J Miller

That is what my wife said as she looked at the pictures. She used a similar machine at a sewing shop in Phoenix many years ago.


The poem in your sig line, any idea how old it is? I remember my mom saying it or something very much like it. Especially the first part, "He drew a circle that shut us out.."

Memories from somewhere long ago.


Joe

ArchaicArcane

Hey Joe,

It's pretty normal to have to square up a quilt after you "build" it.
My steps are:

1. Pre-wash
2. Starch
3. Press
4. Cut
5. Re-cut several pieces I mis-cut, usually requiring me to press again
6. Piece
7. Thread the machine
8. Piece
9. Load a full bobbin
10. Really Piece this time
11. press
12. Rip the stitches, fix all the seams where I "oopsed"
13. Press and cut more pieces where I went through with the seam ripper
14. press
15. go stand outside for a few minutes, when I overheat due to pressing
16. stitch the new pieces into the quilt
17. press
18. install borders
19. press
20. sandwich (or load on the frame)
21. quilt
22. pull the huge bird's nest
23. put the presser foot down
24. quilt stitches I'll keep this time
25. square the quilt
26. bind the quilt
27. Wash the quilt
28. Fix any "oopses" I didn't spot before
29. Have a nap and or adult beverage depending on the number of repeats on steps 5, 12, 13, and 22.

Macybaby

The biggest problem with using this on a quilt is it's very easy for it all to come undone. I can just see a child picking at the thread and - wow- where did all the thread come from? - opps, the insides are showing now! It is just a chain stitch.

I think it would work for a wall hanging if you wanted to fold the front over to the back and have no edge seam showing - which is about the same as you do on the sides of draperies. We used one on sheers to heavy fabric with lining, so I bet you could use it one a quilt.

Macybaby

ArchaicArcane - I can really relate to 21,22,23. I've been using my new Bailey and quilt frame and forgetting to put the pressure foot down is my number one problem! With the hopping foot, it looks about the same whether it's up or down.

At least with that machine, it's real easy to remove the bobbin case and hook - to get all the thread out and start over.

ArchaicArcane

That's exactly when I have the problem too. I don't do it on a DSM, but I even had to put a note on my frame to remind me. You're right, the difference isn't particularly noticeable on that foot. So far I've been lucky. I just get immense eyelashing, I haven't bound up the hook mechanism yet.

Margie

I believe the poem was written in the early 1900's, cannot find an exact date. I have always loved it and think it is a good philosophy for living.

char7439

What you are wanting is an over lock or serger machine. It will do the things you want. The blind hemmer is only good for putting hems in garment or drape with wide hems.
where you turn the edges to the back of the fabric so the thread doesn't show on the out side.