Sewing Blog 2nd Anniversary
It is my pleasure to be here to serve you! And on the eve of our two year monthly sewing blog anniversary, I’m asking you for your input. Let me know what kind of content you would like to see more of in our sewing blog. HSN.com has updated its format and you will be able to get answers to your questions in real time…. I’ll be checking your comments every day to answer questions and concerns!
It’s hard to describe all of the planning that goes on for several months before we launch a Today’s Special. When one of the consultants from Singer constructed the little girl’s dress for our April TS in a size 7, it came back large enough for my buyer to wear! If you’re working with commercial patterns to make an article of clothing, be sure to check the measurements on the chart, not the pattern size written on the pattern. You may be a size 4 at the department store and a size 10 at your favorite pattern company. Time to get ready-wear sizes out of your head if you’re going to start making your own fashions.
Did you know that the Quantum L-500 has the largest foot pedal in the Singer line at HSN? The larger size gives it more stability and there’s a recessed compartment located underneath for cord storage.
Here’s a tip if you have the Singer 7430, 7470, Curvy Computerized or the Stylist ll. When selecting satin or icon stitches in the alphabet pod, you can make adjustments to these patterns.
1) make your stitch selection
2) Press the panel’s center button between the arrows and a new screen comes up to allow stitch width and stitch length adjustments. Now you’re ready to set the appliqué stitches exactly the way you would like them!!
If you’re thinking about ways to use your machine’s lettering feature, consider making your own designer labels. They’re fast, easy and personal. In these samples I used medium weight cotton backed with an iron on interfacing and then added extra stabilization with tear away stabilizer. This layering will immobilize your fabric for better results!
In the world of serging, there’s a new kid on the block. The STYLIST ll 2/3/4 serger has more built in features than any other machine in its class. There is a new double sided needle threader, a built-in thread cutter, on-board compartmentalized accessory storage, a built-in sliding seam guide, wide open threading of needles and loopers and a removable rolled hem finger! Singer continues to upgrade their models and this serger would be a fabulous addition to your sewing arsenal!
Embroidery
OK, so let’s say you want to build a design inside the hoop. Maybe you want to add a butterfly to a rose or a name to a design. Linda sent in a question asking how to accomplish the following design on the Futura: A large letter centered and then the smaller ones in a different font.
1. Import the one large letter into the frame and position it where you want it. You can use the centering icon. Click once outside the hoop.
2. Go to file and click NEW. A blank hoop will appear.
3. Using HYPERFONT, Import the letters to make the word you would like to spell out
4. Manipulate the highlighted box to position the letters and size them where you think they may work with the other single letter underneath (even though it’s not in that frame)
5. Highlight the name and right click. Select COPY.
6. Close out the window. Now the first hoop will reappear and you’ll need to L. click inside the hoop and then R. click paste and be still..
7. When the second boxed word appears, take your time and position it over/around/between the first letter already in the hoop. DON’T CLICK OUTSIDE THE HOOP UNTIL YOU’RE POSITIVE THE POSITION IS PERFECT AND YOU HAVE CHANGED THE COLOR!!!!! If you accidentally click out of the box or hoop and the name appears as a design, when you try to highlight and box it again for further editing, the first initial will become part of the entire design, You will not be able to re-separate them.
8. Go up to the color icon and click on a new color in the color box and apply. This way you can stitch in color blocks so your machine will stop between the single letter stitch out and the name.
9. Now that the color is changed, you may click outside the box or even click the 3D view to see what the stitched design will look like. Keep Enjoying your Futura and mm HyperFont!
The Futura’s PHOTO-STITCH program allows you to easily stitch a facsimile of a photograph three different ways.
The example on the left was done with 4 color as you would use in a printer. Red, yellow, blue and black. The center photo was made with about 30 different colors (which means 30 thread changes!) and tight density. The far right example was stitched in one color (charcoal) using a rectangular stitch pattern and an oval frame.
1) Choose a photo with a high contrast between the subject and the4 back ground,
2) Always run a few tests first to make sure that the resolution is what you were expecting.
3) stand back a few feet to admire your work.
TIP—When clipping your lettering jump stitches, use a very tiny pair of embroidery scissors to get close to the stitch base. All that clipping makes dozens of tiny threads that are hard to pick up or brush away. Simply use a lint roller to remove all the small thread fragments.
WHEN TO WATCH
May 11 – 4am, 8am, Singer
May 13 – 3am, Brother 9am, Brother
May 24 – 8am, Singer
May 25 - 5am, 1pm, 5pm Singer
June 5 – 4pm — A VERY SPECIAL HOST PICK!!!!!
Sew Your Springtime Dreams,
Darlene,
Had the opportunity in August to pick up the Singer Computerized Sewing machine. I have not sewed in 20 or more years and I am so excited to come back to something I loved many years ago. I love watching you on HSN and you made the singer machine just come alive. Two things I would like to get from you was the inlarged stitch guide you show in the video and alo the instructions to the wrap and snap. I appreciate your enthusiasm to much.
