Hope you enjoy this video. Let me know down below whether you agree with me or not? What is your smartest sewing purchase? Once you've seen this check out THE DUMBEST SEWING PURCHASES czcams.com/video/cqOxUwh68Yo/video.html
I bought a small tool that is used specifically for resharpening rotary tool blades. It doesn't renew them completely but it sharpens them enough to get through the last few cuts of a project.
I absolutely LOVE my Brother Innovis NV1800Q too! It really does make sewing easier somehow. I bought it after watching a You Tube clip, it might even have been one of yours? I also love my tailor's ham and my sleeve roll. I'm going to investigate a bias binding foot after watching this. Great video and liked the "dumb stuff I bought" video too. Xxxx
Nice video! I particularly agree with your assertion that you get what you pay for with sewing machines. My sewing machine is a 23 year old Bernina that I LOVE. It cost a lot for the time, but all these years later, I have no desire for a different one.
You had me laughing loudly about waiting and watching your self healing mat to heal itself!! I wondered at one time if it really heals. I really do love your videos. Thank you
I have my mum's ham .... it's about 40+ years old ...mum was a professional.... I'm just an amatuer, even though mum's gone I kept it to remind me of the sewing we did together and the joy it brought us ....STAY SAFE
I too used to sew with my mom, an as soon as I started middle school I started to learn more through sewing class... from then on I made my own clothes since I was a bit busty mature clothing was all I could fit in. But sewing helped me feel more my age with the dresses I made for myself, now I’m 71 yrs. old and sill love to sew.
My smartest sewing purchase is till tape ( yes the cash register stuff on a roll)! I first heard of it in Barbara Decker class. Its ideal if like me you have to lengthen every pattern piece as it save the endless cutting of strips. Loved the video Claire, agree serger was worth every penny!
I agree with all of your smartest purchases and I'll add one more. Sewing machine feet that do what they are made to do. A well made foot is a must. Takes your sewing to the next level.
A doughnut-shaped earth magnet -- pulled apart a wire coat hanger and wrapped the magnet around one end --- now when I lose pins / needles I can just sweep the magnet over the area and find it. Also, the magnetic seam guide when I was learning.
I thought I was doing something wrong! I pressed more lightly, I was careful to keep my blade absolutely at a 90° angle: I still left marks (and I didn’t make it through the fabric quite often.) I finally decided I got a cheap one and “one of these days” I would invest in a better one. So, thanks for that!!
Hi! I’m from northern Ontario Canada and I love your videos! You’ve been an inspiration to me to get up and get back into sewing . I also have a chronic illness I have emphysema and spent most of my time in bed but I am now up and about, thanks to you
I have a 50 year old Sears Kenmore free-arm machine with straight-stretch stitch. I just spent $140 US to clean and adjust it as it was slipping. It was the first time I had it serviced so that averages out to less than $3 per year. I decided to fix it vs. a new machine because I don't need more features. I'm happy. So, I guess I agree with you... don't buy more than what you need.
I have an equally old Kenmore, never been serviced because we can't get it out of the sewing table, but it does what I need and at my age, 75, it's rather pointless to spend a lot on a new one that I'd have to learn. I do wish I'd had a serger all these years though. Saved a lot of French seams on fabrics that fray. 😊 I have a cheap portable Brother too but never liked it.
@@Beruthiel45 mine is mounted on the table with two screws with wing nuts. I just took the nuts off and lifted it out, then unscrewed the screws from the machine. I'm 70 and it wasn't difficult. I don't want to learn how to use modern (computerized) machine either!
@@Beruthiel45 Lol, you reminded me of my fave moment from Curb Your Enthusiasm! Husband: "where are the leftover canapes?" Wife: "In the fridge". Husband: "I looked". Wife: (sighing and rising from armchair) "I know how you look". Well, the caterer had stolen the leftovers, so the husband was unjustly ribbed perhaps, but I could SO relate!
The trick to tying your serger threads off and them not coming undone is to hold both the old and new threads together and tie an overhand knot. I learned this trick 30 years ago and I only have to thread my loopers completely when I break a thread. I sewed for a living for a while and sew nearly daily now on the same old serger.
yep! I bought my serger secondhand, but I took a wonderful old lady from my church with me to make sure it worked properly, as I had never used one before. She taught me that - overhand knot - and it works perfectly. I very rarely ever have to completely rethread.
@@nevaolaughlin6866 and does she mean hold together in one hand or how? I thought you held both threads already, one in each hand ad tied overhand knot?
Thank you for doing this video. It's really helpful for beginners like me. My smartest purchase so far is lots of bobbins and a case to organise all of them in 😆😂
Great video Claire, 😂😂😂 "why isn't this mat healing itself" I'm so with you on that. My Ikea table was a life saver as well, my back was killing me trying to cut on the floor or lower tables (besides my joint and knee pain).
If you have limited space (who doesn’t) Husky makes a table that is height adjustable manually, 2 full length drawers, a tough surface and on casters. It comes in varying lengths from 48” to 62”. I found it in tool section of Home Depot and I have two butted into corner. They are 24” deep and I wish they were deeper but by adding a third table to form a “U” it’s fine. They come black or white and will last forever I think. You might want to check them out. Happy sewing.
I'm still waiting for my healing mats to heal lol. My smartest purchase was my overlocker, having been sewing on and off for over 50+ yrs since I was about 8 I only purchased an overlocker 2 yrs ago and wow its just amazing. It is absolutely a game changer I love it and like you with your serger I use it more than my sewing machine. Great video very informative.
My best purchase is my sewing table. Actually my husband bought it. I did not even know I needed it. I too have a small work space and this table allows me to push my sewing machine below stored away and table top covers the machine. It allows me to use the entire table while I cut and craft then when I am ready to sew a quick push and my sewing machine is right back up top side ready to sew.
Hands down, my serger was the thing that changed my sewing! I've had three in 35 years, I'm currently driving a baby lock evolution. It was in the shop for maintenance recently, it felt as though I was missing my hand!
Well you made me laugh out loud with the self~healing mat😂. Then I had to stop because I'm still waiting for mine to heal ✋. Seriously. Now I know it's not going to but at least you've saved me spending on a new one 😂😂😂.
This is just convincing me that I need an overlocker 🙈 I don't sew knits but having easy neat seams is so tempting 😂 Also I've found Crayola washable markers are a good alternative to those pens that can come back in the cold! I do a test mark on my fabric before I prewash it and so far it's been great :D
I was gifted a Janome M7 Continental by my loving partner and I feel so blessed as it's a wonderful machine. My dressmakers mannequin, good scissors, and my overlocker are my best purchases. Love your videos.
You need to oil your self-healing mats every so often. I haven't needed to yet, and am not sure how often to do it. I get newsprint from printers (major newspapers are printed on very, VERY large rolls of paper). When there is like 20 or 30 kilos left they replace with a new roll, and are called roll ends. They are free.
