I was on a roll all weekend. Two plate cozies, and one more bowl cozy in a different size. Now, I need to make a bag. I have been asked to make two sporrans for a friend's son's wedding in October, so that has to happen soon too.
I'll preface this by mentioning I am not a beginner, and know about changing needles frequently. I know my machine well, and I know about that "knock" sound when the needle needs changing. What's been confusing me is needle type.
Lately I'm doing a lot of various projects, and choosing the right needle type has been somewhat problematic. For bag linings, I'm using microtex most of the time, and they seem to be working well. Most linings are only quilt cotton and woven fusible interfacing, and although there can be up to 12 layers in places, the needles are smoothe and silent, and last fairly well.
The past weekend I got stuck into bowl cozies - a lot of them - quilt cotton and cotton quilt batting. It didn't matter what needle I chose I got that knock. In the end, I picked a new jeans needle, no change. In the end I kept on going but was aware that I needed something different.
I actually like microtex for sewing wovens, but sizes are limited (I'm in Australia.)
So my actual question is - for bowl cozies and other fairly thick projects, in your experience what's the best needle? I have many here but don't have a problem buying various types and sizes to test out.
Thank you.
This was a request from an acquaintance who I only know through an online website. She saw my original bowl cozy and begged for small rectangular ones for her microwaved frozen meals. No pattern, came up with this little tray based on her measurements.. I can already see some improvements for future ones - little handles on the short sides.
We decided we needed some plate cozies, so I dug through my stash, pulled out some bowl cozy acrylic templates that I acquired and cut out two of the largest ones. Lo and behold, they are freaking HUGE and will fit about a 2-litre casserole. Still fun, and an easy make.
And bonus, I showed someone on another forum I visit, and she immediately asked me to make her four to fit her frozen easy meals. Plus, I get to pick colours and surprise her.
There is a lot of information around about only using pure cotton fabric, batting and thread, if you are using the cozies in the microwave. I only have Rasant, which is 50/50 cotton/polyester. I really don't want to buy a whole new stash of [very expensive] 100% cotton thread if I can avoid it.
I'm not too sure why this matters so much. It's the food that is being heated - is it only heat transference from the dish it's cooked in that could potentially cause the polyester to melt? (Apparently polyester begins to soften at 230C (446F) - so potentially not an issue.)
Thanks for any feedback.
After the slog if the rucksack I thought I'd treat myself to a quickie. I've made this little bag about eight or nine times now, and it takes about two hours (if I did it without stopping!) I have acrylic templates for it, so it's really quick to cut out. I rarely use vinyl but this was the last little bit of a piece I bought simply because I loved the print. I left off the outer zipper and didn't put on a strap attachment, so it's an evening clutch bag. Sort of.
I made this pack for my grandson as a school bag. While the pattern is basically a fashion bag, my bushwalker husband prodded me to make sure everything would be secure so it doesn't fall apart when Mr 13 yanks it around. Like double stitching all the straps, handles, etc, plenty of padding. The outer is leather, inner is cotton canvas interfaced with fusible woven cotton interfacing, there's foam for padding.
The straps were a bone of contention: sewing them was turning into a nightmare, partly because the pattern instructions were a dog's breakfast, so in the end my husband bought proprietary third party removable straps from Placatac
The original pattern called for a triangular attachement, but all I had was leather or corcdura. I was concerned that the cordura would shred; it did once on another bag, and since these seams are bound there was now ay to have a larger seam allowance there. In the end, to spread the load on the bottom attachment we chose to use webbing directly into the seam, separated per the photo, and use a slide-in strap attachment so we now have 50mm rather than 25mm to spread the load.
The back, showing the strap attachments
Fun zipper tape says 'Caution Keep Out\"
This rucksack nearly broke me. But, it's finished. Leather outer, cotton interior. 3-D mesh for the back, purchased removable rucksack straps.
I hate binding.
Context: second hand vehicle sold with three year warranty, reputable local dealership. On taking delivery of the vehicle, it was discovered that the radio satellite buttons on the steering wheel don't work -radio does work. Car booked in for warranty repair.
On examination the service department refused to repair because car is apparently fitted with a non-standard unit - which was in the car when purchased. There's no way of the purchaser knowing it was not standard. Vehicle is a Kia, dealer is another brand.
I don't have a copy of the warranty, car is my daughter's but I fail to see that a non-standard radio installation has any bearing on whether or not the dealership does not have an obligation under the warranty - especially as it was sold with the radio in already place.
Not asking for legal advice, but guidelines perhaps. thank you.
This backpack is seriously pushing my buttons. Every single thing about the pattern and construction is making me question my sanity. Nothing makes sense or flows well with the instructions. For a pattern that cost $24USD plus the cost of printing because my stupid printer wouldn't print 110% properly I was outraged at how bad it actually is.
ALL the seams are bound. ALL. OF. THEM. On the first seam I missed 3/4 of the back of the binding. I unpicked it. 20mm binding simply wasn't wide enough. The pattern says ZIP about how wide the binding should be. 30mm would do it but I couldn't find foldover elastic at 30mm. I got 40. It's too wide. I have 25mm proper binding stuff but it isn't bias and won't go around the corner nicely.
If I hadn't spent so much money on the materials I would simply trash it and make something different.
At least it's about 3/4 finished, then I can hand it over to Mr 13 and move on with something I really love.
Lisa and I worked on this and I'm very happy with the result. This turned out so well. The diamond is wonderfully sparkly, and the workmanship is excellent.
2.5ct Asscher, VVS2 G, EX EX set in 10ct. I went with the G because what's the point in putting a D/E stone in yellow gold, when the yellow will reflect into the diamond - well, that's my thinking anyway. It has a lovely and warm feeling about it.
