Cover stitch machine

[sewingrandma]

Beth, I would love the info from Belinda's Sew 4 Fun. In all my research everyone mentioned her blog but I could never find the info. I'll have to see how to PM you-I'm not to literate on the computer. I'm still trying to figure out how to post pics! Never did find a decent book. The one that looked like it would be good had about 2 pages and nothing very useful. I reviewed all the posts on pattern review and Debbie's blog before I purchased my Brother.
I did figure out how to get my sewing tails where they need to be. I'm using a scrap piece of fabric. Thanks Libby for the reminder. When I do the neck line on a baby's gown, the type where the back folds over the front at the shoulders, I needed to have the stitching start at the edge so I could catch the stitching in the seam allowance. I've also learned to have the sleeve hems all pressed and the necklines all pressed and I can start with one scrap of fabric then feed all the other pices thru the machine just taking a few stitches off the fabric before starting on the next piece.
When I bought my machine I got all the attachments with it also but have found I can do most of my sewing without using them. Do you use the attachments very often? I have mastered the hems in the round also and I too use a sealant on the ends. I've hemmed fleece for lap robes using my coverstitch and they turn out really nice and there is no stretching out of shape and the finished product looks finished.

[Mule]

Brockie, I'm glad you got the hemming thing figured out. I haven't used my attachments much. I played around with them a bit when I first got the machine, but I've hardly sewn a stitch for the past 15 months! This past week I got the machine out again and hemmed 5 pairs of yoga pants I bought, but that's it!

Are you using the binder foot to do your necklines? Have you seen this video on how to use it? You allow for extra binding and start it through the attachment. Then you add your fabric piece in, and cut the excess binding off. It doesn't sound clear when I explain it, but the video will show you how:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVInJnySZ4E

[Mule]

There's also a video on how to use the hemmer set. I played around with it, but I prefer to fold my hem first and tack it down before cover stitching. But for those who might want to use the hemmer set, this video demonstrates how:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61HVhICAH8I

[sewingrandma]

Beth thanks so much for the info and the youtube sites. The info printed out great and had info I wasn't aware of. I'm with you in not having an issue with releasing the tensions manually, not even when I release all 3 needles at the same time. I'm sure a machine that automatically releases is nice but it wasn't a deal breaker for me. Now on to the videos.
I haven't used my attachments much. The hemmer is more trouble than I'm willing to put up with. I used the double fold binder but using it with the heavier knits that I use the bands came out thicker than what I like. The printed info said I can use a generic attachment so am looking for a single fold binder on ebay. I'm hoping once the grandbaby is here I can find an afternoon where I can sew a new tee for me in a lighter weight knit and actually use the binder foot.
Hope you get your sewing mojo back. Since my retirement I think I sew a little bit most every day or at least go into my sewing room and do a little straightening or getting ideas to sew.

[Mule]

I sent you another copy with better pictures. Which binder foot are you using -- the double fold binder? I'd like to give that foot a try, but it sounds like I should use a lighter weight fabric? Last year I made a top from a thin jersey and it was a pain to do the binding because it got thin and curly as I stretched it around the neckline. I did it in the round though, and without using a binder attachment. Maybe using the double fold binder would eliminate that problem.

I hope to get out of my non-sewing funk soon! It's mostly due to having less room and less time. I've been working longer hours the past year, and had to give up half my sewing space. Figuring out how to make everything workable in a smaller space is the hardest part, because I like to spread out. I like to keep my cutting table, 3 machines, and an iron set up all the time. I just need to get one of my kids to move out so I can take over their room!

[MartySews2]

LOL!!! I know what you mean, Beth. My daughter moved about half of her stuff to Washington, DC last August as she started grad school. She's at Wesley Theological Seminary and lives in the dorm. When she finally finishes school (hopefully May, 2016), she will have her own place and I can empty her room of the furniture. Then I can turn it into a sewing room complete with cutting table, ironing board, and my 4 of my machines. I will probably leave my Ellisimo and my Pfaff serger in the living room because the cabinet would be very hard to move around 2 doorways. Her bedroom was my sewing room before she was born. I just have to be patient until then. I now have a smocking pleater and am learning to use it. On Tuesday, I got the "Smocking Genie Thread Box". I ordered it from Allbrands.com but found out that they are made in Memphis so I just had to drive 3 miles to pick it up. Still had to pay a "shipping fee" but I was glad to get it quickly. When I get something smocked (yeah, I love hand embroidery work), I will post pics.
Marty

[sewingrandma]

Thanks Beth for the second copy. Haven't had a chance to print it out yet. It is the double fold binder that I have used in the past but with poor results as the knit was just too thick. I don't remember if it was on the printout you sent that I read or on Debbie Cook's blog that I read that if you fuse tricot interfacing on the thin curling knits the binder will work better in the binder. I also read heavy starch helps too. Haven't tried either so don't know. I know that I have press a knit band and attached it 'free hand' on a neck line and it did good. Not something I'd do fast or often but in a pinch I gave it a try. I've been searching ebay for the single fold binder.
All 3 of our kids are grown and out of the house but it seems like I still don't have enough room. I have books in one room, my dress form in another with my stash of yarn. At least my sewing room is half way the way I want it. Putting up the shelves on one wall sure helped with the fabric situation. I keep my ironing board up all the time as my machines. I have a cutting table that is a banquet table on a set of bed risers so the height is good for me. The room is full and if I don't put stuff away when I'm done it gets cluttered fast. If I'm working on something where I'm changing thread frequently I've got cones/spools everywhere. I'm also pulling out different fabrics to see what I want to cut out and what trim would look good so I do try to declutter at least once a week.