Growing up my aunt and mom sewed all the time (they made all my Halloween costumes and my aunt even sewed my mom’s wedding dress) but whenever I tried to learn on my mom’s machine I broke it. Not just jammed it or temporarily messed it up, I legitimately ruined it (at least six episodes ended with my mom carting it off to the shop and paying lots of money to get it repaired). And then I wasn’t encouraged to use it quite as much if you catch my drift. I don’t blame my mom at all. I was clearly cursed.
So in an insane turn of events, I recently purchased a nice affordable beginner sewing machine of my own with high hopes of DIYing a quilt and a fabric flag banner for Clara’s first birthday (using all of the fabrics that we picked up for her weekly photo project to create them). I figured it would come in handy for things like pillow and curtain making as well.
And I specifically picked something with great ratings (4.5 stars and over 150 customer reviews) on amazon.com (a Brother XL2600I) because I wanted something good for a beginner devoid of any “natural ability” whatsoever. Of course it didn’t hurt that it was around $100-200 cheaper than most fancy machines (on sale for just $89 – down from $149 – with free shipping). You know just in case I irreparably maimed it within a week of use. Which would not have surprised me. Hence the I’m-not-going-to-splurge-for-anything-great-just-yet approach.
So it arrived a few weeks ago. It has been testing me. Oh my goodness has it been testing me. Like, walk-calmly-into-the-bedroom-and-scream-into-a-pillow testing me.
I even had a hilariously miserable and desperate text message exchange with Katie B where I basically asked her to come over and peel me off the floor and wipe away my tears and spank my disobedient machine. Yeah, she didn’t come. But she did make me laugh by comparing me to Martha. I suggested that perhaps I was Martha’s uncoordinated lesser known sister (who I dubbed Bertha) and by the end of the little iPhone fest Katie had me smiling. Gotta hand it to that girl for providing some much needed comic relief when you’re dealing with this sort of ugliness:
The actual issue was that I was having all sorts of tension problems (broken needles, loopy tangled underside stitches, etc) and then after two nights of despair and at least five solid hours of sheer misery I realized that I was using an unsanctioned bobbin. Seriously. After five hundred attempts at rethreading the needle and rereading the manual and googling around for ideas and texting my poor friends (who all had better things to do than listen to me whine I’m sure) it was my stupid one tenth of an inch too tall bobbin that was sabotaging me. But at least I got the root of the issue, which ended up being hilariously easy to fix (hilarious in that you-laugh-but-kind-of-cry-at-the-same-time-because-it’s-so-pathetic-and-embarrassing way).
But at least at that lowest ever point in my sewing career I figured it could only get better from there. So I kept on keeping on. Slowly but surely I’m getting to know “Oh Brother” (my sarcastically pessimistic nickname for the sewing machine slash bane of my existence) and I’ve actually made some decent progress in the world of novice sewing. For example, I made this little fabric flag banner for the bean’s big one year birthday par-tay using small triangles that I cut out of various weekly fabrics.
I’m not going to say that it was easy. It was harder and more annoying than The Situation’s abs. In fact, I refer to the debacle that was me attempting to sew that fabric banner as “The Real Situation.”
It took me waaaaaay too long and I probably legitimately cried ten times (we’re not talking whiny fake crying, we’re talking actual frustrated hot tears that you swipe away before anyone looks at you like you’re crazy for sew-crying). Give me a sledgehammer or a paint brush and I have no fear. But give me a robot with a motorized needle and I will show you the definition of misery. It’s just not something I can even remotely pretend to be good at. Oh well, I’ll learn. Or I won’t and I’ll get another hobby. Haha.
As for exactly how long it took, I’d guess that cutting each of the flags out took me about forty minutes in front of the TV (I used a cardstock template and placed it over the prewashed – so it was preshrunk – fabric). Then I hemmed each of the three sides of the triangle with Oh Brother, which took me well over five hours.
Yes, you read that right. Let’s just say there were a lot of do-overs and seam ripping and more tension issues but in the end I was left with around a dozen perfect enough triangles that I wouldn’t die from embarrassment if a teenage Clara looked closely at her beloved birthday banner (I hope the banner becomes a tradition for every b-day until the bean is too old to indulge me, so I don’t just want it to look not-terrible I want it to last for a while and look halfway decent). So although you see about 27 flags on the table above, so many of them were just garbage when you got any closer, so I picked my favorite dozen and tossed the rest unceremoniously into my rag pile.