I have a question about the 150 futura. Do you have a manual to show me how some of the programs work on my machine. I love this for embroidy but I can’t figure out how to use the AutoPunch or the HyperFont or how to make my designs that I have do CrossStitch.
I’m sixty and sometimes trying to figure out how to use the computer is a little overwelming. I could use a munaul so I can see what has to be done. Thank you for all of your trouble. Bisch.
HI Bisch,
Once you have installed the CD of Hyperfont, Photostitch, Auto-Cross-Stitch and Autopunch software onto your computer,(this is different and additional to the basic installation software CD) then you can begin to use the functionality of the various programs.Click on CREATE, then select the program in the drop down menu, then follow the directions in each window of the Wizard to prepare your design. Also check the on-board tutorial. Write to me from my website and I’ll help you.
You mentioned today that there were 700 fonts available on your blog for use with the hyperfont program for the futura machines. Where can I find that info? Thanks.
Hi Brendad,
Actually it’s 4,700 fonts and it’s available for free! Use your search engine and check for ” Font Bonanza”. Also, read the 4 & 5 star reviews on the site for additional info. Happy Hyper-Fonting!
I would like to purchase a Brother sewing machine and cannot decide between the Brother 90 stitch or the Brother 294, I have 2 other machines for strait stitching, which one should i go for? thanks
Hi Josd,
If it’s stitch variety you’re looking for, along with permanent memory, then pick up the 294 and at least give it a test drive. It will probably be the last sewing machine you’ll ever have to purchase. Keep us posted!
Darlene, where can I get bobbins for my SES1000,the 15 I got from a local store won’t wind, and is the circle-flower stitcher available for my Futura. I would love to do that kind of work. Thank you, PMV
HI Kyucker,
Singer has a new set of 30 bobbins, size 15J along with a package of 5 ballpoint needles.These are the bobbins that will fit in your SES1000. They should be available on dotcom item #369480 by the end of next week so check back.Thanks for asking!
Hi PMV,
The circular flower stitching foot can be used on the Futura and may be purchased from the Singer website. The bobbin info you asked about is answered below….to Kyucker—-(begging your pardon) I got the questions mixed up!
Have a great sewing day!
Much thanks.
Dear sewthankful, I almost back on track with the stitches on my mother’s Bernette 234 Serger. I adjusted the presser foot knob and the tension on the the tension discs. I have just one more thread to get adjusted and then I will be done. I went on line to BerninaUSA and printed out the manual. It was very helpful. Just a little bit of patience along with adjusting the tension discs and I am almost there. Thankyou.
Darlene,
Is HSN going to get your book back?
Thanks
Hi Irevak,
I have the only remaining copies of Sewing From Square One. You may purchase one (on sale) from my website.
Thanks for asking!
Darlene, I was watching your presentation on, I think, the Singer serger last week…you had a sample of a travel jewelry pouch (it was pink). You mentioned the directions to make it were on your May blog. Is there another spot you post project directions for this?
Thanks!
Yes bandmomof3– simply google me and go to my website and click on SEWING/PROJECTS/PAGE2 and you will see the jewelry pouch listed there.
Thanks for bringing to my attention how challenging it is to locate past blogs/projects.
Have a happy Sewing Day!
hi bandmomof3 i have a pattern that can be used for making the jewelry pouch just in case you can’t locate the instructions from the blog butterick pattern#b5006 this will also work…
Darlene,
I was wondering if you could give me some advice regarding the Singer Futura sewing machines. I am interested in getting the Futura CE-250 but I see Singer SES1000. What is the difference? Does one include more software then the other? Also will HSN have a today special in a Singer Embroidery machine this year?
Thank you for you help.
sophie40, I know Darlene will answer. But my personal opinion is that it depends if you want the machine mostly for sewing or embroidery. The CE-250 has more built in stitches and the SES-1000 is the same CE-150 but with a lot of extras. You can see a comparison video on the Singer website. ~BF
Hi Sophie40,
B Designs is right in her answer. If you’re looking to embroider, keep in mind that although they have identical built-in design libraries (120 designs) the 250 comes with an additional Stock Design CD that has 3,900 more designs on it! Couple that with the ability to add on the editing software down the road and it’s a winner in every sense of the word!
The SES 1000 has a larger sewing foot bundle. Let us know what you decide.
Hi Darlene:
I love the demo’s that you do on the sewing shows, and I look forward to tuning in everytime your on. I only have one little request and that is when you demo sergers, on any of the sergers that can do a two thread stitch either flatlock or rolled hem, can you go into detail on how to set up the bypass device and what tension settings that are used to make the stitches. Thanks for your help!
OK Susie 12,
I just wrote about two thread serging for you in my June blog. Great question. The June blog will be posted the first week of June so please come back and take a look. I included pictures and tension settings explanations, etc….Hope that helps!
Dear Darlene, I have my Mother’s Serger. It’s a Bernette 234. It use to sew quite good until I messed with the presser foot tension. I’m not able to get the stitches to come out right. Any ideas or suggestions other than taking it to a shop to have the tension adjusted. I’m still doing adjustments one notch at a time and sewing out a sample to check the stitching.
