Bernina Fan Club Archives
2002
Thursday, May 30
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Date: 30 May 2002 02:55:35 -0400
From: "decima"
Subject: Bonnie's tension
Thank you, thank you, thank you Bonnie!! Your article was just what I
needed. My mother too was terrified to touch the tension on her old Singer.
You write really well; everything is practical and easy to understand. Do
you write regularly?
Re: Airline travel.........
What a good idea to take a floss container as a thread cutter. I love to sew
on planes but had given up because I thought I couldn't do without scissors.
Are nail clippers OK then? What is the clover medallion cutter someone
mentioned? I was sitting on a flight a few weeks ago, holding my water glass
and thought to myself, "How come they don't ban glasses since they make a
formidable weapon if they were smashed."
Any good tips on safe sewing substitutes welcomed.
Best wishes,
Brenda in HK
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Date: 30 May 2002 02:58:00 -0400
From: "Bonnie"
Subject: Okay, I'm tense...
Okay, now I'M tense...haha. Please, please lets sort out this mess. I'm
not trying to be picky, but crossing our terms is what got this confusion
started.
- -- The presser foot adjustment is PRESSURE : the application of force--as in
the downward force of the internal spring on the presser foot--which in turn
presses down on the fabric. If Bernina's books call this tension, they
mistranslated.
- -- The thread adjustment is TENSION : the act of stretching/tautness--when
adjusting tension, the tautness of the upper and/or lower threads is
regulated in order to get a good stitch. Tension IS created by pressure
exerted on the tension mechanisms. The adjustment is called tension,
however, because tension on the thread is the end result. Pressure is just
a means to that end.
I hope this makes sense.
Bonnie
Near but not inside Leavenworth
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Date: 30 May 2002 03:00:25 -0400
From: Jim & Marie B
Subject: Airline Travel and Needles
I traveled to Australia and New Zealand in February and March. I carried 4
crochet hooks without any problems. I did crochet in the Washington Dulles,
LA, and Auckland Airports while we were waiting to board and on every
flight. I carried the needles in a plastic zip lock bag through security.
I used the Clover disk cutter instead of scissors. Security was very tight
at Dulles and we were selected randomly for hand checking. I think crochet
hooks are ok, but knitting needles are not because of the points.
Marie
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Date: 30 May 2002 07:37:52 -0400
From: "wilowind"
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
I bought a new bernina 165 a few weeks ago and it actually lets you adjust
both the tension and pressure. The only thing I was advised not to bother
was the bobbin tension. When I took the class they actually showed me how
to adjust the tension and pressure. FYI
Willowwind
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Date: 30 May 2002 11:07:11 -0400
From: Phaedra H
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
So, is the "foot pressure" the same thing as "balance?" I know how to
adjust balance on my 163 but not foot pressure.
Phaedra H
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Date: 30 May 2002 11:29:36 -0400
From: StashAddict
Subject: Re: Flannel quilt
Hi Diane,
Flannel does shrink, so pre-washing is recommended. On flannel FQ's I would
suggest hand washing to minimize fraying. Machine dry at least part way
too, perhaps in a lingerie bag so as not to make too much of a thready mess.
I have bound a quilt in flannel before. It was cotton front, flannel back
and polyester batting. I used the standard double-fold binding technique.
It went on fine at the front but I also machine-sew to the back (by lapping
the binding over the seam line on the back and stitching in the ditch from
the front. I found it did not perform so nicely in that very final stage.
Perhaps that is because it was in the wee hours of the morning and I was in
a tremendous rush though! I would suggest careful, frequent pinning and you
should be okay. A double layer binding is a good idea as flannel wears
some, notably in a baby quilt that will be washed and used constantly!
I'm afraid I can't speak much about using a serger 'cause I don't have one,
but it might not be a bad idea on flannel. It does fray!
Kelly.
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Date: 30 May 2002 11:32:08 -0400
From: StashAddict
Subject: Re: Thanks for CPK advice
LOL Mary, it sounds like you are well on your way!