My best purchase was my sewing machine. I bought it years ago. And have used it slot. It is my baby . It's has seen everything from baby day goes to wedding dresses, to leather, to tent repair to jeans. It still is smooth running and I don't know what I would do without it. Next is my ginger dress maker shears. Love them, the way they cut and the feel is wonderful. My iron. It's not fancy ,it has steam setting and a dry setting. It is an older classic design. It does everything I ask. Those are my top three. Thanks for sharing
Oh my god, a machine that you don't need to worry about tension, that sounds amazing! I re-organised my studio recently, and I put a cake stand on the corner of my desk and it has really helped me to keep all the small bits I need all the time in a contained space. I wouldn't have thought it would be so useful, but I had one taking up space in the kitchen, so it made sense to try it out.
I loved this. I discovered you a few weeks ago and I'm really enjoying your library of videos! You have the most perfect attitude toward What One Needs, and What One Doesn't Need. And I agree, tracing paper is life-changing!
I’m only just getting into sewing, my Mum was very gifted and made wonderful clothes and quilts until she got dementia 😢. I was never a fan of sewing by machine as I had a love/hate relationship with them for years! My Mum gave me her Brother Opus 2 a couple of years ago. It’s pretty old but it does so much! I was playing with it yesterday and have ordered a replacement for the lost monogram foot. Anyway, like yourself I discovered the Frixion pens were great for marking fabrics. I had been using them for bullet journaling and suddenly thought, ‘ hang on, these would work great for marking fabrics,’ I was making face masks at the time. I only use a 0.5 black ink pen but they are soooooo useful! I highly recommend them too! I have a chronic illness too so it is great to find you on You Tube. Thank you!
My best purchase was over 20 years ago. I bought a Bernina sewing machine, not a really posh one but what I like best is the fact it will go through eight layers of denim easily (DC motor). You can tell it what position you want your needle in when you stop (down is a great help for turning corners). It has a half speed button. It cost me £550 and they threw in a walking foot which I ignored for many years but now I've started making bags it's been really useful. (I started sewing bags after watching sewing times). I've just made my first bag of my own design - it has many many pockets so I don't loose things in the bottom of the bag like I do with a normal handbag!
I thought self-healing mats should heal, and I thought so until you said they don't! Whaaaaat? The first really good decision I made was to get a waist-height table for cutting. I also use it for all my craft projects, so I can stand comfortably and see what I'm doing. I also love the cushioned mat I stand on!
If you use a standard plastic tables a set of bed risers will create a good height and not much addition cost to make it work until a higher cost option is possible- not all tables are created equal and custom made or specific heights can also be don on a lower budget
I think my smartest purchase was an experience. I took a sewing class once I'd been sewing for a few months. Sometimes it's only by doing something you realise what you don't know so I was able to ask questions based on where I was at. Also oh those air threading overlockers are amazing. I used one a few times and... It was lust at first surge. But its a want not a need and my mother's 35 year old husky lock is still doing what I need it to... I agree with good scissors. I need to upgrade mine and will be getting ginghers (or however they are spelled) as they are a step up from the fiskers I've been using for years. For most things I've tried to make do with what I have and not spend too much as I didn't want to waste money if it turned out I didn't need or like something. But some things are definitely worth the expense. Like pins, scissors and thread. Don't cheap out on those or it will be more work and worse results.
Agreed with ALL your “best” choices, particularly the rotary cutter. Got mine as part of quilting, but now that I’m trying garment sewing,, it has been a revelation how useful the rotary cutter can be. Your ideas about the sewing machine are spot on-I just bought one that is less than optimal and the frustration just gets in the way. But, as you said-the fancy machines aren’t required. I have a pair of 1950s little Singers that are work horse machines-they never say no to anything. But, neither has a zigzag so I’m constantly called away to something more modern. Enjoyed these last two videos about sewing tools. Thanks!
My best purchase was my industrial machine. I've got a lead foot when sewing to the point where I've burnt out multiple motors (turns out that domestic machines shouldn't be used at top speed for 6+ hours a day, every day, who knew!xD) and I knew sewing was becoming my career so it was an investment. I generally only use a straight stitch when sewing (I don't zigzag or overlock on a regular basis, I prefer the look of French and Hong Kong seams personally) so an industrial works fine for me. On the rare occasion I need a special stitch or fancy foot, I've got a semi-industrial and an overlocker on standby. Next purchase will be a dedicated blind-hemmer! But also my collection of fabric scissors. I have ones in different weights for different types of fabric. I tie a strip of offcut around the handle to remember which is which. So the lightweight scissors has a strip of silk, the heavyweight scissors has some denim, and the middleweight scissors has some quilting cotton. Then there's paper scissors, and polyester scissors because those two things are horrid demons that exist only to blunt my good scissors. Pinking shears, thread snips, long handled scissors ♡.♡ love them
Love your channel and helpful tips! My wonderful sewing experiences are with my JUKI TL 2200QVP Mini - straight stitch only but what a stitch. And my JUKI MO-644D overlocker, a gift from my mum.
I love this! The comments too. 😅 Such a giggle. Finally given in and subscribed! The content is so useful and having someone who is plus size and understands chronic illness talking about sewing just ticks all my boxes. Keep up the good work Claire. I got a ham as part of a birthday present and I think I was surprised by how useful it was, I also use it for pinning bust darts and basting them both in paper and fabric since I have to make so many adjustments to make them work. Self healing mats do heal! When I was doing papercraft I once used a non-self healing mat, (a loooong time ago) and every cut would make a new bump in the surface so you had to replace the mat regularly and buy a new one for delicate work. The self healing ones close back up so the surface is flat and can be used again, the cut is still there but the edges butt together again. Hence....healing!
I bought my last two sewing/embroidery machines second hand as the more expensive machines are like cars, they lose value as soon as they leave the shop. The machines I bought were half the price and only a couple of years old. The main thing to do is to test the machine can sew what you want to sew: buttonholes, heavy denim, lightweight chiffon, stretch fabric, etc. Also read the manual and find out what the stitches should be used for. There are many functional stitches that I ignored for years because I did not realise they were designed for specific fabrics, seams, etc. In fact download the manual of machines you are interested in buying and find out if they can do what you want, or whether they have optional attachments, feet, etc that you need. Watching CZcams videos can help, but nothing beats sitting at a machine and using it. If we were not in lockdown the best place to compare machines is a big sewing show, such as Sewing for Pleasure, as all the main manufacturers have display stands where you can sit down and test drive machines. Another plus of having a sewing machine - use it to teach your kids clutch control using the foot pedal, before letting them loose in a car. Learning to control speed with their feet, whilst using their hands and eyes to control fabric is a useful skill. Made my own tailors ham and sleeve roll (looks like a long sausage) from strong calico, stuffed with sawdust (pet bedding sawdust is clean and cheap), with a half wool, half cotton cover. Use a jam funnel to get the sawdust in to the ham to stop it going everywhere.
Oo ps, thought they really were self healing. ☺️Best purchase, my Gloria babylock serger/ coverstitch machine last year. My first serger and I’ve been sewing for 4 decades! . Amazing. Threading right off the bat takes a couple minutes. So easy.And I told myself not to complain switching to coverstitch as it takes minutes and I’m lucky and blessed to have it! Love love it! I bought my first ham this year- very handy. And a few years ago hubby bought , me a table thing with 4 drawers for thread . The top flip open revealing a padded ironing top on one side and the other side for cutting with mat . It sits by my machine so I just need to turn my chair around. and iron pieces. I have the same mini iron as you. Very handy. I also have a Janome embroidery/ sewing machine which I love! Since I have my own sewing room, I put in a long bench -top cupboard with doors and drawers, like you’d have in a kitchen. Very handy. I’m well set up and alas, none of my kids enjoy sewing.