Hi Kyucker,
I also have the Bernette serger that I picked up in 1989 at a Dealer store in Witchita,Kansas. You are doing the right thing to double check the thread feed through the tension discs and alter the tensions a little bit at a time and test. Oddly enough, sometimes a loose looking stitch is not the stitch at all but the cutter and the stitch finger not lining up— this can form a sloppy ‘overhang’ that looks as though something isn’t right so be sure to check stitch width too!
I really enjoy watching your demos. I ordered the Singer SES1000 from HSN on May 11, and can’t wait to get it. I live in a small town in Western No. Carolina and sometimes it can be hard to find specific items for sewing,so I was just wondering if you could tell me what type of thread is recommended for use in this machine and if there are any other items that would be useful,that I could look for while I’m waiting for my machine to get here. Thanks for your time.
Hello Breensmom,
You made a very wise purchase! While you are waiting for your machine to arrive, you’ll want to take a look at the following accessories:
Melrose 24-pack Embroidery Thread – Brights Item: 429-437 , Sulky Stabilizer 12″ Roll 5-packItem: 257-815, Gingher 4″ Curved Embroidery Scissors with Leather SheathItem: 104-4631
Happy Embroidering!
Darlene, I want to purchase a Brother Embroidery Machine. I know that HSN offers the PE770, but I would like a more advanced machine by Brother. Will there be any offered in the near future?
HI Vicki,
As far as I know, Brother will not be offering a more advanced embroidery machine on HSN. The higher end machines are licensed with Dealer Stores. The PE770 is upgradable now with the ELS lettering software and has a USB port. You may want to check it out. Thanks for writing!
Darlene, It would be so nice if you would make a dvd on all your sewing machines that you get on hsn. Ive been sewing for 40 years but it nice to learn more. I could sit and listen to you all day.
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement Old2New. I’m working on two DVDs now that I plan to release by the end of the year. Keep checking back as I promise to keep you posted!
I purchased the Today’s Special Stylist combo. I’m getting back into sewing after some time off. I love to watch your HSN appearances because you are always so inspiring! I wish you would make a dvd of your tips and tricks! I got the ready set sew dvd and it is great! I would also love to see one for a serger!
hello, I have 7 sewing machines I got off HSN. some sinegers and some brothers. Love then all. I have been sewing for 40 years and now I have my sewing shop. I love sewing for poeple. I would love to see HSN get some brothers embroidery cards. Darlene keep it coming…. Love Ya.
WOW! Thanks so much for your comments Old2New… Thrilled for you that yo have your own sewig shop with machines you purchased from HSN! We have been trying to acquire Brother embroidery cards for over two years. The truth is: they can only sell cards to authorized dealers. It’s a contractual thing. Meanwhile, HSN’s Bertina/DarStar embroidery CDs in seven popular formats work with all the Singer and Brother embroidery machines.Check them out when you get a minute. Happy Sewing!
HI! I purchased your 2 machine special. It arrived in 3 days. I am having a ball sewing. The serger is so easy to use and thread.
Love to watch when you are one the show. I also have 2 Brother Embroidery Machines. Happy Mothers day.
Happy Mother’s Day to you as well!!! So happy to hear that you are enjoying the art of sewing with your Stylist ll. You made a great choice. Yes, the Stylist ll serger is the easiest one to thread by far. Thanks for writing!
I have bought L-500, SES2000, an the brother 294 stitch machine and going to buy a serger but it has to be real easy to thread. I Love all the machines. Would like the extenion talbe for the machines that they offer in the manuals. Your blogs are very helpful we need more than once a month…….Thank you….. you are an excellent host & sewer you teach me so very many things…..
My 1st message didn’t seem to get posted. Anyway, I’m glad to see the new month’s blog up early in the month. I have 6 machines, 5 of which I have purchased from HSN b/c of Darlene. And I use them all and really enjoy them. I do have my eye on 1 or 2 others, but cannot find the space for them. I would have to pass some on to make room for any new….but I guess that’s always possible.
Hi Sewandsew,
First of all, thank you so much for your continued viewship and for faithfully shopping with us. I appreciate all of you more than words can say.
Thank you also for noticing the great jobs that the folks at hsn.com are doing. Kudos to them all!!! It is wonderful to be able to log on and answer questions in real time now instead of posting them in next month’s blog so keep the comments and questions coming…. I’m here to help! Sew your dreams !!
I would love to see you offer some of the sewing feet that are being included in the newer machines. I bought the futura last year and have purchased the one set of extra feet offered. I would still like more feet (ruffler, cording, freemotion etc) Thanks –I love your blogs always helpful
Hi Grannybet,
Thanks for reading my monthly blog here at HSN. You can purchase all of the feet separately on Singer’s Website. Hope you’re enjoying your Futura. Let us know what you’ve been stitching up lately!
I’m so glad to see this up early in the month and looking forward to the shows coming up. I have 6 machines, 5 of which I have bought from HSN b/c of Darlene and I enjoy using each one of them. I would probably get another 1 or 2 but I just don’t have the space. But if it was something I really wanted I would probably have to find the room or pass on one that I already have.