Hoppo Bumpo (n): A children's game. Played by folding one's arms and hopping on one leg. Aim is to bump opponents, so that they lose their balance. Last person standing wins.


April 19, 2010

Sew handy: some sewing machine references for the new sewer



How Sewing Machines Work
home.howstuffworks.com/sewing-machine1.htm
I love this entry at How Stuff Works. Not only is there a good basic explanation of the workings of a sewing machine, but there are two completely mesmerising animated diagrams showing stitch formation. Stare at them too long and you will go into a trance.

Sewing Machine Manuals
http://www.sewingmanuals.com/
Lost your sewing machine manual? You're bound to find a replacement here ( ... though admittedly you will have to pay a modest amount for the privilege). Manuals are available as a PDF download or on CD.

Sewing Machine Needle Charts
www.sewing.org/files/guidelines/22_115_sewing_machine_needle_charts.pdf
This very handy table at Sewing.org provides a detailed description of the different types of sewing machine needles. The selection includes: universal, ballpoint, twin, overlocker, jean and leather needles.

Sewing Machine Needle Sizes
www.dummies.com/how-to/content/sewing-machine-needle-size-and-fabric-chart.html
You can always rely on the Dummies site to save the day. If sewing machine needle sizes (including the sizing variations between countries) has you flummoxed, you will appreciate this cheat sheet.

Basic Sewing Machine Maintenance
aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/c-102.pdf
This PDF shared by the New Mexico State University says: When you have trouble with your sewing machine, a good rule to follow is “Clean it first.” Many problems are caused by dust, lint or thread ends that have collected on the working parts of the machine. (Lint? Dust? Who'd ever have thunk?) Use their straightforward instructions to perform your own basic machine service.

Specialty Presser Feet
www.simplicitysewing.com/help/FAQ/presser-feet-instructions.asp
Simplicity Homecare provides basic information and diagrams explaining some common speciality presser feet. Find out more about the overcast, narrow hem, blind hem, cording, darning, applique, gathering, pintuck, roller and 1/4 inch feet.

More Speciality Presser Feet
sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/sewingclasses/board.pl?t=27779
Start a whole presser foot collection! PatternReview.com member Loohoo44 has put together an amazing list of links detailing specialty presser feet and uses. All the links point to PDF files residing at www.sewingmachinesplus.com, but so far as I can see the site has no readily accessible index.

3 comments:

  1. Oh yes, big on the blowing dust out of my machine, followed by a nose full of dust & sneezing!! I always assume i've done something wrong FIRST, then the machine!! Love Posie

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  2. What a useful post , thanks so much some of these are going to be very helpful to me .

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  3. Henceforth, you shall be my sewing encyclopaedia reference for all my students!

    ReplyDelete

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