Bahahaha! I too thought the same thing about “self healing mats”!! Did you find out why they’re called that?? But I’d have to say, they last a lot longer than any other I’ve had!! Everything you showed today was “an essential “ in my book! I think I’d add straight pins! Good ones, sharp ones, & a decent length!! I see over them? (Don’t tell anyone shhhh....🤫🤭) & the other is sewing threads, spend the money and get good quality 🧵 threads!! I sure enjoy you videos!! Thanks for all your creativeness ❤️
My first sewing (quilting) purchase was a 3pc. cutting set- rotary cutter, 18"x24" ruler, and a (n.s.h. 😉) self-healing mat. After figuring out no healing was happening, I learned to spread my cutting around when possible. I luff them, want to kiss them. 😘
My Gingher scissors, they are over 40 years old and have only needed sharpening twice. Love them. My mother-in-law gave me a sleeve ham, I had been using a rolled magazine in a sock lol. Love the sleeve ham
You're giving me confidence about the serger that a friend gave me on long-term loan. Two years ago! Just found you this morning, am watching the fourth video!!
Thanks so much for the tip for using Elephant legs to raise the cutting table. It saves me from so much pain in my lower back. I have chronic back pain. Thank you, thank you.
Pinking shears are a lifesaver for fabric that frays a lot. Buying an overcast foot for my regular sewing machine, mimics much of what an expensive overlocker does.
If you think pinking shears are great wait until you use a “pinking rotary blade”. So great to grade curved seams. Also love them for edging polar fleece. PS I sew every day!
My smartest sewing purchase - That Purple Thang (Little Foot TPT). Around £5 for a small piece of plastic but I knew instinctively that it would be sooo useful and it really is. I use it every time I sew to guide fabric under the machine needle without any danger to my fingers and to poke corners and thread elastic. I just love it. There are lots of cheaper copycat versions available now and tbh they work just as well and come in lovely colours so I bought a pack of those, but I don't mind having bought the original to support the designer. Whoever invented it is a genius - or a sewer!
Good morning! I "splurged" on a Babylock Imagine 5 years or so ago, actually my first overlocker, and it changed my sewing world! I have a almost bottom of the line Janome and it does most everything I need. But if I ever upgrade I'll really shop around. I was convinced I needed to use a local shop for maintenance., so I bought local. The service has gone downhill...I also love my rotary blades and mat, good sheares. What I haven't found is a way to sharpen a seam ripper!
I had the same frustrating experience with my first serger (which fortunately I got for free) and, feeling flush at that moment, I went out and bought a brand new Babylock Enlighten. It cost about 3 times as much as my most expensive sewing machine - I only use very old vintage machines that are usually inexpensive - but I have not regretted it. It has really added to my enjoyment of sewing and to the results.
Still have my server from about 1990, and my awesome metal basic sewing machine from about 1976. The serger is my best purchase and has lasted all this time.
My tip with machines is: buy the very best you can ALMOST afford. You’ll pay it off soon enough, but the lifetime of wishing you had will be a real drag. Watch 100 CZcams videos first to make sure you know what you’re getting, and talk to your local sewing machine service guy to find out what if any common problems are.
I think that is pretty great advice. I dont have a cheap sewing machine and im glad for the one I have. If you get a cheap machine it almost always means the machine quality itself is cheap. Most craft stores have payment plans if you cant afford it in one shot. Sewing and similar crafts are time consuming and although fun can be a mental strain. If your serious then take the time to research and be prepared to spend.
I agree completely. My 2 baby lock machines have both been in service multiple times and the one needed a new motor. Here in the u.s. I was told by an expert that the baby lock is good when it is made by the Japanese. This equates an over $1,000 purchase. In the meantime my well built 1940’s machines do all the heavy lifting.
I lost most of my sewing appliances and machines in a move several years ago and cannot replace them. I must say, my tailor's ham is the thing I most miss, even just sewing masks, besides my wonderful sewing machine. It adds a finish to seams and curves, as you said, that cannot be matched, a professional finish. Good luck in your quest for self sufficiency. You are a plucky lady!
Walking foot. I mainly quilt bought a used Bernina 750 we fir the large harp space. But then I badly hurt my left shoulder. Ended up getting a total shoulder replacement (twice b/c 1st one didn’t work out for me.). The walking foot allowed me to continue quilting & to be creative. Love my Bernina walking foot!
What I see here is that every one is in love with their machine once they find the right one. Mine is a used Pfaff that brought me to a whole new level of sewing paradise, but I’m sure there are plenty of machines that could have done the trick for me just as well. My serger is essential, friction pens as well. I have a wheel marking gizmo that holds chalk that is great, very thin line on dark fabrics, but check that you can get the chalk mark out after. I can’t keep scissors sharp even my Ginger’s so I just use the cheap ones and then throw them in the junk drawer when they get dull. Rather than a medium sized ironing board I had a piece of scrap wood about 9 x 12 inches and 3/4 inch thick from another project. I padded it well with cotton quilting and other batting that I had, and covered it tightly with muslin. I stapled it on the back. I have it right next to the machine under my arm. I use it for pressing whatever smaller/quick pieces without having to turn and scoot over to my large ironing board on my chair that has wheels. Otherwise, it makes a nice arm rest. I’ve never taken a machine in for service, just blow and brush out all the dust and fibers, dig deep and take it all apart to do so and oil them when they start to go clickety, clickety. What else is there to service? I can’t wait to watch the rest of your videos. 😎☺️🥰 Beth in Austin, TX
Can't remember if it was this video i watched where you talked about your self healing mat. It got me thinking so i googled why they call it a self healing mat: “Self-healing” cutting mats are made from independent tiny pieces pressed together to create a solid cutting surface. When you cut on the mat using a rotary cutter, the blade actually goes between the tiny pieces, separating them, and not cutting into the surface as a whole unit. After the cut is made, the surface has a “memory” and closes back together, thus it is referred to as “self-healing.” This is why it is very important to always use a sharp blade in your rotary cutter. A dull blade can actually slice the mat because it is not able to make that thin precise cut. In addition, always keep your cutter at a 90° angle when cutting on the mat. It is easy to hold it slightly slanted instead of perfectly perpendicular, even when using a rotary cutting ruler. The slanted cut can actually cut the tiny pieces rather than separating them, leaving a gash in the mat.
Both my mats have cuttings all over them! Def not self healing. Thanks for researching though, I think them calling it self healing is dodgy because going by what you say if the blade separates the fibres, no cut has been made therefore there is nothing to heal from, so either way its not self healing.
I have most of what you talked about and I totally agree with you. One thing I don't have is a pressing ham which I didn't but yet as I keep telling myself I'll make one as I find them quite pricey to buy them on line (shipping being very expensive), and haven't found in any of the stores in Malta. But I don't think I can do any sewing without my serger. The finishing with a serger is way more neat than a zigzag . I got it when I wanted to sew my daughter's holy communion dress 26 years ago and I'm still in love with it.
I have a video on how to create a sewing ham. I don’t see why you couldn’t use your serger as long as it’s 4 thread for security. If unsure you could create a lining bag put the clippings in that then put into the outer bag.