Then in a stroke of desperation (or genius, you decide) I actually broke out some iron on hem tape to complete the project in about another half hour (for a total of 5.5+ hours spent).
It helped to lay out the remaining not-terrible flags on the floor to play around with order until I liked what I saw. Then it was just about firing up the iron and using my trusty hem tape to attach them to the blue ribbon that I already had laying around.
I’m pretty sure it would have easily been 10+ hours if I sewed each flag to the blue ribbon that I used for the top. But heck, I’m starting slow. I’m just glad I was able to sew those flags and not chuck Oh Brother out the slider in the sunroom (the problem with ranches is that you don’t get to dramatically drop things that you hate out of second story windows so you have to improvise). And iron-on hem tape is washable so it’s all good. And look at my little helpers. How cute were they to hang out in the kitchen while I tested my not-cursing-or-throwing-anything limits? They were some much needed sweetness for a pretty darn annoying personal challenge.
The banner looks fun and festive and it’ll be washable and hopefully will last for at least a decade or two, and best of all it was free except for the expense of Oh Brother (thanks to already having purchased each of the fabrics on clearance throughout the year for Clara’s weekly pics and using iron-on hem tape and blue ribbon that I already had).
But I’m still hoping that the sewing machine purchase will end up being worth it as I attempt more projects like a very very very simplified quilt for the bean and other house-related things (a few throw pillows, maybe some curtains, etc). I’m definitely going to start slow.
So there it is. The truth. I’m no Martha Stewart. I’m terrible at sewing and it makes me curse, sob, and scream into my pillow. But who knows, this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship with that terrifying mechanical needle. Stranger things have happened…
The Distressed Mother says
Oh Sister I hear ya. I could easily murder anybody who came near me when I was figuring out the stupid *(#@ sewing machine. But believe it or not, I still cannot sew, but I have sewn several quilts! Get the hang of straight stitch and how to declog all the cotton mess and you’ll be sweet.
TDM xx
Netty says
Welcome to the world of sewing! It really does get awesome after awhile! I have that exact sewing machine and it can be temperamental but it works well. If you still have problems with the thread tension it tells you in the book that there is a screw on the metal part that holds the bobbin (the part you take out and put back in…) and if you tighten it a tiny bit (1/4 turn to the right I think) it helps a TON…but that’s a last resort after playing with the tension knob, rethreading everything, etc. I just got into sewing two Decembers ago and I’m hooked. There are SO MANY great free tutorials out there for all kinds of stuff…check out http://www.Makeit-loveit.com for really great ones…and then of course there is MADE blog. Have fun!!! It will get better…. promise!
Jade says
This made me laugh so much. I am exactly the same. I saw all these great projects online and decided to get a sewing machine. I have actually kicked things after my encounters with my singer. I have abandoned it for now because after hours of trying to thread my machine properly, I finally managed to get some sewing done, only for the thread to continually break on me. I’ve tried everything. This post has inspired me to maybe try again though!
Raquel says
Your banner is sew cute! ;) Well done.
Lynne Hobbs says
The banner is lovely. Blame the machine, not yourself. Brother machines are notoriously fussy, especially about the thread you choose. Buy THE MOST EXPENSIVE THREAD your store stocks. That will help. That said, my 1952 Singer sews much more nicely and with less fuss than my Bother.
diana says
Don’t have time to read the comments (little-miss-busy-sam-i-am). Knowing you as much as I know after a few months of following the blog, I know the resilience and happy approach you have will bring you into the break-or-make place that will help you decide if it’s worth or not to continue on the sewing route. I bet on the continuity, if it’s only for all the little tutus and princess dresses you could make for only a few pennies.
You’ve just enlightened me on how to choose a (maybe) not so expensive sewing machine: Amazon plus reviews! Thanks with a tip to my hat!
Amy in PA says
Hang in there! My mom got me started with sewing when I was in elementary school but I didn’t do much with it until I got my first apartment. By then I was on my own & had to teach myself from books & trial & error & a close bond with the seam ripper! You can do it & will be so thankful when you can make curtains, pillows, etc exactly as you want them (without spending a lot of $$). My skills are still pretty basic but they get the job done. Keep the bunting because you’ll enjoy looking at how far your skills have come!!