One warning for the whole gang that I have thus far forgotten to
mention...patterns other than the CPK-branded books from Plaid (Designer,
Preemie and Western Wear) and the line from Butterick may not fit your
dolls, even if they suggest they do. I have noted some are for different
heights (CPK are about 16-17"). Some that show the correct height are made
for a skinnier doll. This is information you should ask a seller on eBay or
check the pattern envelope if you have it. Of course you can likely make
the needed adjustments, but I thought you should know you may have to.
For example I have one McCall's pattern that is in their current catalogue
and crops up a lot. The legs of the overalls fit, but are much tighter than
intended. Necklines on the shirts, dresses etc. are much too tight. I am
hoping that a 1/2" seam allowance rather than the 1/4" called for will do
the trick. Sleeves similarly look too tight for chubby CPK arms and may
need to be recut in a larger width.
If you have a CPK-brand pattern you'll be just fine though!
Kelly.
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Date: 30 May 2002 11:35:14 -0400
From: StashAddict
Subject: finishing kick
Hi all,
Whew! I've been sewing up a storm for the last couple of days :-)
I finished the shirt I was making for me - yay! It turned out okay. I had
always intended to wear it as a jacket rather than a shirt, and it is fine
for that purpose. The style is semi-fitted and definitely requires a few
alterations to really work for me. For example the bust dart is hitting
about .5 to 1 inch too low right now, but seems to be a good depth. This
seems to be a direct result of my short stature (5'0") but shortening
between the dart and the shoulder seam means fiddling with the armhole. A
daunting proposition. The back also need some adjustment. I think it is
too wide across, again at about the bustline. I have no clue how to fix
that. Sigh. Problems for another month.
In the meantime I intend to wear my new jacket to work at the quilt shop
today. After all, I bought the fabric there a few months back...
Also I put the borders on a pair of identical quilt centres. Well, I should
say the 18" motif in the middle is the same, but in dramatically different
colourways. The borders of the first version followed the pattern in a
narrow - pieced - wide progression while the second has a single jumbo
pictorial border print.
I had lots of fun working with a theme...the medallion is called "Twisted
Tails" (by Peg Bennett) and is four kitties with their tails spiraled
together in the centre. The first quilt is *very* bright with a
white-on-white background. The first border has little fishies on it, the
second is pieced and the third is of cats scuba diving, with the same little
fishies from the first border.
The second quilt has still vibrant but slightly more muted colours and a
black background, patterned something like an indigo. The border is a
fabulous print of cats preparing and eating sushi.
Get it? Huh? Huh? During the day the kitties went out skin diving, caught
some fish, brought them home and at night had a sushi feast with them. LOL.
Okay, I think waaaaaaay too much sometimes.
The theme does resonate for me though in that I lived in the Caribbean for
18 months a while ago, volunteered at the kitty-cat shelter there, learned
to scuba dive and got hooked on sushi. Hmmm. All memory quilts do not need
to include photo-transfers or signature blocks I guess.
Off to get ready to go to the shop for my shift. Can't wait to see what has
come in since I last worked on Saturday. It seems like sooooooo long ago!
Kelly.