My newest smart purchase is an english product (me living in Germany): the Clover sliding gauge! Shortening trouser legs - which can be a tedious job - is a breeze once you get to fix the length correctly with one single pin needle. And because all trousers I buy do have too long legs, I'm really happy about this gadget :-)
No, no Barbara! You should not have to turn the tensions to zero to pull the threads through. Leave tensions well alone. After tying the new threads, all you have to do is to keep the foot RAISED, and then pull. That's it! Your way, you will have to fiddle with the tensions to get them right again. Just so not necessary.
Oh I love the Brother sewing machines. I have 2 of them. One is my main one and it is nowhere close to your model but it is still great and sews like a dream. The other I have is one of the Brothers you can get at Walmart. It is completely manual but it is a full size sewing machine but so very light. It too sews like a dream. My smartest purchase was my brother side cutter foot which I explained in a earlier post was a sewing machine foot that acts like a overcast foot but actually trims fabric at the same time. It works on both of my Brother sewing machines. I refer to it as my mini serger.
When rethreading my serger by tying on the new thread, I turn my tension knobs to 0. That's helped me. I got better machines than I could afford by watching ads and buying 2nd hand. I think your suggestions are spot on. I'd add a small pair of sharp scissors to keep at my machine for snipping threads.
I loved the “not self healing mat” I thought the same thing!!!! You’re awesome! I agree with all these items being useful. I don’t have the smaller curved rulers but, might look for one or two that you’ve showed us.
Really enjoyed your video. Seam ripper is the most useful 😁 Smartest was buying a good quality sewing machine. Bought a cheap one first, but it was hopeless on thicker fabric.
I agree on all of these, except maybe the pens. Just cuz I learned with chalk, which works for me. A surger I would say is a absolute necessity, as soon as you're sewing for other people or selling. And the sewing machine I agree about in the sense that one should buy the main tools that you are happy with and that keeps you happy for years. Be it a budget machine or a pricy one, it's what gives you pleasure and the result you want that is most important. Not the price. Me, I love my old Nordic Zig Zag that I bought in the 1980's. It was second hand, but had lived in a closet for 20 years and just keeps on going and fits me ergonomically. I'd like to ad a pair of thread cutters, the type that has a loop for your finger. It's on my right ring finger at all times when sewing.
My trusty Bernina 1030 was my best ever purchase. Cost me £450 over 30 years ago, I thought that was a massive amount to pay. But it’s been an absolute workhouse, not as fancy as a lot of today’s machines but I wouldn’t get rid of it for the world.
I thought these items were all great. A lot of my favorites too. I live in Texas and just bought that Ikea small ironing board a year ago. It was $5 then. I love it. I can set up a little ironing station next to my sewing machine for when I’m sewing quilt blocks. I just found your channel recently and subscribed and am binge watching! Great content! I’m plus size and want to get back to sewing for myself. I’m not willing to pay $60 for a top. 🤗🤗
Crayola washable textas are a dream to use for marking fabric, especially since they also have lots of ink so if you need to mark 2 layers of fabric, you can leave it on the point for a bit longer... and it washes away so beautifully! I agree 100% with that french curve ruler, I have a body shape that isnt suited to store baught patterns so that baby has been an absolute dream for adapting, altering or creating from scratch! I've not used a ham in forever and have been trying to find one thats just the right shape, but in the mean time, that towel idea is brilliant! thanks for sharing that! I've spent a little money on 1940s/50s sewing instructions, or rather pattern drafting, as a lot of the more modern instructables arent exatly user friendly in comparison. the eras before fast fashion offered people the ability to be creative and unrestrictive, so they show you how to make, then take basic pattern blocks and change them to any style you please from billowing bishop sleeves and gathered day skirts with POCKETS, to evening gowns and wedding dresses. Etsy is a great place to look for the downloadable versions, and if you'd rather just know how to do ONE thing, like adjusting an armscye or adding vintage looking pintucks to a blouse, Pintrest has a LOT of options from all of these instructionals. very very helpful for makng a single pattern become an entire and varied wardrobe! I recently got myself a "healing mat" (it got delivered yesterday) and I've not had a chance to use it yet, but its 18" x 24" and I'm excited about cutting my rayons and chiffons with ease... do you have any advice for someone who's never really used one before? its midspring here in Australia and I am really excited about putting together my summer wardrobe. I started the process for a new wardrobe mid last year and was futzing about with pattern that fits but then I started a new medication in Jan and I suddenly started to lose weight and had to hold off... but my weights been stablised for a couple months now and I'm ready with piles of beautiful rayons and chiffons and cottons and lawns ready to cut sew and in some cases dye, embroider and/or paint! I am pretty happy with my little tabletop ironing board, too. I've got a small family but we're all creative types so theres limited space for me to store ALL my things, so my sewing desk is also my writing and painting desk... and having that little board fold up and hang on the back of a door makes a world of difference. I have had a passion for sewing for most of my live, and have used a lot of sewing machines in my time. My first was a refurbished 1970s dream that I have sadly parted ways with, I've had a couple others and my newest made model is from about 7 years ago now... I also have an overlocker by toyota that is marked with all the instructions on where to put the threads and is a little monster of a machine, it'll work on christmas up hill both ways in a snow snorm! And yet, here I sit sewing on a 1950 featherweight singer with no zigzag function and I havent used the surger or the other sewing machine in 5eva... It may be one of the most beautiful things to look at, but OH! THE PRECISION! This baby is literally an orgasm to sew on... I have almost all the original feet that it came with (my ex found it in a deceased estate situation) and I can sew chiffon rolled hems at 3mm without so much as a crinkle of my forehead or the feeddogs eating the fabric, make perfect pintucks in lawn with a foot that looks like a torture instrument and the bias foot is 80x better than the several others I've tried/owned and it takes 15/16th" wide bias to do it, so once sewn it comes out just shy of a quater of an inch wide. I know lots of people proffer the overlocker or the zigzag edge, but I'll take bias seams and french seams and hong kong seams and every other seam over that any day... and sewing stretch/knit is as simple as stretching the fabric out while you sew a long stitch. andandand it comes in this little case... I've had handbags bigger than that case, with storage. andandand theres some wonderful people out there that have not only made all the tutorials I'm ever going to need on how to service, repair, and use this thing, they also sell parts, accessories, manuals, etc, and since this thing is made of metal parts rather than plastic, I'll be able to take care of it all for myself and it will last at least another 70yrs for me to be able to teach my great grandkids how to sew on this thing too! I'm genuinely not even sure what to do with my other sewing machines anymore, I've often wondered if I should give them away or keep them to teach my son sewing on so he doesnt have to wait around for me to finish on my sewing machine. Lots to read, but its a joy to interact with others about a subject that really gets my juices going! lol
Best purchases, serrated blade scissors for really slippy fabrics (truly work). The purchases of 28 and 18mm rotary cutters, for tight curves and small areas.