Amanda says
Henrico County Adult continuing Education offers inexpensive beginning sewing courses. I took one over a decade ago and while I am not a whiz and truely only use my second hand Brother machine for pillow, tissue cozies and occasionaly a tote bag, it was worth it.
http://www.henrico.k12.va.us/adulteducation/
They have a reupholstry course I want to take.
Good luck.
Rebecca says
Great job on the banner! I, too had problems with my machine. I took it to the repair shop and ask the owner which brand of machines he sees coming into the shop most often. His answer: Brother. Great :( … Machines he rarely sees: Singer – my next new machine!
Jill says
My heart went out to you when I saw all the messed up thread! Tension problems stink when you don’t know what they are but now you know what to look for (that is the good news). Hang in there! I have a Pfaff and I referred to it as the Pffffttt 16 years ago when I first got it. Now she is my trusty little helper. With tutorials on the internet and Oh Brother there is nothing you can’t do!
LeeAnn says
I completely understand your frustrations! Been there too! The good thing is that now you know what is going wrong and when one of your friends calls with the same problem, you’ll look like a hero! I’m glad you persevered because the banner looks great!
Mindy@FSL says
You did a great job in spite of the crazy sewing machine thing. I don’t trust myself with those things. I don’t know how to work the bobbin. LOL! I use hemming tape on everything! I used it to make no-sew curtains (out of a Target shower curtain!) if you want to see that adventure it is here:
http://fisilis.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/curtain-call/
I love them.
Alissa says
Good luck! I used to be terrible with a sewing machine, but then I did 3 things, and now I find it kind of fun and soothing. First, I took a adult ed class at the local community college. Then, I bought the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. (If you can find the edition from the 1990’s it’s a little bit better – with more directions and fewer patterns.) And, finally, I bought some inexpensive easy patterns for clothes that had just a few cuts of fabric and no buttons. It’s really helpful to be able to do something from start to finish that you can then wear!
Stephanie says
I really like your letter magnets – where did you get them??? I kind of want to DIY them myself!
YoungHouseLove says
Those are from Etsy. Aren’t they sweet? There’s more info for ya here: http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/not-your-mothers-magnetic-letters/
xo,
s
Rocky B says
I recently signed up for a local sewing class so that I can learn how to use “Oh Brother” and make myself some Curtains/throw pillows…I am now scared :)
Liz says
I love the banner! Looks great! I’ve been in the “I wanna throw the sewing machine out the window” phase too. I took a one day class on sewing handbags and got so behind that I was the last person there. The instructor had to finish the bag FOR me. I almost burst into tears several times, but being in public, I held back! Reading your post makes me feel like I should try again though!
Mindy says
You did a great job! I have learned that when frustration rises with the sewing project, it’s better to just step away for a while or the project can get ruined. I have ruined a few that way.
I am not sure if anyone mentioned burdastyle.com as a sewing resource. They have tutorials, technique videos, and free patterns for fashion and home decor.
Michele says
I have that same machine! It was on my amazon wish list as a “starter” machine. I have a slight case of ADD when it comes to crafts, it’s like frogger, hopping from one craft to another, they aren’t always finished. Anyhoo, I too learned the bobbin lesson AND if you every try to make a “sew simple” dress using elastic thread, well nobody tells you this, but you use the elastic on the bobbin and regular thread, not all elastic. It will get better, i did a quilt just sewing squares together and for our OCD the clear rulers, cutting mat & rotary cutter will get those straight/diagonal cuts! There are also tricks that have you sew all your fabrics together and then cut your shapes so everything is still together with a hem! Good luck!
Patti says
Congrats on getting the banner done, it looks great! And bonus is you’ll have that back story to tell every time you take it out which Clara will love hearing again and again. I’ll be watching your progress with the sewing bit because I am no Martha either when it comes to anything sewing-related. I have so much respect for people who do it well! But if you can figure it out I know I may have a chance too!
Megan says
I loathe sewing as well and have a mother who is a beautiful seamstress. You really did a beautiful job and I admire your will to not give up!
Diane says
Flashbacks to Home Ec in junior high school. Sewing was hell on earth for me.
I have vivid memories of my mother sewing while crying, swearing, kicking the sewing table, throwing things… amazingly she still sews today, still hates it just as much.