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Date: 30 May 2002 11:37:26 -0400
From: JLHf
Subject: Clover Medallion Cutter
Dear Brenda, My little medallion cutter came from my local quilt shop and is
made by Clover. I wear it on a chain around my neck and it looks like
jewelry. You can order one from Nancy's Notions or Clotilde or on some of
the various quilting supply web sites. I think I paid around $6.00 . Janet
in sunny Ft. Worth
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Date: 30 May 2002 11:42:36 -0400
From: "Gerald & Marilyn V
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
Hi all, I am one on this list that has been told never to touch my tension
dial. I got my 830 in 1974, and to me, it was equivelant to buying a new
house. I was so excited, I just couldn't believe it. Before that I had a
New Home, that i certainly enjoyed, but hubby and brother-in-law thought I
should sew canvas for their fish houses on it, and dumb me, I did. It
ruined my New Home, and for several years, I had nothing but trouble. I had
just learned how to sew lingerie, and the tension was always wrong, and
skipped stitches, so I even stopped sewing for a year or sew, as I got so
frustrated. Now hubby said I could get a NEW Bernina, I was sooooo happy,
and when the dealer said not to touch the tension, he didn't have to tell me
twice, as I protected my Bernina with my LIFE. :) Through the years
whenever I thought of a house fire and getting kids and hubby and pets out,
my Bernina would go with me. So I more or less did what the dealer told me,
because I had such a perfect machine, and I just didn't want to chance
botching anything up, as I new I would probably never be able to get another
one. Now, 28 years later, my Bernina is still very special to me. No, even
though I could have sewn canvas on it, I never did. I stood strong for my
Bernina. Two years ago, hubby got me a Janome 4800 which I truly love, but
nothing can ever replace my lovely Bernina. It sews just as good today a
the day I got her. I always turn to Bernina when I am unsure of how the
other machine will act on a certain material, and I do all of my quilting on
Bernina. I even sold my FW because when I went to a quilting day, I
couldn't always trust it not to jam up, and I take my Bernina now, because I
always know, that it will be their for me. It is heavy, but i use a luggage
cart, and I have a wonderful hubby that helps me get it to and from my
quilting day. I am a little bit handicapped, but I feel so secure knowing
that my Bernina is with me.
How is that for a love letter to Bernina. :)----Kind of sappy, but
true.----Marilyn-----
- ----- Original Message -----
From: BFC
To: BFC
Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2002 11:47 AM
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
> Barbara, I don't know where you got the notion that you can't change
tension
> etc. on the Bernina.
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Date: 30 May 2002 11:45:12 -0400
From: "Barbara Lee G
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
> Barbara, I don't know where you got the notion that you can't change
tension
> etc. on the Bernina
I was referring to a message written here that said "my dealer told me
never to touch the tension". Others have said that only the dealer can
oil the Bernina. To which I say "baloney!"
I know perfectly well this is not true, but is that what dealers are
putting out? Sounds like what our sewing teachers admonished back in
7th grade!
And yes, I have tried out several machines, in class room situations and
on the store floor, and before I buy, the one I choose will get
thoroughly "wrung out".
Thanks for your comments.
BJ (Barbara) in almost Deep East Texas
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Date: 30 May 2002 11:47:38 -0400
From: "Bonnie"
Subject: Articles
I do enjoy the writing process--when I have time to proof my work! I
rediscovered the fun of it when I edited a local quilt guild's newsletter
for 2 years. Well, I should say "produced" because I ended up writing and
laying out the entire 10 page, monthly edition! Whew! I was glad to pass
it on after 2 years.
Back to topic! I wrote a series of articles for those newsletters. Most
focus on sewing machines or techniques, but there are also ones about how to
choose an iron, etc. I've posted a few to different chat groups but have
decided to update my website and put them all in one place. It will be
several weeks, most probably into July, before I accomplish this but I will
post here when it's completed.
Bonnie
Near but not inside Leavenworth
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Date: 30 May 2002 11:50:12 -0400
From: twoodard
Subject: Rolled Hems
When I want to finish the edge of chiffon, I use my Bernina serger and use
the rolled hem feature and the edges come out beautifully. I'm thinking
that you could use those nice ISACord threads or try threads that are glitzy
or sparkly. You may want to practice with various threads to see what would
work best for you and make sure it doesn't fall apart when hand washed. Try
wooly nylon in the upper looper, they come in various colors too. Experiment
and let us know what you do!
Theresa
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Date: 30 May 2002 11:53:04 -0400
From: Mkp
Subject: BFC Archives
I've come across some of these while doing Google searches.
Was there/is there archives of the old posts?
If so how can one access them?
Many TIA!
Maria in SE Michigan
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Date: 30 May 2002 15:23:18 -0400
From: "Carol E
Subject: Adjusting Tensions
>>"I have been reading this list because I am considering buying a new
Bernina .... now this is a major step because I am a vintage machine
user/collector.... and the idea that I can never touch the tension on
the Bernina or that the pressure on the presser foot cannot be adjusted
is absolutely unacceptable to me."