I use my Juki coverstitch machine almost as much as the serger. It makes the best hems that don't pop stitches and saves so much time from what I used to do with a serged edge, then re-threading my sewing machine with a twin needle and 2nd thread spool holder. If a person doesn't work with knits or stretchy fabric much, it would be hard to justify the extra expense. I don't use my Industrial Machine as often as I thought I would...I would 2nd guess that purchase if I had to do it all over again. Would likely get a used one. I agree on the sewing machine splurge. I have a high-end Brother as well that I love and the capabilities are endless. I look for big throat length for for large items, automatic threading and a reasonable amount of stitch options. If I were to shop now I would look more at ease of maintenance by consumer and the cost to do a tune up if you have to take it in. My Innovis-IS Quattro 3 is expensive to service. TFS
About 20 years ago I bought a Kenmore 385 series machine (made by Janome) and love it. It is a manual which I prefer as i can do quite a bit of the work on it myself. She's a jewel! ~~ and you really have to love your machine. Some of your favorites I have and some I plan on getting but on a fixed income (retired) it really does take planning! Enjoyed your video. Keep up the good work!
Absolutely love your machine and as you know I live here in America and can’t get those machines here. You did however give me advice on what is the closest machine to yours and I did purchase it, and it was a large purchase for me as well. But...it was the best purchase I’ve made. I love it !! So thank you for your advice Claire ♥️
I truly did enjoy this video but I must recommend spring tension scissors for use. They run fairly inexpensive on Amazon or the local stores. I have carpal tunnel flair ups and these scissors practically stop the pain and fatigue in my hands. What I really like about you is that you seem so real! Thanks
Fiskers nose sharp they are awesome, They are a little pricey but it's well worth every penny. I like using my rotary cutter for long cuts especially straight and also a lot of the curved extended cuts to are really good because of the way rotary cutter can move, I like my scissors for precise detailed cuts and small cuts
Thanks for coming back Claire, I love your videos. Best purchases? ... hmmm, still wondering what that might be as I'm on my second sewing machine, both not quite ideal but $$$'s right! I know - my iron is a really good iron and I love it. Now to pay $$$'s for an ironing board that isn't wonky ... :D
A manufacturer of the self healing mats told me that they are made for straight line cutting as long as you don't gouge it it does heal. However we do lots of curves and that causes the gouging. Also using dull blades damages the mat. Some people have the one blade in their rotary cutter for years that is not going to work. I have tried to order that table top from Ikea for the last couple of years but since there isn't one close to me it's difficult, but I serge standing up so not a problem.
My best purchase was my Necchi machine on offer from Aldi for £160. I went to 200 stitches from a manual machine that had 21!. I love it so much. Only been sewing for about 7 months now but I would re buy my machine time and time again!
About the ham and small ironing board, I don't have either of those but I have Two mini tabletop ironing boards on little folding bases that are the size for pulling sleeves onto such as those on shirts and blouses. I bought one myself then my daughter bought me another not knowing I already had one. They aren't as useful as the ham or short and wide board but work well for pressing seams and such.
I watched your what not to buy as a beginner video, and then this, and I have to say, I'm happy, because all the things I bought so far are appeared in this video, not the other one! :D
My absolute best purchase was an old Singer--NOT a featherweight, but the next size up. I'd tagged along to a thrift shop with a friend and I was wandering in their "bruised & abused"/or junky area when 2 old sewing machines, each in a cabinet, caught my eye. Well first thing I checked for was a bobbin case. The junkier of the 2 was missing that and a lot more. But this Singer 301A was in an ArtDeco cabinet that was in good shape and the drawers were full ofthe xtras: manual, attachments and even extra bobbins. Before I got too excited, I asked the workman the price, figuring I could afford maybe $50-$60, though it was worth much more. So when he suggested $25, I bit my tongue and held my breath as long as I could so as not to seem so eager that he'd correct himself and price it higher. I spent the evening cleaning & oiling it and by bedtime, it was "purring" . Oh, did I mention that it had both knee control and foot pedal and could be taken out of the cabinet and taken as a portable.
Brother are brilliant machines even the basic machines are great. I had my original one for 35 years and it was still going strong when I gave it away to a friend in need. But I have new Brother which is also amazing.
You are not alone with thinking a self heal mat will do just that 😂 . My favourite is my machine as well, I have been struggling with tapping butchers paper so I will invest in a roll of tracing paper Karen R
Your definitely not the only one to think that about the cutting mats. One of my best purchases was a dressform. It took me some time to get it padded out but she is great now. Altering stuff is so easy now.
Absolutely love your videos. My best purchase was my low end Janome serger. I was trying to finish seams using an overcast stitch on my Singer sewing machine and it was a nightmare and the results sucked. Now I can do seams that look so nice and stretch and last.
I agree with so many of your purchases. My tissue paper is 160cm wide, so much better than taping smaller sheets together. A few years ago I bought a computerized Janome and even though it was crazy expensive it was totally worth it. I've had a serger for years and only use it when sewing knits. I think my coverlock machine was one of my best buys, I can't imagine sewing without it. Something else that is needed is good straight pins. As they get dull I just garbage them. One of my favourite gadgets is a magnetic seam guide. I've had my original one since I was a teenager and I'm 62 now. Great information, thanks.
I think I agree with all your comments. I have three smartest purchases - firstly I use fiskas scissors as they are springloaded so your hand does not need to pull the scissors apart as happens with traditional scissors; it is the opening action that tends to cause the most pain. My other two smart purchases are because I have done a lot of sewing over the years so I love my industrial iron and my industrial sewing machine(s). I agree that an overlocker is an amazing investment and a good sewing machine is worth it's weight in gold.
For me getting a good machine that I didnt have to fuss with was important. If you hate your machine you won't even want to get started. I had Singers before and just couldn't get around to using them unless I really needed to machine sew. Then I got my Brother CS7000i. It was one of the highest rated lower price range machines I found when researching. I love it so far. And have actually started sewing a whole garment for the first time since high school. Brothers seem to be good if you want a lot of bells and whistles.
You won’t regret getting a Babylock serger. I had two different Singer sergers and they still work and are real workhorses but they are much more trouble to use than my Babylock imagine.
Hi, thank you so much for sharing. I sow for 25 years now, quilting and dressmaking. More when my kids were little and I had a wonderful Pfaff that time, that did cost me a fortune as well. So I understand exactly what you meant with sewing experience 😃 . Unfortunately I had to leave that machine behind when I left my ex, but I miss it even after 15 years. I picked up sewing again when my mum passed in 2017 to beat depression and PTSD. And I was so lucky to get a quite cheap machine at Aldi that time. In original it was about 239€ and because the packaging was damaged, I got it for 100€. And I am so happy about the purchase. And by the way: I had the same issue with the self-healing cutting mat 😉. You can get them for a decent price in "The Works" in the UK. The biggest I got there is A2 for 12.50 GBP and they are good quality. Anyways, I love your videos and look forward to see more. Greetings from Ireland. Please stay safe. 😊
Hope you enjoy this video. Let me know down below whether you agree with me or not? What is your smartest sewing purchase? Once you've seen this check out THE DUMBEST SEWING PURCHASES czcams.com/video/cqOxUwh68Yo/video.html
I bought a small tool that is used specifically for resharpening rotary tool blades. It doesn't renew them completely but it sharpens them enough to get through the last few cuts of a project.
That sounds great!