I can’t fathom it really.
susan says
I’d keep that flag banner and fly it at Clara’s WEDDING! I am going to make one for my kids birthday using pinking sheers and iron on hemming tape:) susan
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh I love that idea! If my little lady will humor me I totally will!
xo,
s
jo says
Sherry, just wanted to write you a note of encouragement for the sewing. With a little practice you can make amazing things. Granted, I started sewing when I was three or four (my Barbies had designer dresses) but frustration still happens when I challenge myself. On the last wedding dress I sewed, I unpicked and re-sewed almost every seam on that thing at least three times. So frustrating! I feel your pain. But, the satisfaction of being able to make stuff is great. Good job on the banner; it’s super-cute.
Dianne says
OMG this was too funny. I call this the “right of passage”. Most new sewers go thru this (if not, they are lying). I certainly did. But my issue wasn’t the bobbin, it was the thread. I can’t tell you how important it is to use HIGH quality thread. The polyester stuff you find in the sale bin for $1 isn’t worth it. Auriful is my favorite. It flows like “butter” thru the machine.
Hang in there, it does get easier. I promise!!!!!!!!
Dianne
Melissa Breau says
Hey Sherry,
I think you mentioned in a previous post one of the issues you’re having is getting a straight seam.
Most sewing machines have indented lines on that metal plate the needle goes in and out of (it looks like yours does in the picture). When you fold and pin your fabric, line the edge up with one of those lines. Then as you sew, keep the edge lined up and your seam will be straight too. If your machine doesn’t have the indented metal lines, try using a piece of painters tape. Make sure you put it down straight and then you can just follow the line.
Also, it’s much easier to get a good line if you iron the fold in before you sew the hem. So fold it over, pin it, and iron as you would with your tape. Then sew it. Everything stays in place and it *should* make things go smoother.
(Sorry if these are super basic tips; I know you’re a beginner and am not sure exactly what will be helpful)
Donna Huebsch says
Glad to hear you didn’t let that sewing machine get the best of you :o) The banner looks great!
Felicity @ Our Little Beehive says
Impressive determination! I think it helps to learn when you’re 8 years old and totally obsessed with sewing stuffed animals and other weird stuff that gets tossed out in a year. At least at that age you don’t really think about how much $$ you’re wasting on fabric, thread, etc. as you learn. Or maybe the neatness of the outcome is viewed through less of a perfectionist’s eye. If you do finish the quilt top for Clara there are some great resources for people who will quilt and finish it for you for a very reasonable price. Let me know when you get to that point and I’ll share my sources, ’cause even with a gazillion years of perfectionist sewing under my belt I still don’t care for the drama of finishing quilts!
Allison says
The banner looks great, so thanks for taking on that dreaded machine to get a beautiful results. I especially love all the traditions you guys have. It really gets me inspired!
heidi says
Thank God! I honestly thought I was the only person who caused sewing machines to break. I have the added talent of my mere presence breaking machines. Do NOT let me in the room while you are sewing or your machine will inexplicably break. People don’t believe me until it happens to them. I’ve been banned from peoples’ sewing rooms all over. Good for you for trying to break free from the curse. I’m 40 and am still afraid of those machines.
Sandy says
Ok, so this was the last post I was going to let myself read before I got to work this morning, and you totally made me giggle! Thanks!
I love to sew, and I don’t live that far from you. Just let me know if you want lessons!
stacey says
It gets better Sherry – I promise! My mother and grandmother were wonderful sewists but that gene didn’t get passed on to me – in fact for that (and many other reasons) my mother used to swear that i couldn’t be hers or that i was my dad’s revenge on her (divorced obviously). either way, my brother was the daughter she never had and could sew up a storm from an early age while i was building stuff :D
I bought a sewing machine just after we bought our house because i figured i would save money by making things hahahahahaha. after the first few fiascos the machine sat in hiding (probably out of fear of me) for a number of years. i was determined to tame it one day and believe that i have come close to it finally – the hilarious part is that while i nearly failed grade 8 home ec because of a sewing project, i now work in a fabric store LOL and sew lots!
i would suggest going to threads.com and checking out their teach yourself to sew videos. i swear by that magazine and the website so you may find it very useful to you.
one other tip i have picked up recently – when you are winding your bobbin don’t wind it as fast as the machine will go as it actually ends up stretching the thread and may cause it to create a rats nest under your material (that happened to me a fair bit until i found this out and haven’t had it happen since).
