My Weekend

Work

Friday I had to fly to The Netherlands for a work event, so I didn't get back home until lunchtime Saturday which sort of killed part of my free time this weekend.  But I did get to visit Muiden Castle Friday night, which was first built around 1280 by Count Floris V of Holland.  It has passed through many hands over the years, but now plays host to many school children for historic outings, or corporate events such as ours, because it is so close to Amsterdam.

Quick fix sewing

I am still on my quick fix sewing and just sort of tidied up spare stash fabric by sewing up some more cotton knit to make another twinset/pj combo.  I didn't have enough fabric to make pj bottoms but because this was a pink floral pattern I have teamed the vest and cardigan with some pink pj bottoms I made some time ago and am wearing them now (doesn't warrant a picture).

Serger issues

I was struggling with my Babylock Evolution Saturday and today.   Having experienced no problem switching between the overlocker/serger function and the cover stitch function for several changes, all of a sudden the upper looper refused to thread using the ExtraordinAir which takes your thread through all three loopers at once, with a gust of air.

This is the first time I have had this problem, and googled to see if there anything written by people with similar issues.    PR had a thread which talked about various issues, including the use of the wire that comes with the machine.  Thankfully  I found the thin twisted wire which allows you to manually thread the the machine which allowed me to finish off what I was sewing.  By the way, the lower looper and the chain stich are fine.

I did get a couple of balls of fluff come out of the tubes with the wire, and I was hopeful this would solve the problem, but sadly it didn't.  It seems like the air is blowing the thread out rather than sucking it in.  I'll have to call the dealer where I purchased the machine and chat with them, however I know this is going to mean a trip to drop the machine off.  The problem is, they are around 40 miles away and I don't really want to do several trips, in an ideal world it would be great if I can drop it off - go for a cup of coffee and then collect it - I can hear you all saying "yeah in your dreams", hmmm that's what I think, but still lets stay positive until I make the call in the morning.

Essex Toy Sewing machine

My Essex toy sewing machine turned up last week and its really cute.  There is no bobbin, so it effectively only does a chain stitch, but I figure that this may be useful for sewing leather etc., but only small projects).  I have bought it so Alana can use it when she comes around.  She hasn't seen it yet, but am sure she will love it.  It came in its original box, but no instruction manual, however the wonder of the internet allowed me to download a pdf copy - how great is that.

Shirts for Mike

Last week I cut out another shirt for Mike.  I did sew the collar (complete with collar stays) and the cuffs (which are embroidered), however I didn't get around to doing any sewing at the flat and left to return to the cottage Tuesday evening.

Today I cut out another shirt (thinking I'll have a few prepped and ready to sew) sewed the collar and cuffs again but this time I used a different fabric for the interfacing in the collar and cuffs.

Until today, and maybe again in the future if this doesn't work,  I have used a woven stiff interfacing to give as much body as I can to the collar and cuffs.  A few months ago I bought some nylon roller-blinds for my sewing room.  I had to cut them down by around 12" and kept the remnants of fabric thinking I could use it to stiffen a bag or something.

I experimented with a little of the fabric by cutting it to a 4" square and then holding my iron over it and giving it as much steam as possible to see if it shrunk back or anything.  It didn't.  Encouraged by this I have used it as a sew-in interfacing for the collar and cuffs, which incidentally look really crisp (which is what I want for a man's shirt).  Look it may not work, after a couple of washes it may crease, or lose some of its stiffness, but I figure the worst I lose is a bit of my time, however it may just be the latest invention for shirt interfacing (we will see ha ha).

I hope you are all sewing up a storm, catch you later.......................