I absolutely LOVE my Brother Innovis NV1800Q too! It really does make sewing easier somehow. I bought it after watching a You Tube clip, it might even have been one of yours? I also love my tailor's ham and my sleeve roll. I'm going to investigate a bias binding foot after watching this. Great video and liked the "dumb stuff I bought" video too. Xxxx
Nice video! I particularly agree with your assertion that you get what you pay for with sewing machines. My sewing machine is a 23 year old Bernina that I LOVE. It cost a lot for the time, but all these years later, I have no desire for a different one.
@@donitatoavs I have a Bernina that is also 23 years old that I still love! It still is an awesome machine!
Used to have a girlfriend with a serger. I got over her but ten years later, I still miss that serger!
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I too thought that self healing mats, re-sealed after being cut. So why are they called self-healing if they don’t?
No you’re not the only one who thought (thinks) self healing mats mend themselves 😯 Wondered why mine looks a bit furry in places at times 😬😳😂😂😂
Me too!
@@TheWizzylizzie and me🙄🤔
Me too! Begs the question; why ARE they called self healing???
Absolutely it’s so misleading 😮🤪x
if it has fuzzies, you can clean it with a eraser. Mats need maintenance. its really horrible with flannel and minky.
You had me laughing loudly about waiting and watching your self healing mat to heal itself!! I wondered at one time if it really heals. I really do love your videos. Thank you
I have my mum's ham .... it's about 40+ years old ...mum was a professional.... I'm just an amatuer, even though mum's gone I kept it to remind me of the sewing we did together and the joy it brought us ....STAY SAFE
That is so lovely, thanks for sharing x
I too used to sew with my mom, an as soon as I started middle school I started to learn more through sewing class... from then on I made my own clothes since I was a bit busty mature clothing was all I could fit in. But sewing helped me feel more my age with the dresses I made for myself, now I’m 71 yrs. old and sill love to sew.
My smartest sewing purchase is till tape ( yes the cash register stuff on a roll)! I first heard of it in Barbara Decker class. Its ideal if like me you have to lengthen every pattern piece as it save the endless cutting of strips. Loved the video Claire, agree serger was worth every penny!
I agree with all of your smartest purchases and I'll add one more. Sewing machine feet that do what they are made to do. A well made foot is a must. Takes your sewing to the next level.
lol- u r not the only one.I thought that about healing mats at the start,was waiting for the cut edges to melt back together.
A doughnut-shaped earth magnet -- pulled apart a wire coat hanger and wrapped the magnet around one end --- now when I lose pins / needles I can just sweep the magnet over the area and find it. Also, the magnetic seam guide when I was learning.
Love these videos! Also, it only occurred to me when you said it that the mats don’t actually self heal!!! 😂😂😂
Lol 😆 🤣 😂
I thought I was doing something wrong! I pressed more lightly, I was careful to keep my blade absolutely at a 90° angle: I still left marks (and I didn’t make it through the fabric quite often.) I finally decided I got a cheap one and “one of these days” I would invest in a better one. So, thanks for that!!
Hi! I’m from northern Ontario Canada and I love your videos! You’ve been an inspiration to me to get up and get back into sewing . I also have a chronic illness I have emphysema and spent most of my time in bed but I am now up and about, thanks to you
Oh my, this is fantastic!! So pleased to hear this! I visited Northern Ontario (North Bay) in 1991. Its a beautiful place.
I love the power of sewing. Pick it up on good days, it will forgive you when you don’t 😘
I have a 50 year old Sears Kenmore free-arm machine with straight-stretch stitch. I just spent $140 US to clean and adjust it as it was slipping. It was the first time I had it serviced so that averages out to less than $3 per year. I decided to fix it vs. a new machine because I don't need more features. I'm happy. So, I guess I agree with you... don't buy more than what you need.
I have an equally old Kenmore, never been serviced because we can't get it out of the sewing table, but it does what I need and at my age, 75, it's rather pointless to spend a lot on a new one that I'd have to learn. I do wish I'd had a serger all these years though. Saved a lot of French seams on fabrics that fray. 😊 I have a cheap portable Brother too but never liked it.
@@Beruthiel45 mine is mounted on the table with two screws with wing nuts. I just took the nuts off and lifted it out, then unscrewed the screws from the machine. I'm 70 and it wasn't difficult. I don't want to learn how to use modern (computerized) machine either!
@@kathy32850 I left it to my husband who isn't very practical. I ought to have a look myself, since I'm the handy one. 😂
@@Beruthiel45 Lol, you reminded me of my fave moment from Curb Your Enthusiasm! Husband: "where are the leftover canapes?" Wife: "In the fridge". Husband: "I looked". Wife: (sighing and rising from armchair) "I know how you look". Well, the caterer had stolen the leftovers, so the husband was unjustly ribbed perhaps, but I could SO relate!
@@ecoquilting7077 😂🤣😂🤣 hubby is the same.
The trick to tying your serger threads off and them not coming undone is to hold both the old and new threads together and tie an overhand knot. I learned this trick 30 years ago and I only have to thread my loopers completely when I break a thread. I sewed for a living for a while and sew nearly daily now on the same old serger.
Thanks for the tip!
yep! I bought my serger secondhand, but I took a wonderful old lady from my church with me to make sure it worked properly, as I had never used one before. She taught me that - overhand knot - and it works perfectly. I very rarely ever have to completely rethread.
@@Penguinandpear m
Ok now to look up an overhand knot....thanks!
@@nevaolaughlin6866 and does she mean hold together in one hand or how? I thought you held both threads already, one in each hand ad tied overhand knot?
Thank you for doing this video. It's really helpful for beginners like me. My smartest purchase so far is lots of bobbins and a case to organise all of them in 😆😂
Oh yes! I didnt even think about bobbins. Good shout!
Great video Claire, 😂😂😂 "why isn't this mat healing itself" I'm so with you on that. My Ikea table was a life saver as well, my back was killing me trying to cut on the floor or lower tables (besides my joint and knee pain).
If you have limited space (who doesn’t) Husky makes a table that is height adjustable manually, 2 full length drawers, a tough surface and on casters. It comes in varying lengths from 48” to 62”. I found it in tool section of Home Depot and I have two butted into corner. They are 24” deep and I wish they were deeper but by adding a third table to form a “U” it’s fine. They come black or white and will last forever I think. You might want to check them out. Happy sewing.
I'm still waiting for my healing mats to heal lol. My smartest purchase was my overlocker, having been sewing on and off for over 50+ yrs since I was about 8 I only purchased an overlocker 2 yrs ago and wow its just amazing. It is absolutely a game changer I love it and like you with your serger I use it more than my sewing machine. Great video very informative.
I have learned to change my rotary cutting blades more often so I don't have to press so hard. Thanks for the videos !
Yes! Its a great tip!
My best purchase is my sewing table. Actually my husband bought it. I did not even know I needed it. I too have a small work space and this table allows me to push my sewing machine below stored away and table top covers the machine. It allows me to use the entire table while I cut and craft then when I am ready to sew a quick push and my sewing machine is right back up top side ready to sew.
That sounds great !
Sounds good. Post a pic if you can
Picture would be great indeed ☺️, and a brandname too ☺️
Hands down, my serger was the thing that changed my sewing! I've had three in 35 years, I'm currently driving a baby lock evolution. It was in the shop for maintenance recently, it felt as though I was missing my hand!
I remember feeling like that when my sewing machine went in for repair a few years ago.
