Friday 13 September, 2024
... DASH TO THE FINISH LINE ...
I’m squeezing in writing up this blog between my after dinner cup of tea … and bedtime! Yes, it’s Thursday night here … and as I’m writing this … it is almost midnight! So … here goes, another short one!
I’ve been busy now for weeks it seems, writing up notes, making samples and generally getting organised for Bernina Academy, which begins in Sydney for the public on Wednesday 25th September. There are two days before that for Bernina Dealers and the excitement is building as the new top of the range machine is being released at the training sessions … let the MAGIC begin!
My L890 Overlocker/Coverstitch machine has been doing its own magic here in The Studio for three days solid now … set up along with the B790PRO sewing machine, and my laptop making last minute alterations to the presentations I’ve been putting together. Deadlines are looming for all the digital content, thank goodness we no longer rely on posting written documents away! I’m a ‘Last minute Larry’ as I’ve mentioned before, always needing to do just one more review before I submit anything.
Apart from all the sample sewing, I have an ever growing pile of fabrics that I want to make into clothes for myself – and time is running out … fast! All the patterns have been traced, and still no fabric cut out. I joked to a friend that I might be wearing sarongs all week!!
... The Studio Update ...
Just a few bits of fix-it work done inside this week … and I did post some photos on Instagram about it.
I needed more of the sample fabrics I was using, and went to pull out the drawer where they were kept … and it was jammed! So were the two below … and it baffled me as to what could be keeping them from pulling out. Yes, it did occur to be that there might be fabric caught in it … there is quite a bit in each drawer.
However, worse than that was the fact that three drawers had their bases adrift! The base panel in the drawer had sagged and popped out of the channel.
So … writing and sewing was put on hold, as I had to empty the drawers, repair them … and then reload! Doesn’t seem much of a job at first glance, but there is a LOT of fabric in those three drawers.
I managed to find some quad timber which I cut into suitable lengths, and glued them underneath to support the base panels. Love that E6000 glue … and Bulldog clips – great combination!
All packed up again, secure as can be expected, maybe not a long term fix, but good for the time being.
... The Groovy Group...
Pintuck Feet #30, #31, #32 and #33
This group of feet, all have grooves underneath which help to pull the fabric up to make a tuck. #30 has 3 grooves, #31 has 5 grooves, #32 has 7 grooves and #33 has 9 grooves. Each foot has an opening at the front for the thread.
Combined with a twin needle, these feet are ideal for creating texture in fabrics from fine batistes to denim. Select the needle that corresponds with the size of the grooves.
Options available for the feet – all available in a regular version suitable for all models.
Feet #30 to #33 had 5 different techniques to stitch out, and I added a couple more for interest.
... This Week’s Foot Highlights or Challenges ...
It is important to enter the type of twin needle into the Security Setting of your machine if that is available on your model. This will restrict the stitch width , therefore eliminating the chance of breaking a needle.
You will also see the stitch as it will appear on your fabric i.e. double rows.
‘Pintucks’ – I tried several different top tension options for this sample – the default setting of 5.5, then 7 and finally 9. This setting produced the best pintucks on the sample. I used Foot #31 combined with a 3mm Twin Needle. I stitched several lines, using the groove underneath the foot as a guide.
‘Corded and Shaped Pintucks’ – I combined these two samples – adding the Pintuck Cording Attachment, and filling it with some Chain Cord I made on the overlocker during the week. The technique of turning the corners and dropping the feed dogs was well explained.
I threaded the Attachment using a Dental Floss threader – one of many handy items I have in The Studio!
‘Shadow Pintucks’ – I threaded red cotton 8 ply yarn through the Attachment and stitched some gridded pintucks. The now light pink finished tucks stood up well.
‘Scalloped Pintucks’ – I used Straight Stitch Scallop #729 on my machine, remembering to use Pattern begin at the start of any new row. I changed the top tension to 7, and used Foot #31 again, however changing to a 2mm Twin Needle. This allowed the scallops to be wider than with a 3mm needle. Again noted in the Security Settings.
(Insert photo of sample)
Extra Samples:
I love Gingham and have been wanting to do pintucks on some linen gingham I have for a while now. So tonight I played with Foot #31 again, still with the 2mm Twin Needle. They tucked up beautifully! Top Tension 9
The Pintuck Attachment can also be used for Shirring! I threaded through 1mm hat elastic, as I find this more robust than the usual shirring elastic on the reel. Easy to shirr along those lines as well. Knot the beginning threads with the start of the elastic, pull up and tie off all the ends when you are finished. I also steam this after stitching. I’ll add a little project at the end of the Blog Post that you can download from We All Sew Blog. I made a little dress from it many years ago now.
Do have a play with these feet, as they can turn a plain piece of fabric into something quite textural with great ease.
... A Little Something Extra ...
All About Pintucks and some Shirring
The Bernina eBook ‘Pintuck Primer’ is full of great hints and tips … and inspiration! Link below the Book Image and link below the Dress image as well
... A Little Reminder ...
Last Chance to get Academy Tickets
Ticket Sales close on 20th September, so if you haven’t already purchased yours, get in fast … I think there’s only a few spots left in my L890 Classes if you’re wanting to come along… and have a chance to win the Bernina $1000 Gift Voucher. Check out the link for more information.
Bernina’s Foot of the Month September 2024 *
is # 24 Freemotion Embroidery Foot – 20% off – contact your preferred Bernina Dealer for this fabulous offer. … and you can read more about it just a couple of Blogs back!.
*Australia and New Zealand Promotion Only – ends … 30th September, 2024 …
There’s also fantastic specials on machines, along with free giveaways and much more this September
Chat again next Friday,
