Took my sewing machine out of hibernation…

I thought I'd give you a little update after my October 24 post.
My twin and I are still going to our U3a weekly sewing group - they're so friendly. I haven't been as busy this year with my sewing, although buying fabric has continued of course.
I keep a spreadsheet of everything I've sewn since getting back to it in May 2015. It's over 350 items!
Most of them are for me, but there are a few for my grandchildren. I've only sewn 7 things this year, but plenty are planned.
Next up is a mermaid sequinned cloak for my daughter-in-law to wear to music festivals. She's had her eye on one which costs over £140 but with the same fabric, I should be able to make it for around £30. I made a sequin outfit for my middle granddaughter to wear to a Taylor Swift concert last year but these sequins are huge. Wish me luck.

I make the majority of my own clothes………..dresses, shirts, tops, leggings, jackets, coats, blouses, tee shirts…….I've tackled them all and it is so satisfying to know that, when I go out somewhere special no one else will be wearing the same garment. I have now started to make Mr A’s shirts as he is rather tall and doesn’t like anything too short in the body - tall fitting clothing is always more expensive.

Karmalady The Bernina walking foot now retails at well over £100 depending on the machine.

Wow! Well done to you.
I bought my sewing machine over 50 years ago when I was expecting my eldest son. It’s a Newhome and very heavy. Not used it much lately except to do some quilting.
You have inspired me. Thank you.

Karmalady
Thank you for that mention of that FB group. Our charity shop was donated a Bernina walking foot.
I already have one otherwise I would snap it up, they retail at £53.
I’m lucky in that I have a room where I have my machine out all the time. Other than going to the chemist yesterday I spent all day playing in there.

This topic has given me the incentive to use sewing machine again. I learned to use Singer treadle standing up edging sheets before I started infant school. My mother was a dressmaker. I have a 15 year old Janome, and 60 year old Bernina, and have had a few others in between. I was taught many handcrafts pre-school due to Victorian up bringing of grandmothers. Knitting, crochet, tatting, rag rugging, patchworking. Happy days indeed. Well done, Witzend, for posting on this topic.

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In my teens made clothes. But haven't done so since then . Only brought a new sewing machine 5 years ago as my old want had seized up but as it hadn't been used for decades it wasn't worth bringing with me when I moved.

I have used it make cushion covers , Christmas sacks for my grandsons and the odd Christmas ornament.

Started a move it or lose class and brought one of the balls we use and my instructor gave me the tube. Already go to sit class so had the resistance band. So decided to make a bag . I used the only fabric I had a large amount of as I wanted it to be double thick. Plus used my yoga mat bag and cut off the top bit to form a pocket inside for my water bottle,phone and glasses . I used the belt that came with the yoga blocks for handle and some cord I had.
Unfortunately I can't draw a straight line with a steel ruler . I tried to keep my fabric in a straight linish . But the bag works . Took me 4-5 hours with sorting out and making.
Well here is my effort. 😂😂😂

Are you jooking?

Hello everyone, newbie here but just wanted to say that my sewing machine has never been put away. I have always sewn to some degree but more so over the last two years and really enjoy it, although my recent pair of trousers didn't quite fit around the waist but the pattern I don't think included seam allowance! Burda do this I think

NotSpaghetti

Allira

Actually, I'm not keen on it. My trusty old Singer gave up about five years ago, I went to buy a Janome but got persuaded by the very good saleswoman to buy a Brother. Used it several times at first but never got used to it really.

Lovely uplifting post twinnytwin , a ray of

weight-lifting is good for us, I can still lift my 26kg bernina and love to see it on my dining table. Like many, in the old days I used to sew on the dining table and it all needed to be put away for family meals.

Does anyone remember clothkits? such wonderful kits of clothing to make for children and skirts etc for adults. They lasted for years and were handed down

I love my 740 Bernina sewing machine. It's a real beast (can hardly lift it) but sews wonderfully. I've had it about 5 years now I think. I sew all my clothes too.
I've started at the u2a sewing group now (another thread) and have been 3 times with my sister. We have a great time. The group leader is a very experienced teacher and sewer and helps everyone lots. We don't need any help and when someone asked why we go as we're obviously experienced, I just answered "For the company! We love to talk sewing".
I take my granddaughter's Janome to the group as it's very light. I ensure I have sufficient jobs to do whilst there that doesn't need my Bernina. This week it was finishing off the buttonholes I'd sewn at home, and pinning in sleeves.