❤️ my Imagine. The jet threading is incredible.
Well you made me laugh out loud with the self~healing mat😂. Then I had to stop because I'm still waiting for mine to heal ✋. Seriously. Now I know it's not going to but at least you've saved me spending on a new one 😂😂😂.
how you heal them is fine sandpaper! I was cracking up!
This is just convincing me that I need an overlocker 🙈 I don't sew knits but having easy neat seams is so tempting 😂 Also I've found Crayola washable markers are a good alternative to those pens that can come back in the cold! I do a test mark on my fabric before I prewash it and so far it's been great :D
Good call on the crayolas! You don't need an overlocker but they do make a more pleasurable sewing experience!
I was gifted a Janome M7 Continental by my loving partner and I feel so blessed as it's a wonderful machine. My dressmakers mannequin, good scissors, and my overlocker are my best purchases. Love your videos.
You need to oil your self-healing mats every so often. I haven't needed to yet, and am not sure how often to do it. I get newsprint from printers (major newspapers are printed on very, VERY large rolls of paper). When there is like 20 or 30 kilos left they replace with a new roll, and are called roll ends. They are free.
Wow! I’m sure gonna check that out! KrisD1313
My best purchase was my sewing machine. I bought it years ago. And have used it slot. It is my baby . It's has seen everything from baby day goes to wedding dresses, to leather, to tent repair to jeans. It still is smooth running and I don't know what I would do without it. Next is my ginger dress maker shears. Love them, the way they cut and the feel is wonderful. My iron. It's not fancy ,it has steam setting and a dry setting. It is an older classic design. It does everything I ask. Those are my top three. Thanks for sharing
In stitches about the healing mat 🤣😂
Lol
Oh my god, a machine that you don't need to worry about tension, that sounds amazing! I re-organised my studio recently, and I put a cake stand on the corner of my desk and it has really helped me to keep all the small bits I need all the time in a contained space. I wouldn't have thought it would be so useful, but I had one taking up space in the kitchen, so it made sense to try it out.
Thats a great hack!
I loved this. I discovered you a few weeks ago and I'm really enjoying your library of videos! You have the most perfect attitude toward What One Needs, and What One Doesn't Need. And I agree, tracing paper is life-changing!
I’m only just getting into sewing, my Mum was very gifted and made wonderful clothes and quilts until she got dementia 😢. I was never a fan of sewing by machine as I had a love/hate relationship with them for years! My Mum gave me her Brother Opus 2 a couple of years ago. It’s pretty old but it does so much! I was playing with it yesterday and have ordered a replacement for the lost monogram foot. Anyway, like yourself I discovered the Frixion pens were great for marking fabrics. I had been using them for bullet journaling and suddenly thought, ‘ hang on, these would work great for marking fabrics,’ I was making face masks at the time. I only use a 0.5 black ink pen but they are soooooo useful! I highly recommend them too! I have a chronic illness too so it is great to find you on You Tube. Thank you!
Laughing out Loud Together! I thought the mats self heal too 😂😂😂😂😂😂
My best purchase was over 20 years ago. I bought a Bernina sewing machine, not a really posh one but what I like best is the fact it will go through eight layers of denim easily (DC motor). You can tell it what position you want your needle in when you stop (down is a great help for turning corners). It has a half speed button. It cost me £550 and they threw in a walking foot which I ignored for many years but now I've started making bags it's been really useful. (I started sewing bags after watching sewing times). I've just made my first bag of my own design - it has many many pockets so I don't loose things in the bottom of the bag like I do with a normal handbag!
I thought self-healing mats should heal, and I thought so until you said they don't! Whaaaaat? The first really good decision I made was to get a waist-height table for cutting. I also use it for all my craft projects, so I can stand comfortably and see what I'm doing. I also love the cushioned mat I stand on!
If you use a standard plastic tables a set of bed risers will create a good height and not much addition cost to make it work until a higher cost option is possible- not all tables are created equal and custom made or specific heights can also be don on a lower budget
Is it not self healing 😂 I still thought that they are 😂😂
I think my smartest purchase was an experience. I took a sewing class once I'd been sewing for a few months. Sometimes it's only by doing something you realise what you don't know so I was able to ask questions based on where I was at.
Also oh those air threading overlockers are amazing. I used one a few times and... It was lust at first surge. But its a want not a need and my mother's 35 year old husky lock is still doing what I need it to...
I agree with good scissors. I need to upgrade mine and will be getting ginghers (or however they are spelled) as they are a step up from the fiskers I've been using for years.
For most things I've tried to make do with what I have and not spend too much as I didn't want to waste money if it turned out I didn't need or like something. But some things are definitely worth the expense. Like pins, scissors and thread. Don't cheap out on those or it will be more work and worse results.
Agreed with ALL your “best” choices, particularly the rotary cutter. Got mine as part of quilting, but now that I’m trying garment sewing,, it has been a revelation how useful the rotary cutter can be. Your ideas about the sewing machine are spot on-I just bought one that is less than optimal and the frustration just gets in the way. But, as you said-the fancy machines aren’t required. I have a pair of 1950s little Singers that are work horse machines-they never say no to anything. But, neither has a zigzag so I’m constantly called away to something more modern.
Enjoyed these last two videos about sewing tools. Thanks!
The rotary cutter and mats are essential. Such time-savers.
My best purchase was my industrial machine. I've got a lead foot when sewing to the point where I've burnt out multiple motors (turns out that domestic machines shouldn't be used at top speed for 6+ hours a day, every day, who knew!xD) and I knew sewing was becoming my career so it was an investment.
I generally only use a straight stitch when sewing (I don't zigzag or overlock on a regular basis, I prefer the look of French and Hong Kong seams personally) so an industrial works fine for me. On the rare occasion I need a special stitch or fancy foot, I've got a semi-industrial and an overlocker on standby. Next purchase will be a dedicated blind-hemmer!
But also my collection of fabric scissors. I have ones in different weights for different types of fabric. I tie a strip of offcut around the handle to remember which is which. So the lightweight scissors has a strip of silk, the heavyweight scissors has some denim, and the middleweight scissors has some quilting cotton. Then there's paper scissors, and polyester scissors because those two things are horrid demons that exist only to blunt my good scissors. Pinking shears, thread snips, long handled scissors ♡.♡ love them
Marvelling at your organisational skills, Laura x
Love your channel and helpful tips! My wonderful sewing experiences are with my JUKI TL 2200QVP Mini - straight stitch only but what a stitch. And my JUKI MO-644D overlocker, a gift from my mum.
I love this! The comments too. 😅 Such a giggle.
Finally given in and subscribed!
The content is so useful and having someone who is plus size and understands chronic illness talking about sewing just ticks all my boxes. Keep up the good work Claire.
I got a ham as part of a birthday present and I think I was surprised by how useful it was, I also use it for pinning bust darts and basting them both in paper and fabric since I have to make so many adjustments to make them work.
Self healing mats do heal! When I was doing papercraft I once used a non-self healing mat, (a loooong time ago) and every cut would make a new bump in the surface so you had to replace the mat regularly and buy a new one for delicate work. The self healing ones close back up so the surface is flat and can be used again, the cut is still there but the edges butt together again. Hence....healing!
