Jump to content

Menolly

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Content Count

    136

  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by Menolly

  1. Posted · Report reply

    LOL. Oh yeah. I offered graph paper to a kid a few years ago... he had NO idea what it was for. (they all use computers and graphing calculators in school now) So I sat and showed him how it can be used for different things from room design, to landscape design, to graphing data , to drawing something he might want to build..... Never thought to show him how to use it to draw a pattern. I don't think I did anyway. I think it is essential for pattern making... especially if you just don't want to flip on the computer and fight with a drawing program. lol

    jeeeez I can't believe I didn't think of graph paper. I use an L ruler and never can get my shapes truly square. I end up eye balling it a lot of the time. hehe I don't even bother with software programs to make patterns...use it only for designs.

    Got any cool pattern material ideas? I use file folders. Lighten.gif

  2. Posted · Report reply

    Can anyone tell me what size bobbin I should have? I ordered the ones the store suggested (size G) and they don't fit. They are too tall. If anyone has a 111w102 they are actually using. Can you tell me where you get your bobbins and size? I have tried reading the online manual I have but don't see bobbin size listed. Needle size, yes. Bobbin, no. I have looked and looked online but am striking out.deadsubject.gif

    Thanks!

  5. Posted · Report reply

    A friend of mine came over to help me thread my machine. My knowledge about sewing machines is minimal. She knows the basics. So, together we are pretty dangerous. evillaugh.gif In the pictures the wadded up thread is the bobbin side. The top is in the second picture. We were using a Singer 111w102 size 22 needle with 138 thread for top and 69 thread for G bobbin. This is what the sewing store suggested to me.

    Thanks for your help!

    post-17944-079255700 1332825948_thumb.jp

    post-17944-096795200 1332825957_thumb.jp

    post-17944-060690700 1332825967_thumb.jp

  7. Posted · Report reply

    I am definitely going to have to study this Wizcraft. I got to thinking that "duh" it would probably help if I got the right kind of thread, bobbin, and needle for the machine too. I have emailed several sewing sites I found online to ask, but have not gotten a response. Is there a good place you like to deal with for that sort of thing? so I'm not bugging you all the time :)

    Thank you very much for your help. I don't know what I'd do without the folks on this site.grouphug5vj5.gif

    Ellen

    Here are a few pointers that may help fix the thread tension problem.

    • First, invert the thread cone so the base is down.
    • Make absolutely sure that the thread goes firmly down into the upper tension disk set.
    • Increase the pressure on the upper tension beehive spring to about half way, for starters.
    • Make sure that the presser foot is lowered all the way down before you start sewing. When it is raised, by either ht lift lever on the back of the head, or the knee lever, all top tension is released.
    • Make certain that the lowered presser foot goes all the way down and sits firmly on top of the material being sewn.
    • Adjust the spring on the bobbin case so that you can pull the bobbin thread smoothly and easily, without tugging on it. The higher the spring tension on the bobbin, the more needs to be applied topside.
    • Don't use a needle that is way too big for the thread. The thread should just pass freely through the eye (left to right).
    • The needle seems to be in correctly. But, I can't decipher the size ot the needle or thread.
    • Are you trying to sew thin material with a big needle and thread? It doesn't usually work out that way. Try a smaller needle and thread when sewing a couple of ounces of material.
    • The last photo shows the top thread flipping off of the upper tension disks. This means zero top tension. Try wrapping the thread around the post on top of the machine to increase the drag before it gets to the tension disks.

  9. Posted · Edited by Menolly · Report reply

    I know there are a lot of people here who are wiz's making all kinds of things like this but Im not one of them. So when I ran across this tool holder thingy on Ebay for such a good price I thought I'd share it. I got it in the mail last week and it is perfect for me. It has over 200 holes for tools. He makes it out of sanitary cutting board material. Pretty ingenious.

