June Sewing Blog: Popular Questions
Hello Sewing Friends,
This month we’re getting in gear for sensational summer sewing by tackling some of sewing’s most popular questions. You picked a great time to brush up on your sewing skills. Whenever you purchase a sewing machine, it’s important to know what kind of ‘extras’ go along with it such as bobbins, threads and needles. Each manufacturer is different so let’s try to make some sense of it.
BOBBINS
Not all bobbins are created equal! Most of Singer’s Electronic, Computerized and Embroidery machines use a proprietary Class 15-J bobbin. These bobbins have a center that is slightly higher and slightly narrower than the regular size 15. The Singer Heavy Duty takes a plastic class 66 bobbin and the Quantum L-500 takes a class L bobbin. The Pixie can use metal 15 bobbins and the Sew Easy comes with 24 pre-wound metal bobbins, so no worries there.
All of Brother’s Electronic, Computerized and Embroidery machines sold on HSN use class 15 bobbins. Class 15J bobbins also work and I have found the two to be interchangeable on Brother machines.
Since most machines come with 3-4 bobbins, you may want to stock up with item # 369480. This Singer plastic case/30 pack of 15J bobbins also includes 5 ballpoint needles to give you fewer skipped stitches and better results when sewing stretch knits and synthetic fabrics.
WARNING: You must use the bobbins that the manufacturer recommends or else you may damage your machine!
Next Month: Stay tuned for straight talk on Needles!
Re-New
I am always re-doing, re-cycling, re-making something new from something I no longer need and thought it would be a fun idea to share those makeovers with you monthly.
This month’s re-invent is a simple twin-top sweater that goes from plain and practical to artistic free spirit. These versatile three dimensional flowers are showing up everywhere from purses to pillows … from trenches to tee-shirts. They’re easy to make and can be fashioned from fabric leftovers or a repurposed silk scarf. Why not dress up one of last season’s tops with this unexpected embellishment? WARNING: be prepared for compliments!
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INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Fold the flower fabric in half and cut five identical semi circles. If you’re making various flowers for a ‘bouquet’ or collection on a lapel, cut different sizes to make your grouping more interesting. I used 6″, 41/2′ and 3″ on the folded edge semicircles in the grouping on the sweater.
2. Hand baste around the curved side through both layers stitching every 1/4″ or so. Pull the thread tight to gather the basting.
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3. After completing five or six petals, stitch them all together in a circle. Then stitch the completed flower to the garment’s right side. Trim the bottoms so that they will fit together more smoothly. You can add a button or bead to the center if you would like a more finished look.
Attach the various colors/sizes to your garment in an arrangement that’s pleasing to you.
SERGER TIPS
Demystifying the serger one function at a time….. This month we’ll take a look at 2-thread serging. Two thread serging can be used for rolled hemming or flat locking. If your serger comes with a bypass devise you will be able to perform this function. This function works with the left needle and the lower looper. You’ll need to test the stitching after each tension adjustment because exact settings will change between manufacturers, serger models and fabrics. The serger pictured is the Singer Stylist ll.
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1. Remove the right needle.
4. For a rolled hem I tightened the blue needle thread tension to ‘8′ and the lower looper tension was on ‘4′. You can’t see the blue thread as the green thread rolled all the way around the edge. The rolled hem finger was removed. You can adjust the stitch length longer or shorter depending on the thickness of your lower looper thread and how close together you want the stitches to be. Always run a few tests first. Happy Serging!
EMBROIDERY
FILE FORMATS: When you’re waiting for your embroidery machine to arrive, it’s a good idea to go ’surfing’ on the internet to download free embroidery designs at least on the manufacturer’s website. Most designs (on embroidery sites) come in multiple formats. If you’re waiting for a Singer embroidery machine, download the files in a .xxx format. Although 13 other formats will work, the .xxx is very compatible with the Futuras. If you are downloading designs to use on one of the Brother machines, download the file in .dst or .pes. Both of these formats are also very common in the embroidery world. If you have both a Brother and a Singer machine, you do not have to download the designs twice. You can use one of the Brother formats and then stitch it out on the Singer machine by changing the format file menu on the Futura.
Don’t expect to start viewing these files as soon as you receive them. They will not open on a normal computer. You need either your sewing machine’s software installed on your computer and/or the machines connected to your computer to see the designs. You will see the file extension and name but no picture without the connection.
EXTRA DESIGNS: When you’re expecting a BIG bundle of software capabilities and designs, remember that they are often included individually inside your purchase so go over the styrofoam with a fine tooth comb!!!