Barbara, you can adjust the tensions on Bernina sewing machines. I can't
speak for the machines newer than the 1630, since that is my last Bernina,
but all the older machines can have the tension adjusted. As for adjusting
the presser foot pressure, I've never needed to do that in all the years
I've been sewing with Bernina sewing machines. I have found that sometimes
I need to level the presser foot when sewing over a thick jeans seam, there
is a little leveler device that came with my machine for doing that.
My suggestion to you is take some sample fabrics to your Bernina dealer and
test drive the sewing machines and see if you like the results. If you're
happy with the stitch quality and ease of use, then the machine is for you!
Carol in the Redwoods
(^..^) purrrrr.............
http://home.earthlink.net/~redwoodenc
http://www.onelist.com/community/MavicaDigitalCamera
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BerninaSerger
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Date: 30 May 2002 15:25:41 -0400
From: KMGreene
Subject: Re: finishing kick
Dear Kelly,
I love to read your posts! You seem to be having so much fun! To raise the
dart, you don't have to fiddle with the armhole unless that doesn't fit right
too.
On the pattern tissue itself, just draw a new point for the dart .5 or 1 inch
higher than the original. Then you can redraw the side and center lines of the
dart back to the original side places (the angle would be a little more sloped
this way) or raise the whole dart the same amount on the side seam as you did
on the center point. (this would keep the same angle as the original) OR, you
could take tracing paper or more tissue and trace the actual dart onto this
and then place this in the best spot and tape it down to the pattern. Just
remember that on the side seam part there is usually a shallow "V" pointing
out so that when the dart is folded and then pressed down that the area on the
side seam will be smooth where the dart is. I hope this makes sense! Sometimes
painting word pictures can be difficult.
Karen G
>The style is semi-fitted and definitely requires a few
> alterations to really work for me. For example the bust >dart is hitting
> about .5 to 1 inch too low right now, but seems to be a >good depth. This
> seems to be a direct result of my short stature (5'0") but >shortening
> between the dart and the shoulder seam means fiddling with >the armhole.
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Date: 30 May 2002 15:27:53 -0400
From: "Sandra M
Subject: Re: Clover Medallion Cutter
Janet,
I recently purchased the medallion cutter too, but I can't find a chain that
it would look right on........What kind of chain did you purchase for it and
does it match?
Sandy in WV
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Date: 30 May 2002 15:30:40 -0400
From: "Bonnie"
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
> So, is the "foot pressure" the same thing as "balance?" I know how to
> adjust balance on my 163 but not foot pressure.
>
The term balance is usually applied to adjusting the tensions of the top and
bobbin threads so that a "balanced" stitch is achieved. A balanced stitch
locks into the middle of the fabric layer. A diagram is shown on my
website:
http://www.geocities.com/sewmach10/tension.html
I think of tension as a tug-of-war between the top and bobbin threads. The
tension on the top spool thread is much higher than the bobbin tension.
This is obvious if you pull the thread through the needle with your presser
foot down and compare it to how easily your bobbin thread comes out of the
machine. When a machine makes a good stitch the tensions are not EVEN they
are BALANCED.
Pressure on the pressure foot determines how well the fabric feeds through
the machine. I uploaded an article to my website, unlinked once again and
not proofed:
http://www.geocities.com/sewmach10/pressure.html
Bonnie
Near but not inside Leavenworth
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Date: 30 May 2002 17:16:38 -0400
From: "R H
Subject: Howdy and an Introduction...
Howdy...some people might recognize my name here from other sewing machine
lists, primarily vintage lists -- I joined up because I recently purchased
my first Bernina, an Activa 130, and am loving it. What an amazing machine;
the entire action fills me with so much confidence, and the quality is
exquisite. I'm totally sold. That doesn't mean I'm abandoning my vintage
machines, but I just have something wonderful to now add to them.
I also wanted to say kudos to the List Mom; I checked out her Romeo and
Juliet photos, and thought they were wonderful. I also do costuming
(primarily re-enactors, although I have done theatrical), bridal, tailoring
and evening wear, and I am impressed with the quality, and of course the
quantity. Congratulations, Sue!