Sewing is addictive, so far I have made everything in my wardrobe. I do also have a bernina 380, bought maybe 15 years ago, I use that one most of all because it is sitting ready on a horn foldaway in my sewing room, nothing to lift. I have never had it serviced but clean and oil regularly

The 930s weigh 26 kg, I lift one onto my dining table for use and the other is in a small horn cub plus with a cloth over it, so it is easily accessible to use in my living room with the fire on in winter. All the machines get used and I make very sure not to fold or kink the pedal or electric cables. They are impossible to buy

ayse

Lovetopaint037

I used to make clothes for the children and myself and enjoyed doing this. I bought a Swiss Bernina sewing machine which was expensive and I loved it. However that was years ago and it sits inside a cupboard waiting for someone in the family to need it. It must need some kind of a service and if I got it out I doubt I would remember how to set it up or use it.

Just thought I’d mention that mechanical Bernini’s now sell at a premium. I recently bought one and paid about £500 for the last mechanical Bernina ever made. It works beautifully

I paid £1000+ for my first 930 2 years ago, it was fully serviced with new capacitors etc. Its a dream machine. I got my second via a machine mechanic via ebay just 6 months ago and it was a bargain £600. Legitimate business and it had a guarantee

I did buy capacitors from the US , details were on fb. They are just spares because a failing capacitor is not uncommon and I could fit them myself. I also put LED bulbs in both. I have had both covers off and they are straightforward to oil

The mechanism is a work of art. You can get all the old manuals etc from details on fb

Allira

NotSpaghetti

Allira don't let it sit... mine has been on the end of the (admittedly huge) kitchen table for nearly a month now with a pile of mending/alterations on the chair next to it.
Yesterday my daughter asked if she could borrow it! 🙄

I'm keeping it in good condition for my daughter!!

My sewing machine is a little Elna, with fold-up sides - takes up very little room. It had to be fixed a while ago when a snarl-up in the bobbin area refused to budge, but otherwise it had been ultra-reliable.

When a dd and SiL bought a house with horrible, office-type vertical black blinds in the sitting room, I offered to make new curtains. At the time I hadn’t used the machine for maybe 10 years, but it still worked perfectly.

When my children were young in the 70 s into the 80 s clothes for adults and children were really expensive. So I used to get material from the local market and made their clothes and sometimes mine too. I remember a wrap around skirt which was so easy.
I still have my extra heavy machine under the stairs, can’t lift it, but bought another machine from Aldi a few years ago which is light enough to carry yet can do things my old machine didn’t. Can recommend.

Lovetopaint037

I used to make clothes for the children and myself and enjoyed doing this. I bought a Swiss Bernina sewing machine which was expensive and I loved it. However that was years ago and it sits inside a cupboard waiting for someone in the family to need it. It must need some kind of a service and if I got it out I doubt I would remember how to set it up or use it.

Just thought I’d mention that mechanical Bernini’s now sell at a premium. I recently bought one and paid about £500 for the last mechanical Bernina ever made. It works beautifully

Allira don't let it sit... mine has been on the end of the (admittedly huge) kitchen table for nearly a month now with a pile of mending/alterations on the chair next to it.
Yesterday my daughter asked if she could borrow it! 🙄

Thank you Nanna Rose. It’s my lack of energy of late that has hindered me over the last year. I have some health problems and even my painting has been curbed to a large extent.

Thank you karmalady. I had no idea about the vintage bernina group on Facebook. I will look and see which number mine is.

I have always loved sewing and make all of my own clothes, including knickers, which causes some amusement if I ever disclose that!
Your tunic looks great, and I wonder if you might feel inspired to do some more? There are a number of courses around the country for people who are not 'beginners' but need a refresher.
thesewingplace.org.uk/ is a great place to start - it's kept ad-free by regulars making a small donation, but you can access it for free and it's very useful.
I also know a few sewers who won't 'make from scratch' but alter clothes from charity shops to create their own style.
Also www.clothkits.co.uk/ are back - a great way to get back into sewing.
Good luck!

lovetopaint, have a look at the vintage bernina site on fb, vintage berninas are very sought after, I have two. They are wonderful steady workhorses and very easy to maintain. If yours has been kept in a dry place then some movement of the handwheel will likely get it going

I make all my own clothes and coats, love sewing. My old berninas are brilliant for that and for bag-sewing with waxed canvas. My vintage machines are both bernina 930, the second one in case I ever need parts as some are no longer produced but they both work marvellously and are wonderful heavy metal machines

A cheery colour new outfit Witzend.

You inspired the designers to come up with the wide leg trousers again grandMattie.