In the Futura 250 or SES2000, there is a CD for basic installation, then there is a CD to install for the additional software such as Hyperfont, Photo-Stitch, Auto-Cross-Stitch, Favorite Fonts and Frames or Advanced Editing. ( These options vary depending on which machine you purchased ) Then the 3,900 or the 2,600 additional designs are on another CD that you must place in your CD tray to use. (My CD lives in the tray most of the time) You can open the 2600 design catalog in the file menu when you click on “Embroidery Anthology” and you can open the 3900 disc from the file menu by clicking on “Design Browser”.
WHEN TO WATCH
June 5 – 4 pm A VERY SPECIAL EMBROIDERY HOST PICK WITH CONNIE CRAIG!!!
July 10 – 2 am, 7 am, 6 pm
July 11 – 4 am, 2 pm
Sew Your Summertime Dreams,
Hi Dar: This is Fireman Matt’s grandma. I just bought a new computer with Windows 7 and downloaded the patch from Singer and it works just great. Now, will the Singer editing software work with Windows 7? I would like to purchase.
Hi Darlene
I have the Futura 250 when down loading the font bonanza do I need to load the fonts into my Futura program so that my machine will be able to use them
Darlene,I just started sewing last year when I received the brother sewing and emboidery machine. That machine is amazing. I embroider all sorts of things and give them as gifts. You don’t have to know how to sew the machine tell you what to do. Darlene please get the brother emboidery cards to hsn.I’ve tried to locate these cards and can’t find them anywhere. the brothers website doesn’t have them either. Love Love this machine
Hi Darlene, I have a question out of curiosity. What is the difference between a 2,3,4 Thread Serger and a 3,4 Thread Serger? On the 3,4 Thread Serger means that you cannot just use one needle and one looper? Is there any difference at all?
HI Kyucker,
You have clearly done your homework… and you’re correct! There is virtually no mechanical difference between a 3/4 serger and a 2/3/4 serger. The difference is (in a 2/3/4)a small ‘bypass devise’ that is inserted into the upper looper. This not only fills the upper looper thread guide but also causes the lower looper thread to pass smoothly over the upper looper and not engage. Two thread overcasting is a very fine and lightweight finish that’s ideal for lingerie and veiling.
Hi Darlene. You stated on your blog that the next time you r on HSN is Aug. 11 but this schedule says July 11. I always set up to record your shows in case I can’t be home to watch so I’d like to know for sure. I can’t imagine a month w/o Darlene’s sewing shows. lol
Hi sew and sew,
sometimes shows are added after my blog is written and submitted. My July dates are now : July 6–sewing/7am & 6pm ironing/1pm & 7pm, July 10–sewing and ironing/2am, 7am, 6pm Ju;ly 11—sewing and ironing/4am, 2pm August 11—Singer Today’s Special 12midnight, 1am, 5am, 7am, 8am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 7pm & 11pm. It’s a great idea to tape the shows. Thank you so much for watching, writing and sewing your dreams!
Hi Darlene!
I noticed the Singer SES 2000 is gone, any clue weather it will be back or not? Also, will HSN have a TSV on an embroidery/sewing machine for National Sewing Month? Take care!
Arturo
PSSSST, GoGarzaGo—- the SES2000 is coming back for a limited quantity/special purchase on July 10 & 11. Set your alarm!
Thank you for your interest in that super Futura special edition Singer embroidery machine.
There are usually lots of great specials for National Sewing month.I may have more info on that by August so I invite you to check back with us then. Happy sewing~~~
I haven’t found where you blogged about where to find the free fonts. Could you re-post please.
Hi jdrawson,
You can find the fonts by entering fontbonanza in your search engine and follow the links that come up. You will see a free download. Enjoy!
Hi Darlene,
Ive been sewing for a little less than a year and have purchased both Singer and Brother. Im machine shopping agin. I am considering the Singer Prof2010 and the Brother 294 stitch. I hated the first singer I had but it was a cheapy I love the brother I have but it is computerized. The Singer seams to have more bang for your buck but the brother has the best ratings, that I have seen but isnt compatible with the Brother circular foot. I am learning to sew clothes. Any Advice?
Hello New2Sew,
Both machines that you mentioned would be a good choice. They both have a ‘nice ride’ and many extra features. I would suggest you stick with Brother becasue you said you loved it. You also mentioned, “BUT it is computerized” and I’m not certain you were glad about that. Both the 2010 and 294 are also computerized but the Singer does have the circular foot you were interested in. A test drive may be in order. 30-day money back guarantee and 5 flex pays! Gotta love HSN!
