions and maintenance, it'll save a lot of head scratching in the future.
Sorry for the ramble.
Good luck,
Karen  :pig:
Title: Re: sewing machines
Post by: doganjo on October 21, 2008, 09:59:48 pm
Or you could just visit your local charity shop and pick up ready made curtains and adjust if need be.  Cheaper than buying material.  I have an old sewing machine I can lend you Rosemary if you want to have a go.  Don't want to sell or give it away though, but happy to lend it.
Annei
Title: Re: sewing machines
Post by: hebber on October 23, 2008, 12:38:42 pm
Hello,

HappyHippy - thanks for the advice on the curtain making.  My mum told me it was terribly difficult which put me off.  From your instructions it sounds like I might actually be able to do it.
Rosemary - I was always told I was academic rather than practical too.  They told me I was rubbish at cooking, but now my friends say I'm a great cook, which makes me think it might not be impossible to do all the other stuff I was told I couldn't do.

Hebber
Title: Re: sewing machines
Post by: rlucas on October 23, 2008, 02:30:33 pm
Does anyone know anything about sewing machines?  I'm trying to use one I inherited from my aunt. It's a janome memory craft 4000, and it's got no foot pedal or power cable with it.  I can find universal foot pedals on e-bay, but no power leads.  Do you think I could use the universal foot pedal?  and if so any ideas how I might get the right power lead.  I'm hoping to make curtains, to cut down heat loss even more from my house.  a bit ambitious actually.  I was the worst girl in class at needlework.  My parents apologised to the teachers at parents evening. Also - any good tips about getting started, in case I do get it working.

http://www.janome.co.uk/index.php

Might be worth a look there - they don't list a power cable as a part they sell, but there is a list of local dealers - who might be able to advise or help

Richard
Title: Re: sewing machines
Post by: yorksfarmer on October 23, 2008, 10:56:38 pm
My wifes got the memory craft 9500 and the power lead is just a normal 2 pin lead like on a portable radio. The foot control is just a jack plug fit. Might not be the same as hers as its a  bit older but if not best looking on ebay.
Title: Re: sewing machines
Post by: hebber on October 27, 2008, 06:08:10 pm
I might just try the lead for the radio then, and get a universal foot pedal from e-bay.  thanks.