LOVE your story, keep your sense of humour and stay with it – the rewards are wonderful especially when you have little ones to make stuff for :)
Liz says
I make a lot of quilts – it’s my granny-trapped-in-a-30-year-old hobby! :) Also, it’s in my blood… My mom’s been quilting all her life, and my grandmother was a champion quilter…. (and her mother before that, and on and on…)
I’ll give you some advice from when I made my first quilt 10+ years ago…. BE PATIENT! It seems easy, it looks easy (and it is easy, after a while), but you will be frustrated! Have fun with it, let the quilt grow organically, double check your seams, take time to match your corners, and make friends with your iron!
Also, as someone mentioned above, don’t attempt to quilt it yourself! I’ve been making quilt tops for a while, but I have only attempted the actual quilting once. I hated it. It sucks. My mother, bless her, has an amazing super quilter and she does all my quilting for me. If you’re not so lucky, you can find someone who will quilt for a fee, or you can yarn tie it your self for a more casual look. Buttons are fun too!
I would also recommend a pattern without triangles for your first attempt. Squares and rectangles are SO much easier for a beginner.
Get some good pins. I have a pile of quilter/dressmaker pins. They are sharper and thinner than traditional pins, so they go in easier and do less damage to your fabric.
Use all cotton, and pre-shrink (as you did for your banner triangles)!
Get bamboo batting, it is so awesome. I will cost a bit more, but it has such a great feel to it. If you can’t find bamboo, get cotton instead of polyester, as it still has that great weight to it that a good quilt should have. Also, natural fibres are so much better.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or panic attacks!
I love your blog, your home, and your family. You guys are AWESOME!
Liz says
One more thing (jeez, I’m wordy about quilting!)…
If you’re having trouble with your seam allowance, you can get (if your machine didn’t come with one already) a presser foot with a guide so you can easily make your 1/4″ seams. It has a little metal edge on the right side of the foot that you bump your fabric against to maintain an even seam. I swear by it!
Like this one: http://homenewsewingmachine.co.cc/Distinctive-1-4-Quarter-Inch-Quilting-Sewing-Machine-Presser-Foot-with-Edge-Guide—Fits-All-Low-Shank-Snap-,B003QCOYFG.html
Sherry says
Everyone has those moments of frustration even those of us who are more “experienced”. Experienced I mean, crying, ripping and swearing at our machines…LOL! One thing I learned is if your going to make the investment in a sewing machine, buy it from a dealer so that they can teach you how to use your machine and make sure you understand how to thread it. I made that mistake the first time I bought a machine and I got so frustrated and hated my machine, I got rid of it and didn’t sew for YEARS! Now, I own three machines, a serger and two embroidery/sewing machines that I LOVE. But keep going, you did wonderfully and most important…have fun! :)
nic says
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Thanks for posting this because my sewing skills are just about the same – I hem my own pants and have made a few curtains and that is it – despite the $500 sewing machine my mother hopefully bought for me!
Literally, when my husband sees the sewing machcine come out, he leaevs the house as he KNOWS there will be screaming/swearing/throwing things going on verrrry shortly. (Not kidding)
One thing I did find out that made a big difference is not to use the cheap thread (like you, I bargain shop and was using cheaper no-name sale thread). I since I switched to “Gutermann” (I think that is the name)brand, it has helped quite a bit.
I feel better that this happens not only to me!
Lexi says
Hey Sherry-
I’m wondering where you got the week 2 fabric, and what it’s called/who it’s by. I’m an Alpha Chi Omega and our flower is the carnation, and that fabric would be perfect for some fun projects with the chapter I advise.
From the above post- I’m so glad that you and Clara are a-okay! And that you shared the story with us. It hadn’t ever occurred to me that your pregancy/birth had been less than perfect!
Happy birthday celebrations to Clara!!! (And you and John of course, too!)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from Hancock Fabrics (on clearance). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Amber says
When I saw the type of machine you got, I went, “Oh no.” I have that machine, and the tension plate spring sprung on it once, resulting in weeks of frustration because of ruined projects. I eventually tore the thing open, and when I got my head back, took it to a repair shop. 64$ later it works again… For now.
I’m convinced that these machines are the devil.
Constance says
It’s not you. It’s the machine. Trust me on this. Go to a sewing store, hook up on some lessons. Go to http://sewing.patternreview.com/ (not affiliated)and read up on their sewing machine reviews, and what to look for in buying a machine. Someone mentioned looking for a vintage Bernina, good idea, just make sure you aren’t getting someone else’s lemon.