Hi Darlene, I would love to purchase the necklace you sold on HSN. I think it held a pair of eyeglasses. Will you be offering it during your next visit? I couldn’t find it anywhere on HSN. Thank you, Carol
HI Carol1143,
The sewing necklace that we used to carry is called a Chatelaine. It holds all of the most often used sewing accessories such as trimming or embroidery scissors, needles, seam ripper, bodkins, eyeglasses, tape measure and whatever else you want to attach to one of the six sterling lobster claw fobs. HSN no longer carries them (new regulations) but a beautiful new selection of your favorite crystal and glass beaded chatelaines are available at Crewel Jewels.
i am having trouble getting the tenison right on my singer 2010 proffisonal i’ve tried reading the instrution book no help can you give any advice?
Hi Jude,
I Need a little more info.
Is the problem in the upper tension or the bobbin? What does the stitch look like? Is it all of them or just decoartive? These symptoms could be the thread, needle or threading. It sounds as though you have it threaded correctly. I may be able to help you more if you write to me on my website. Or you can write to a Singer customer service rep at talktous@singerco.com. Hope that helps~
Hi Darlene, My Sister Sheryl who is a quilter called me last night from Michigan. She was very excited about her purchase of the Stylist 2. She had never owned a serger. She loves how easy it is to thread. Sheryl loves the Stylist Sewing Machine with the different built in stitches and all those extra feet that it came with. She has never owned anything this nice before. I am so happy for her. Now there are 2 of us in the family that own Singer Sewing Machines. Welcome Sheryl to Singer.
HI Kyucker,
It sounds as though there are fiber artists in your bloodline! I am so delighted that you took the time to let us know about your sister Sheryl. It is absolutely a pleasure to express your creativity with all the right tools and the Stylist ll (April’s TS offer) was a smart choice! Hi SHERYL, Welocme to our sewing family!!! Drop us a line and upload one of your latest quilt photos to our site (tab under the machine’s info)we want to see what you’ve been making!
Hi Darlene, I enjoy watching you and I was wondering when is the SingerStylist II coming back,I have the first set and would like to get the upgraded version. I have 2 sergers,3 sewing machines and 1 embroidery machine. All except one I’ve gotten from HSN. One is from when you guys sold the EURO PRO it still works great. Look forward to hearing from you.
SewHappily,
Hopefully soon! Please keep checking back…. and they may be a pair or sold separately which was the case with the first Stylist duo. The Stylist ll serger is a special gem so if that is avaialable in any capacity, I would say, “Scoop it up” Great choice! Thanks so much for writing to share your enthusiasm about sewing!
hi darlene what is the rule of thumb when making a skirt using ruffles?how would you measure the ruffles for fullness for each tier on the skirt love to hear from you thanks msrose3
HI MsRose3, You asked a great question.There are very few black and white ‘rules’ in sewing. Since you are designing your own multi-layered skirt, you get to choose how much fullness you want! I would say that a safe place to start would be by doubling the length of each layer. This depends on how much fullness you want and how many layers you have (3 tiers will give you a small hemline width than 9 or 10 tiers!) Also,keep in mind there’s more room for fullness when the fabric is lightweight.
Hi Darlene, I never thought that I would be getting completely involved with embroidry. I just finished doing embroidry on 12 hand towels for a person who is giving them out as gifts. Each hand towel had a different designs and lettering on them. I was allowed to change the coloring on each towel to use colors that would make the patterns to stand out. This person throughly loved how beautifully the towels came out. I am now grateful for having purchased my Singer CE150.
Congrats on your recent success! It’s easy to get completely hooked on Embroidery once you take the plunge to get started. Kyucker, the fun has only just begun! We are all happy for you. You are an inspiration~~~
Hi Darlene. I am so glad to see the June blog up so early in the month. I have the SES2000 that I bought last Nov. so I got a great deal on it. I know how to sew and I do use a computer but I’m not savvy w/the software. My son installed the software for me but I think I’m on my own in figuring out how to use it. So I really appreciate when you post the step by step directions on how to download designs from the internet and upload them onto the machine.
Also, the editing part. Thanks so much.
The downloading of designs from the internet and transmitting designs to your machine are two different functions.1- When you download designs, make sure that they are in the proper format ( .xxx for Singer)and store them in a file on your computer. Make a note of the location.With Futura software open, Click File/ open design and you will be prompted to retrieve the design, navigating to the folder that you stored it in. Simply click the design and it will appear on the screen’s hoop.