Tension

Experts are always saying you should never ever mess with the tension of your machine if it's all out of wack. They don't, however, tell you how to fix it without touching that sacred tension knob. The majority of the time your needle is the culprit of the wacky stitches. All you need to do is put a new needle in and that usually will fix the problem. Still having issues? Experts might haunt me for saying this, but sometimes your bobbin case is the issue. If you look on the case, you'll find a little screw, tightening or loosening that screw the slightest bit can make a world of difference. If you're still having issues, it's ok, you can touch that tension knob (especially if it's your on personal machine; if not...it'd be best for your health to just leave it be.). I honestly, don't know which way to turn the knob to loosen or tighten the thread (having obeyed the no touchy commandment), so if anyone knows please share the knowledge! Otherwise, just fiddle with it until the tension is back to normal.

There is also a way to tell whether or not you need to bother with the bobbin case. If the wonkiness is happening on the underside of the garment, then it's usually the top thread that is either too loose/tight. If it's on the upperside (the side you see while sewing), then it's the bobbin thread. I'll explain this more later with pictures (I'm getting myself confused trying to picture this stuff in my head...sad).

Yes, I know its been forever.

I realize that I haven't been posting or working on any projects recently. I apologize. I finally cleaned things up, and am able to start sewing again. I also was one of the winners for the free business cards and have been trying to figure out a cute pic to put on the card. Finally got one, just have to color, scan, upload, and then order the silly things. I'll try to get better at posting things. Though, to make more excuses, I have been trying to figure out how to execute the construction of the little girls dresses.

A look into the Pattern World

Three things to think about when buying a pattern.

Firstly, don't be discouraged by the sizes. Just as all sizes for women are different in the clothing world, so they are in the pattern world as well. For some reason the pattern making gods decided to make larger numbers for the sizes. The number does not reflect the same sizes in the clothing world. Do not let the sizing get you down!

Secondly, when trying to decide whether to get the pattern that fits your bust or waist measurements, or your hip or waist measurements (because lets face it, the majority of women do not have those exact measurements on the package), choose the pattern that fits your bust or hip. Waistlines are much easier to alter to fit you than hips and busts...though when it comes to a dress (rather than a shirt or skirt) I'm a bit stumped. I honestly can't remember whether it's the bust or hip (any suggestions from those who know?).

Lastly, when you buy a shirt or dress pattern the bust size on the actual pattern piece will always be a B cup, and if I remember correctly it will be a 34 B (though maybe it was a 36 B...I'll have to check on that). Any which way, it's a B cup. So for all you girls out there with B cup, congrats! You don't have to alter your pattern to fit your bust. But for the rest of the cup sizes, sadly you must alter your pattern piece to fit your cup size (sad and annoying, I know).

Today's Give Away

So if you don't know about Today's Give Away, you're missing out on some really cool stuff! The most resent give away is for a ton of free business cards for three winners. Check back frequently to see what new give away is going on. There's a link on the bottom left. Good luck!