I failed 7th grade Home Ec. But after I married I was determined to sew dresses for my girls and learn to quilt. I did. A GOOD machine makes a HUGE difference.
You don’t have to be Martha, but you can get better.
Jessica fielhauer says
I had similar frustrations when I was just learning to sew. Three things I learned were to go slow, always start with the bobbin thread pulled up a little (which really helps avoid those big tangle messes), and to iron hems. Best of luck in your future endeavors!
Navy Bean says
I can’t sew for the life of me either, especially when it comes to a straight line. But I have a simplified version of making bunting… it uses double sided scrapbook paper for the flags (I’m sure that was the hardest part about using the fabric) and bias tape. The end result is pretty great and it’s reusable!
http://navybeanonline.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-make-bunting.html
Pam101 says
I totally can relate!!!!!! I have had some much “tension and bobbin” drama :)
http://cupcakesandeggplant.blogspot.com/2011/04/have-you-ever-been-so-mad.html
Dusa says
*hee* My sewing machine IS named Martha.
Carolyn Engstrom says
Oh. My. Goodness. Sewing with a machine is right up there with Singing Well Enough That People Would Actually Enjoy Hearing Me. I wish/want it to happen…but its just not to be . I feel you and remember the sewing/crying! I just don’t seem to have the…whatever that magical, mysterious THING that makes me be able to sew! Just contemplating it right now my head is spinning and my mouth just seems to keep going, ‘Whub -a whub- a -whub- a -whub’…Starting with my seventh grade home ec project where I was obediently pressing the seams of my oh-so-chic long sleepshirt (where I had actually, successfully remembered to and succeeded in matching the side stripes!) and managed to MELT the fabric, my sewing days have always been cursed. Sadly, I still want to try again. I keep thinking of cute,easy, summer skirts—what’s so hard about that? Whub-a-whub-a-whub….
Monica says
Sewing has always intimidated me as well, but I’ve always had a desire to try and master it. No luck so far, and not much progress made, but honestly this is encouraging! Haha
amanda says
No, don’t scare me like this!! If you, who is one of the craftiest people out there can’t do this, what chance do I have? I have signed up to take an Intro to Sewing class next week and imagining be able to do all these fancy projects, but now I’m worried. I would definitely end up getting frustrated like that!
Ashley says
I JUST ordered the exact same sewing machine from Amazon and I’m expecting it this week! This post was very timely for me to read since I’m very scared of my new sewing machine and my ability to use it. I’m going to try to hang in there too!
Michelle Z. says
I love my sewing machine, and I’m sure you’ll grow to love yours, too.
Sometimes, a cheap machine is a cheap machine. I understand why you didn’t want to break the bank on an expensive dust gatherer, but when you become more comfortable with your skills, think about investing in a better machine. It will make all the difference – your stitches will be more even and smoother, and you might even get one with some “fancy” stitches.
When I make banners, I just put two pieces of fabric together, wrong sides together, with fusible interface. Then I cut out triangles with pinking shears and sew them onto bias tape. Easy peasy!
Amy K @ Chestnut Tree Lane says
Sewing machines give me anxiety! I blame my first ever sewing machine that never… as in ever permitted me to finish a project without breaking. The final time I dragged it out of the closet was to make crappy/ simple coasters for my mother… It was the final time because 1/3rd of the way through coaster #3 it broke… and I literally kicked it down the basement steps. Not my proudest moment. BUT – good riddance… stupid machine. LOL
Karen O says
Some comments from a reader/sewer of your mother’s generation:
• Vintage sewing machines really are the best! Reconditioned machines from a sewing machine repair shop are usually a safe purchase because they’ve been checked over and fixed. Repair people can steer you towards machines worth buying.
• Looking at the photo of the tangled thread made me wonder what kind of thread you were using. It looked extremely thick. The wrong type of thread can make life miserable.
• I don’t know about newer machines, but getting the needle correctly aligned is one of those easily overlooked details.
• There’s nothing harder than trying to hem fabric that’s cut on an angle (bias.) Take comfort that two sides of each triangle were going to fight your best efforts no matter what!
Monique says
Your post reminds me of the first time I sat at a machine. But if you keep at it, your skills will improve over time. Give you kudos for not giving up on your project, which is what I did the first time I tried sewing. I’m guessing by next year, you’ll post us a photo of the quilt you made for Clara. Not kidding. You Can so do this and more!