Ok, I'm all in. Game ON.

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03-15-2007, 11:02
NCPatrick

Ok, I'm all in. Game ON.

Ok now, strange thing happened. I really surprised myself last night and put in a bid on a sewing machine on EBay. I was kind of hoping to not get the high bid in a way (fear of the unknown?), then of course I was the highest bidder. Now I have a sewing machine being shipped to my house. The shipping costs more than the machine. I'm more than a little embarrassed to say I didn't even think of shipping when I made my bid (so be careful out there). My wife is being supportive. I tried to tell her about all of the things I'll be making with it.

I'm really excited about getting started making some "stuff". I think I'll start with some kits first, a ray-way backpack maybe... and I'll of course continue to need lots of advice once I learn how to set up and run the sewing machine. At least I'm in good company here.

Blackbishop, would you mind taking a look at it when it gets in and maybe show me some sewing machine setup tricks? Hopefully the thing will come with a manual.
03-15-2007, 11:05
headchange4u

Well there goes all your free time....:)
03-15-2007, 11:09
NCPatrick

Free time? Where can I order one? I knew I forgot something! :D
03-15-2007, 11:28
blackbishop351

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCPatrick

Blackbishop, would you mind taking a look at it when it gets in and maybe show me some sewing machine setup tricks? Hopefully the thing will come with a manual.

Sure no problem. You've seen me set mine up and done it yourself a couple of times - there are fundamental procedures there that are common to all machines.

If it doesn't come with a manual but is a fairly up-to-date machine, you can likely find a manual available for download online.
03-15-2007, 11:37
NCPatrick

Thanks!

Yep, I may need a slow(er) motion tutorial, based on how this thing is set up. It's not an up-to-date machine. It's a Sears Kenmore 158.161 and I can't find anything online about it.

It surprised me that I even bid on it, spur of the moment. It must have been a mid-life crisis type thing... or temporary insanity, or a little bit of both. :)
03-15-2007, 11:44
blackbishop351

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCPatrick

It surprised me that I even bid on it, spur of the moment. It must have been a mid-life crisis type thing... or temporary insanity, or a little bit of both. :)

See? You're a "true" DIY-er already! Other guys buy Porches in this situation, but we buy sewing machines! :D
03-15-2007, 11:50
Jazilla

NCPatrick, if it helps I still have no idea what I'm doing. My projects are coming out much better then when I started and I have no idea why. I think its the force.
03-15-2007, 11:55
NCPatrick

That does help Jazilla. Thanks.

Woohoo... livin' on the edge! :rolleyes:

:D
03-15-2007, 12:13
Coffee

Great, another hammocker falls into the DIY trap. Just wait, I do more sewing than my mom and both sisters combined. Then again they really don't sew much.

I was using a Kenmore machine for a while. If you run into any snags, maybe I can help. It was really straight foward.
03-15-2007, 12:25
gstepclassical

Great. You are about to have allot of fun. I just got an old Kenmore a couple of days ago and worked it over. It is running like new. You should have no trouble finding a manual online. I was able to download one for the Kenmore for $8.00. There is a site in the UK that posts some manuals for free. http://www.sewingonline.co.uk/instructions.html
03-15-2007, 12:26
NCPatrick

Thanks HE and gstep. Much appreciated.
03-15-2007, 12:39
Redtail

My children are now under the assumption the father is the traditional sewer in the family unit :rolleyes:

Except for the occasional frustrating bout with tension adjustments it's a lot of fun making your own gear. Good luck with your projects!
03-15-2007, 12:48
NCPatrick

Thanks Redtail.

I think one of my first projects will be making (hemming mostly) a fleece blanket for daughter #1, so they'll all see the benefits of having Daddy sew fairly quickly.

Nice job on your hammock stand, btw.
03-15-2007, 13:22
headchange4u

I was at my Aunt's house the other day. She has been sewing for years and she helped out when I was first starting out, giving me a few pointers. I had my Headessy :) hammock with me to take pictures since I had just completed the zip on bug net and I showed it to her. She was quite impressed by the quality of the work.

She told me she had just finished a shower curtain and I went to check it out. Of course it was well made but I couldn't help thinking, "Man my stitches are straighter than hers. The fabric is wrinkling on the bottom. She needs to adjust the tension..." :)
03-15-2007, 13:49
gstepclassical

Quote:

Originally Posted by headchange4u

I was at my Aunt's house the other day. She has been sewing for years and she helped out when I was first starting out, giving me a few pointers. I had my Headessy :) hammock with me to take pictures since I had just completed the zip on bug net and I showed it to her. She was quite impressed by the quality of the work.

She told me she had just finished a shower curtain and I went to check it out. Of course it was well made but I couldn't help thinking, "Man my stitches are straighter than hers. The fabric is wrinkling on the bottom. She needs to adjust the tension..." :)

You can think that but don't ever say it!!!
03-15-2007, 14:00
headchange4u

I kept my mouth shut.
03-15-2007, 17:03
gstepclassical

I logged on to Ebay and found your machine. I think this is also known as a model 16. Here is the URL for a manual that you can purchase.

http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine...ion_Manual.htm

Good luck and have fun.
03-16-2007, 06:50
NCPatrick

Quote:

Originally Posted by gstepclassical

I logged on to Ebay and found your machine. I think this is also known as a model 16. Here is the URL for a manual that you can purchase.

http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine...ion_Manual.htm

Good luck and have fun.

Thanks very much for doing that research. I appreciate it.