DIY Mama

Is anyone still here?

I need help with a digital banner.  Willing to trade goods for service.  

sewing machine help needed!!!!!  (cross-posted)

im going insane with my sewing machine.  actually, both of my machines.  they both seem to have the same problem, which makes me think it is a user error.  however, my older machine did not have this problem until the last 6 months, and the newer machine (a month old) didnt have this problem until the last 2 weeks.  

the problem is that they pull thread in a funky way.  at best i can get most stitches to look fine, some (on the underside of the fabric) are really loose.  they look like giant loops.  the worst moments of both machines involve pulling thread from the top spool and wrapping it around the bobbin like 10 times so there is a giant tangled mess that needs to be cut off, or just a giant tangled mess of thread on the underside of the fabric.  sometimes if i switch to a different spool or bobbin the problem resolves itself, but why is it happening in the first place?  

it will happen randomly, too.  like i will sew 3 rectangles on a mei tai that look just fine, but when i go to sew the 4th one it goes nuts and pulls all the thread through.  why???  i didnt change the thread or bobbin, didnt adjust any dials, didnt do anything but move the fabric over, just like i did 3 times before.  

any insight?

Question for sling-making mommas!

What kind of material do you use for slings? I have some rings and would like to make a ring sling, but don't know what a good type of material to use is. I don't want something that is going to be too heavy or that will require being doubled up.

Thanks!

Hi,

Could anyone tell me if there's a way to convert this dress to a romper? Can it be done (easily)?
I have this pattern (it's a starter pattern) and want to know how to make little legs for rompers.

(Oops ETA the link)


Anyone? ANyone?

TIA,
Cindie

i recently bought some brown canvas and i was planning on making a few mei tais with it. but the color is bleeding heavily, despite several prewashes. i have used hot water, cold water, detergent, and it is still bleeding onto the scraps of light fabric i throw in as testers. how can i stop the bleeding? im on prewash #5 or 6, and i am feeling very wasteful with all the water i am using.

(cross posted a bit)

I just started sewing, and so far I've only fixed things. Now I want to start making things...

My totally ignorant questions about patterns.....

Patterns are meant to be placed on the fabric and then you cut the fabric out, right? (I've made things from instructions before, but I've never used patterns.)

Anyone have sites for free patterns?

hi everyone!

i'm a photographer and i'm offering my clients the option of having holiday cards printed. i thought i'd offer the same to my virtual friends, so here's the deal!

there are a few options. you can provide me with your photo(s), i'll configure the card, and return the high-res file for you to print wherever you'd like (it's a 5x7).

or, i can have the cards printed for you at my lab. you have a choice between a 5x7 postcard or a 5x7 foldover card. both of these options allow for all sides of the cards to be customized.

so, if anyone's interested, email me or comment and we can talk pricing.

here are the sample templates:
http://www.christineplamann.com/ca…


( inside of the cardCollapse )

Is it okay to post about services/products that we offer in time for the holidays?

I just got a serger. It is an older serger I won on ebay but it works great. It does not have the fold away cutters so I am a bit limited to what I can use it for, but I love it! However, I found tight curves to be nearly impossible! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make it around tight curves without turning them into corners?

I sew fitted diapers and the wings look better rounded, but I had a heck of a time getting it right today.

Also, any tips on sewing elastic with it - without the elastic foot? I have no extra feet for it. Any "must haves" I need? I plan to use it for baby clothes, some basic sewing for Christmas gifts, and cloth diaper items.

Anything else???

Christmas???

I started thinking of Christmas gifts the other day and decided I want to make as many gifts as possible. I am still looking for ideas. Has anyone else started thinking of gift ideas yet?

I plan to knit and felt slippers for my stepdad, knit and felt purses for my mom and sister, I knitted a snowman for my mom (she collects them) and knit hats for DH and my stepdad. I also have birthdays in there and I plan to make bracelets for my mom and sister. I have lots more people to do stuff for, but that is what I am starting on now! I am excited, but trying to get it done is a bit overwhelming so I am starting now.

Anyone else??