    I was able to organize my stuff so I don't have to dig through a bunch of other tools to find the one I want. specool.gif

    Here is the link....

    http://www.ebay.com/...#ht_2867wt_1344

    post-17944-017519700 1327432719_thumb.jp

  10. Posted · Report reply

    Hey Thanks Wiz

    The motor sounded good and all the parts moved. There is a local shop that does industrial machines I was going to drop it off at immediately after buying it.

    That is the most beat up and rusted out Singer 111w102 I have ever seen. Yes, it will sew leather. No, it is not worth $150, unless you plan on restoring it yourself, as a labor of love. Machines that are so badly rusted on the outside are usually as bad inside. If that is the case, you will be replacing rods, cranks, gears, shafts, shuttle, and who knows what else. Or, you may get lucky and it is only external surface rust. It's a crap shoot.

    This particular sub-class of the 111 has bottom feed only. Most upholstery shops and leather workers use walking foot, triple feed machines only. This is not such a machine. It also lacks reverse, so you'll have to either tie off the threads, or spin the work around 180 to back-tack. The stitch length can only be changed by pushing down a button on the body and rotating the hand-wheel one way or the other, then releasing that button.

    It appears to be setup with #22 needles and #138 thread. I can use a bigger needle and one size larger thread, depending on the condition of the tensioners.

    You should go and test the machine before offering any money at all. Seeing and hearing it operate will tell you whether it is worth anything at all.

    It is Singer for sewing sails and leather. Perfect for auto upholstery or heavy leather work.

    That is all I know. Wiz can probably fill you in on the particulars.

    ferg

    Thanks Ferg thankyou.gif

  12. Posted · Report reply

    Wife says I have to many sweing machines!!

    One or two will need to go...

    I am offering my beloved Singer 31-15, nice working condition, with standard wide pressure foot, brand new set of 2 roller feet ( small and large) 25 dollar worth of new leather needles in dif. sizes....oiled, tuned and ready to go...will crate in wooden box!!!

    All for $255,- plus shipping, this is the head only!!!

    That is fairly what I got in it after service and new parts.

    if interrested, please e-mail, PM or call 276- six nine 0- five 08 four!

    thank you

    james

    Hi James,

    What can you sew with it? I mostly use up to 6 oz veg tanned leathers for wallets and bags. Would it work on those?

    I am a novice with sewing machines. My hands are getting really tired from all the hand stitching, so I thought I would check it out. :)

    Thanks,

    Ellen

  13. Posted · Report reply

    There are folks on here that know a lot more about various machines than I. That said, I think you should contact any one of the sewing machine companies listed on this forum. Personally I wouldn't buy a machine from Craig's List under any circumstances but that is just me. :)

    You really need a walking foot machine.

    ferg

    Words of wisdom Ferg. You are right. I would just be throwing my money away.

    Thanks,

    Ellen

  14. Posted · Edited by Menolly · Report reply

    Hi all, I have been perusing Craigs list for industrial sewing machines and ran across this one. The person is asking $200 for it. I know absolutely nothing about sewing machines and immediately thought of the masters here. I figured someone would know something :D The fella said his ex-wife used it to sew car upholstery and that it works. He did say it is not a "walking foot" machine. He didn't know much about it at all. Got it in the divorce.

    Thanks! Ellen

    post-17944-081823500 1326235267_thumb.jp

    post-17944-075643600 1326235283_thumb.jp

    post-17944-011326200 1326235293_thumb.jp

    post-17944-079473800 1326235308_thumb.jp

  21. Posted · Edited by Menolly · Report reply

    I really like steampunk because I am a big sci fi fan. I have a section in my Etsy shop devoted to steampunk. I made my very first steampunk hat from a pattern by Tom Banwell. Of course, he is the premier steampunk hat maker IMHO. Here are a few of the things that I have made...

    post-17944-005761600 1320504197_thumb.jp

    post-17944-016233500 1320504263_thumb.jp

    post-17944-020823700 1320504586_thumb.jp

    post-17944-077842700 1320504617_thumb.jp

    post-17944-076470300 1320504657_thumb.jp

×
×
  • Create New...