Coordinates Collection
/The polar vortex has subsided and it’s time for me to teach the semi-annual training in the office next week, so that means I needed to whip up some stuff to wear.
I made a few things and also learned how to properly alter commercial patterns for a better fit. It’s a little painstaking, but once you understand how it should be done, it’s not too difficult. I made some jacked up alterations to something else I’m working on (to be posted in the coming weeks), and I thought I was doing it right…I have since learned that I was not! So, I’m going to do that project over to get a better fit and we’ll see how that goes.
In other news, I got a new toy. I was sewing one of these items at mach 3 and I think I killed the motor on my regular machine…it’s probably fine but it started making a weird noise and I half expected it to start on fire. I had been saving some of my Amazon gift cert money from Xmas for the right item and I decided it was time to upgrade my regular machine. I looked at several different machines, and the one I found that had the features I wanted was the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960.
This machine retails at $699.99 but Amazon had it for less than $300, so I went for it. This really is a smooth machine, and it has a ton of stitches (many of which I will never use, but I like options and you never know!). It came with a huge extension table that I suppose would be good for quilting (which I don’t do), and it came with a ton of presser feet.
My favorite feature is this button here with the scissors. This cuts the thread when you’re done. WHAT? Yeah. That is on the list of coolest things since sliced bread. When you’re done, you press that button and it clips the top and bobbin threads, raises the needle and you pull your fabric out and it pulls the top thread through to the back! I had been watching a video on YouTube and the person had one of those and I thought that was super cool and I had to have it.
It also has an option to do tack stitches, which is really nice. However, I’d only use that when I really am sure I’m not going to have to rip out the stitches because that’s a complete bitch to pull out, since they’re so damn secure.
Also something neat about this machine is the top thread is hidden in a little compartment on the top. It’s very easy to thread and has a needle threader (which is an absolute must have for me). Another nice feature is that it auto-adjusts the tension, which is nice. You can override it, but it’s really helpful to have that feature. But, that thread cutting thing is what totally has me sold on it. So worth it.
For now, here’s the collection of coordinates I created for myself…