Actually, I fully realized how wonderful my new Bernina was while building a
Victorian corset last week. My Activa went through 6+ layers of drill, at a
very slow speed, without any hesitation or nary a hiccup. Right then I knew
it was something very special.
Anyway, just a howdy to the list, and I'm hoping to learn more as I'm
listening.
Richard H
Westchester, NY
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Date: 30 May 2002 22:38:00 -0400
From: "'JayJay QuiltsToo'"
Subject: Re: Flannel Quilts
Diane,
I am just sending off six flannel quilts that I made
for my great-grand-babies. All are in a different
pattern. They are all in flannel...top, back and also
the binding. I love working with flannel, I find it
just as easy as cotton, just my oppinion. They are so
soft.
I have a Bernina 153 and just love it. I had a 140
and loved it so much I traded up. There's nothing like
a Bernina!! :-)
Don't know anything about sergers, am thinking about
one tho.
Good Luck,
Jay
=====
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Date: 30 May 2002 22:44:22 -0400
From: JLHf
Subject: Re: Clover Medallion Cutter
Dear Sandy, I used a chain that I already had. If it had not worked out, I
considered using a silk cord or a fine ribbon instead. That would still give
a jewelry look. Janet
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Date: 30 May 2002 22:46:54 -0400
From: "Ann P
Subject: RE: Slip Pattern
Thank you everyone for the slip pattern suggestions. I really liked the
site http://www.fullfab.com/
I'll let you know how I made out.
Ann in Northwestern PA
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Date: 30 May 2002 22:49:51 -0400
From: myra l h
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
It's true that the Bernina machines before the "100" series had no
pressure adjustment because Bernina always advertised their machines as
having an automatic pressure adjustment.
Regarding tension adjustments--You certainly may adjust the tensions.
You can, if careful, successfully adjust the bobbin tension. And the
needle tension is adjustable, and in fact, must be adjusted on my
machine for various types of sewing such as buttonholes, topstitching,
satinstitching, and wherever required to produce a correctly balanced
stitch.
The recent discussion about even feeding of fabric is puzzling. One
eighth of an inch difference in seaming two pieces of fabric is easily
taken care of by operator technique and who's to say those two pieces of
fabric were cut to the exact same length anyway. Once fabric is released
from a single piece by cutting, it does its thing and changes length and
shape. If the fabric is cut on an angle, it becomes a bias. I've owned
two Berninas, one Kenmore and one Singer. Bernina is a good machine, and
so are many others. Buy the one that meets your needs from the dealer
who does likewise.
Someone asked about balance. The ideal straight stitch is balanced with
top and bottom threads meeting in the middle. But the ideal satin stitch
will be a little unbalanced with the top thread pulling slightly to the
back.
Balance also refers to adjusting certain designs so that they sew out as
they are supposed to. For example, on my machine you use the balance
feature to make a tree trunk look symmetrical. Without this adjustment
the tree might look like it is growing on a hillside.
Myra in Tallahassee
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Date: 31 May 2002 00:42:11 -0400
From: "Carol M"
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
> user/collector.... and the idea that I can never touch the tension on
> the Bernina or that the pressure on the presser foot cannot be adjusted
> is absolutely unacceptable to me. I can dismantle, fix and put back
> together most machines that have come in and out my doors (and I can't
> tell you how many that is) Is this brand of machine so exotic that the
> user cannot make normal adjustments?
I have been sewing on Berninas for a long time and I have never had one I
couldn't change the tension on if needed. On the 180 you can tell it what
fabric you're using and it will set the tension automatically - great
feature - but you can also override anything by changing it yourself. I
don't find I have to change it very often. I do use a separate bobbincase
for embroidery with the tension needed for that. However, I don't think you
had better take a computerized machine apart and try to put it back
together. Those days are over unless you purchase an older edition non
computerized machine. But, oh, what fun you can have. Go play at your
dealers.
Carol
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