Bernina Fan Club Archives
2002
Thursday, May 16
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Date: 16 May 2002 03:07:01 -0400
From: Lobo
Subject: quick clean up
A quick swipe with a used dryer fabric softener sheet picks up a lot of
lint too.
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Date: 16 May 2002 04:01:55 -0400
From: m.hodge
Subject: re: diaper covers
Oh, dear! I'm no good at altering things. :(
But apparently they are aware of the problem with the cotton binding.
They now offer some kind of nylon stuff to use for binding on their
website. What is "fold-over plush elastic"? Where can it be bought?
- --Mary
> The pattern is a decent design, but it needs a few alterations, IMHO. ;-)
> First, they use cotton binding around the edges, which will wick moisture
> from the diaper. A better alternative is to use something like nylon which
> won't wick as much. I used fold-over plush elastic. It finished the edges
> nicely, and I stretched it around the back and around the legs to get a good
> fit. It is soft and thus won't mark up baby's legs. I also added a gusset
> around the outer legs. I found by cutting in the outer leg area, and
> creating a half-moon shape gusset sewn in there (with elastic on the edges)
> I got a very good custom fit. I used ultrex on the inside, and a cute print
> on the outside. Have fun!
>
> Kimberly
>
>
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Date: 16 May 2002 06:25:46 -0400
From: "Debra Ca
Subject: Bernina for Sale
I have been reading the post regards to clean up. I like to use those new
Swifter cloths near the sewing machine. It is great to pick up thread and
lint on the sewing cabinet and great to pick up threads and etc on the
floor. Especially if you have hardwood floors. Also, I have a Bernina model
1030 mechanical in excellent condition for sale if anyone interested.
Thank You
Debbie
- ----- Original Message -----
From: BFC
To: BFC
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2002 6:16 AM
Subject: Re: Quick Clean-up
> Wow, Mary! Thanks for your helpful tips. I'm going to use your
> system to organize my stuff.
>
> Reading Mary's excellent start on this subject line makes me eager to
> hear more ideas from the rest of you!
>
> Erlybird
>
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Date: 16 May 2002 07:02:11 -0400
From: "Tom and Gloria M
Subject: cleanliness
About the thread on cleanliness... I bought the cheapest and smallest shop
vac, never use the brush attachment and keep it under the extension of my
sewing table and run it over the carpet around the area all the time. It
picks up the occasional pin that missed my magnet and all the scraps and
threads that are on the floor in about a minute. The only thing I am sorry
about is that it is not on wheels and falls over easy and then you have to
turn it off and back on. Gloria in NC
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Date: 16 May 2002 07:16:28 -0400
From: Kathy V
Subject: Quick Clean Up
Wow Donna, as I was reading the ideas about the lint
roller, all I could think of was how can I do this so
I don't have to strain my back and your idea is "Just
Perfect". I am going to try it right after work
because if it can clean up my area, there is hope for
everyone. - Kathy in Lake Carmel, NY
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Date: 16 May 2002 10:32:15 -0400
From: "abflint"
Subject: Re: Sewing organization ideas
I have a really compact sewing setup at the end of one room along one wall.
I was fortunate once to buy a large metal pattern cabinet from a sewing shop
that was going out of business---I keep patterns in 2 drawers, buttons,
laces, UFO's, various large supplies like stabilizers, interfacings in the
others. On top of this I keep my fabric stash in large plastic stackable
storage boxes (labeled too!) And yes it goes to the ceiling! Also I keep
my silk ribbons and some of my special embroidery threads in smaller boxes
up there too.
To the left of this pattern cabinet is my sewing table--large enough to hold
2 machines (which get swapped out since I have 6 machines and counting,
including my 3 'Ninas!!) and my serger. On the back of the deep table I
have 2 plastic containers with clear drawers...forget what ya call 'em, but
I got them in the tool section at Wal-Mart..originally meant to hold screws,
nails, I think. In these cabinets I keep all the little stuff....packs of
needles, buttons, marking supplies, bobbins, machines' screwdrivers, etc. On
the wall above these I have 2 spool racks; one for garment thread, one for
quilting, embroidery, heirloom threads. Also I have a peg board with hooks
that holds a pincushion with often used hand sewing needles, various other
notions, and "new" items I have recently bought so it will stay in view and
not get forgotten of mislaid till it is used or finds its "home". Somewhere
long time ago I found this wonderful flat bar with movable hooks on it---all
my scissors hang here, and I'm religious about putting them back when I
finish sewing.
Left of the table is my overflowing book shelf (sewing magazines and books
only), and I have my other machines cased up sitting on the floor against
the right wall.......haven't figured out this yet, but I suspect several
will go to my new sewing shop! All my cutting has been done on the dining
table; but this will be done now in the shop. What does one do with
multiple machines besides a closet? I do like mine nearby in case I need to
quickly switch.
Ali
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Date: 16 May 2002 11:32:17 -0400
From: Phaedra H
Subject: sewing class II
Last night was the second class and I learned so much! First I learned that
I can't send new people home to cut out their pants. I did a detailed
explanation during the first class, and spread out the pattern pieces to
show them how to pin and cut, but even that wasn't enough. We have to
actually cut one out. One woman came to class yesterday having cut her
pants out on a single layer of fabric, always putting the right side of the
pattern piece on top so she didn't get mirror image pieces. I offered to
buy her new fabric because I felt that was my fault.
So we cut some out yesterday (some women had sensibly waited), then
practiced seaming and finishing with zigzag on the scraps. It felt slow but
by the end many of them had the inner leg seams sewn and pressed. So
they're coming along. Plus I got a really good feel for who is learning
quickly, I have one woman who is very fast and intuitive. And a feel for
who is slower and needs a thorough explanation for things--one woman last
night was only just beginning to pin her inner leg seams, and she has a
fairly slippery rayon so that will be a challenge.
Very interesting. I think I'm hooked to teach another in June. What I'm
earning can pay for my fabric!
Phaedra H
"Remember: No matter where you go, there you are." --Buckaroo Banzai
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Date: 16 May 2002 11:34:57 -0400
From: Judy S
Subject: sewing storage tips
What a good idea it is to share sewing room storage tips. I need them!
I can also offer a few. When we moved from our former farm house to
our present one, we moved to a much nicer, newer home. However, I left
behind a wonderful sewing room which we had added onto the former
house. I miss it terribly! I now sew in the entry room to our house.
On a farm, as many of you know. the "back" door is the one everyone
uses, and that has happened, here, even though we have had a sidewalk
that leads pointed to the front door, installed.
So, everyone passes through my sewing room and I have just decided to be
proud that I sew and let it all hang out! We did have a large cupboard
built along one wall, which holds patterns, books, supplies, as well as
flower vases, plate collection, camera stuff, etc.
I keep my thread two rooms away--not too handy, but I keep the threads
in a drawer in plastic silverware dividers, the individual sort. I can
see every color of thread easily. I do get tangled threads. I use
stoppers in the ends of some spools, but, unfortunately, thread spool
sizes are not consistent, and the stoppers don't fit on them all. Any
ideas?
Another very handy idea: my husband put short nails inside the doors of
the above mentioned cupboards. On them hang my quilting rulers, cards
that contain quick information--some of them commercial, some I have
made on cards, covered with wide clear tape or clear Contac paper, and
into which I have punched holes for hanging.
All of this may change. We live near an egg "factory" and another
23-building chicken place may be built in our county. The flies are a
nightmare with which to live, this time of year. We may be forced to
move away, and, believe me, it will be to a state with decent livestock
confinement operation laws!
Judy in North Iowa
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Date: 16 May 2002 12:31:14 -0400
From: "Sunny C
Subject: Sew Room Organization
I use the stackable drawers with clear fronts from Bed Bath and Beyond
(whenever I have a 20 percent off coupon, if I need another, off I go.) I
splurged in a good label maker and make sure I label each drawer with the
contents (e.g., Sissors & rotary cutters; Embr. threads; Serger threads;
Sewing threads; Tools: (glue-guns, soldering iron, mini-iron), etc. so I
don't have to rummage around. As the embroidery threads amass (as they are
wont to do...), I have had to separate the colors into golds & reds, blues &
greens, pastels, etc., and that only meant another drawer. I like to keep
my threads out of the dust and air, so I prefer drawers - I have the small
and medium sizes. But whatever method you choose, I think there are two
really important things to remember: always put things back where they go
and label where things go. This helps if I have a daughter or friend over
to sew. They know where to look for things (and where to put them back!)
I also got one of those plastic mats that you put under your office chair,
and it is much easier to roll around my desk chair (sewing machine on one
corner of the L and computer/printer on the other). Easier to capture the
threads, too. (Wouldn't it be wonderful if we didn't have a sewing area on
carpets?)
As for fabrics, I have two sets of the stacking cubes (Costco) - you can put
them in any configuration. When I am all settled in up in MT in a couple of
weeks, I will assemble them and figure out some way to put all the materials
in the cubies (they are approx 1 ft x 1 ft) - they are wire baskets, really,
with the fronts open. But I want to keep the light and dust off the
materials, so I may have to have a "curtain" of some sort. Again, to me,
labeling is important - quilting matls, nice rayons, silks, satins, etc.
Hope it works -Now, can someone help me find time (so many ideas; so little
time).
Sunny C
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Date: 16 May 2002 13:30:00 -0400
From: Mary K
Subject: RE: sewing storage tips
LOL I can picture all the flies now! LOL
As for the spools of thread...Try Amazing Tape or Wonder Tape (I forgot the
name). You can order it through the quilting supply magazines. It is a clear
self-adhering plastic tape to wrap around the spools & hold loose ends.
Great stuff! I've seen it available in rolls & precut pieces.
Mary in Fort Myers
I do get tangled threads. Any ideas?
The flies are a nightmare with which to live, this time of year. We may be
forced to
move away, and, believe me, it will be to a state with decent livestock
confinement operation laws!
Judy in North Iowa
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Date: 16 May 2002 14:11:20 -0400
From: kimberly s
Subject: Re: diaper covers
On 5/16/02 12:52 AM, "BFC" wrote:
> Oh, dear! I'm no good at altering things. :(
>
> But apparently they are aware of the problem with the cotton binding.
> They now offer some kind of nylon stuff to use for binding on their
> website. What is "fold-over plush elastic"? Where can it be bought?
>
> --Mary
Nylon would work much better, although some of it can be a bit slippery and
tricky to work with. Fold-over elastic is thick elastic with a soft plush
feel, and a fold down the middle, like binding. So, it goes on really
easily. You may have seen the lighter variety which is shiny and good for
lingerie. I found mine at my local stretch and sew. I've also seen it
on-line at places like birch street.
Kimberly
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Date: 16 May 2002 15:21:57 -0400
From: "Pat H
Subject: Re: sewing storage tips
I was having a hard time with the thread tangling too, but I thought the
tape stuff was to expensive so I tried just clear plastic that I picked up
at Wal-Mart (of course) for $1.50 a yard. You only need to purchase like a
1/4 yd or less. Cut it in 11/2 in. strips and then 21/2 in strip. This
makes strips 11/2x21/2 . I just wrap them around the spools and it works
perfect! No more tangled up threads in my storage containers. I even use
them on the spools in the thread holder (on the wall) Works great.
Pat H
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Date: 16 May 2002 17:43:26 -0400
From: Mkp
Subject: Re: Sew Room Organization
Ladies where can one get the IRIS plastic storage doodads at a good price>
coupon or no? My sister mentioned how well constructed this brand was.
Many thanks.
Maria in SE Michigan
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Date: 16 May 2002 20:33:28 -0400
From: susan
Subject: Re: Sew Room Organization
>Ladies where can one get the IRIS plastic storage doodads at a good price>
>coupon or no? My sister mentioned how well constructed this brand was.
I got mine at Office Max for Isacord thread storage. Works great for me!
Susan in CO
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Date: 17 May 2002 00:02:16 -0400
From: segroves
Subject: Re: cleanliness
BFC wrote:
>
> About the thread on cleanliness... I bought the cheapest and smallest shop
> vac, never use the brush attachment and keep it under the extension of my
> sewing table and run it over the carpet around the area all the time. It
> picks up the occasional pin that missed my magnet and all the scraps and
> threads that are on the floor in about a minute. The only thing I am sorry
> about is that it is not on wheels and falls over easy and then you have to
> turn it off and back on. Gloria in NC
good idea!
I had the carpet taken up, the room painted a pale peach,
more shelves put in and put down tiles that are 12" by 12"
great for measuring quilts, etc.
I added better lighting and more lighting under shelves over
my machines as well as as magnifying Ott lights by each
machine. But right now it looks like a couple dozen
twisters hit the room. Anyone want to come over and clean
up my mess???????????????????????????????????
My DH calls it a brain storm that crawls up the walls when
I'm in a creating mood.
Happy laughter to one and all.
Colleen
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