I bought my last two sewing/embroidery machines second hand as the more expensive machines are like cars, they lose value as soon as they leave the shop. The machines I bought were half the price and only a couple of years old. The main thing to do is to test the machine can sew what you want to sew: buttonholes, heavy denim, lightweight chiffon, stretch fabric, etc. Also read the manual and find out what the stitches should be used for. There are many functional stitches that I ignored for years because I did not realise they were designed for specific fabrics, seams, etc. In fact download the manual of machines you are interested in buying and find out if they can do what you want, or whether they have optional attachments, feet, etc that you need. Watching CZcams videos can help, but nothing beats sitting at a machine and using it. If we were not in lockdown the best place to compare machines is a big sewing show, such as Sewing for Pleasure, as all the main manufacturers have display stands where you can sit down and test drive machines.
Another plus of having a sewing machine - use it to teach your kids clutch control using the foot pedal, before letting them loose in a car. Learning to control speed with their feet, whilst using their hands and eyes to control fabric is a useful skill.
Made my own tailors ham and sleeve roll (looks like a long sausage) from strong calico, stuffed with sawdust (pet bedding sawdust is clean and cheap), with a half wool, half cotton cover. Use a jam funnel to get the sawdust in to the ham to stop it going everywhere.
Oo ps, thought they really were self healing. ☺️Best purchase, my Gloria babylock serger/ coverstitch machine last year. My first serger and I’ve been sewing for 4 decades! . Amazing. Threading right off the bat takes a couple minutes. So easy.And I told myself not to complain switching to coverstitch as it takes minutes and I’m lucky and blessed to have it! Love love it! I bought my first ham this year- very handy. And a few years ago hubby bought , me a table thing with 4 drawers for thread . The top flip open revealing a padded ironing top on one side and the other side for cutting with mat . It sits by my machine so I just need to turn my chair around. and iron pieces. I have the same mini iron as you. Very handy. I also have a Janome embroidery/ sewing machine which I love! Since I have my own sewing room, I put in a long bench -top cupboard with doors and drawers, like you’d have in a kitchen. Very handy. I’m well set up and alas, none of my kids enjoy sewing.
Bahahaha! I too thought the same thing about “self healing mats”!! Did you find out why they’re called that?? But I’d have to say, they last a lot longer than any other I’ve had!!
Everything you showed today was “an essential “ in my book! I think I’d add straight pins! Good ones, sharp ones, & a decent length!! I see over them? (Don’t tell anyone shhhh....🤫🤭) & the other is sewing threads, spend the money and get good quality 🧵 threads!!
I sure enjoy you videos!! Thanks for all your creativeness ❤️
My first sewing (quilting) purchase was a 3pc. cutting set- rotary cutter, 18"x24" ruler, and a (n.s.h. 😉) self-healing mat. After figuring out no healing was happening, I learned to spread my cutting around when possible. I luff them, want to kiss them. 😘
My Gingher scissors, they are over 40 years old and have only needed sharpening twice. Love them. My mother-in-law gave me a sleeve ham, I had been using a rolled magazine in a sock lol. Love the sleeve ham
You're giving me confidence about the serger that a friend gave me on long-term loan. Two years ago!
Just found you this morning, am watching the fourth video!!
Thank you!
Thanks so much for the tip for using Elephant legs to raise the cutting table. It saves me from so much pain in my lower back. I have chronic back pain. Thank you, thank you.
I bought a huge roll of ligh weight non-iron-on interfacing on clearance, that I use for tracing patterns.
Pinking shears are a lifesaver for fabric that frays a lot. Buying an overcast foot for my regular sewing machine, mimics much of what an expensive overlocker does.
If you think pinking shears are great wait until you use a “pinking rotary blade”. So great to grade curved seams. Also love them for edging polar fleece. PS I sew every day!
My smartest sewing purchase - That Purple Thang (Little Foot TPT). Around £5 for a small piece of plastic but I knew instinctively that it would be sooo useful and it really is. I use it every time I sew to guide fabric under the machine needle without any danger to my fingers and to poke corners and thread elastic. I just love it. There are lots of cheaper copycat versions available now and tbh they work just as well and come in lovely colours so I bought a pack of those, but I don't mind having bought the original to support the designer. Whoever invented it is a genius - or a sewer!
Good morning! I "splurged" on a Babylock Imagine 5 years or so ago, actually my first overlocker, and it changed my sewing world! I have a almost bottom of the line Janome and it does most everything I need. But if I ever upgrade I'll really shop around. I was convinced I needed to use a local shop for maintenance., so I bought local. The service has gone downhill...I also love my rotary blades and mat, good sheares.
What I haven't found is a way to sharpen a seam ripper!
Let me know if you find a way to sharpen a seam ripper!
A small round file from the hardware store will work
I had the same frustrating experience with my first serger (which fortunately I got for free) and, feeling flush at that moment, I went out and bought a brand new Babylock Enlighten. It cost about 3 times as much as my most expensive sewing machine - I only use very old vintage machines that are usually inexpensive - but I have not regretted it. It has really added to my enjoyment of sewing and to the results.
I have the Innovis 1800q and love it, I sew quilts and appliqué and use the pivot function a lot and the bigger throat is really useful.
Yay machine twins! I adore the large throat!
Still have my server from about 1990, and my awesome metal basic sewing machine from about 1976. The serger is my best purchase and has lasted all this time.
My tip with machines is: buy the very best you can ALMOST afford. You’ll pay it off soon enough, but the lifetime of wishing you had will be a real drag. Watch 100 CZcams videos first to make sure you know what you’re getting, and talk to your local sewing machine service guy to find out what if any common problems are.
I think that is pretty great advice. I dont have a cheap sewing machine and im glad for the one I have. If you get a cheap machine it almost always means the machine quality itself is cheap. Most craft stores have payment plans if you cant afford it in one shot. Sewing and similar crafts are time consuming and although fun can be a mental strain. If your serious then take the time to research and be prepared to spend.
I agree completely. My 2 baby lock machines have both been in service multiple times and the one needed a new motor. Here in the u.s. I was told by an expert that the baby lock is good when it is made by the Japanese. This equates an over $1,000 purchase. In the meantime my well built 1940’s machines do all the heavy lifting.
Claire, I really enjoy your videos. You make learning fun. I look forward to each video you publish.
Omg I love you!! The self healing mat thing cracked me up. Great video. Thanks so much for these fun videos💖😄💕
I lost most of my sewing appliances and machines in a move several years ago and cannot replace them. I must say, my tailor's ham is the thing I most miss, even just sewing masks, besides my wonderful sewing machine. It adds a finish to seams and curves, as you said, that cannot be matched, a professional finish. Good luck in your quest for self sufficiency. You are a plucky lady!
Walking foot. I mainly quilt bought a used Bernina 750 we fir the large harp space. But then I badly hurt my left shoulder. Ended up getting a total shoulder replacement (twice b/c 1st one didn’t work out for me.). The walking foot allowed me to continue quilting & to be creative. Love my Bernina walking foot!
What I see here is that every one is in love with their machine once they find the right one. Mine is a used Pfaff that brought me to a whole new level of sewing paradise, but I’m sure there are plenty of machines that could have done the trick for me just as well. My serger is essential, friction pens as well. I have a wheel marking gizmo that holds chalk that is great, very thin line on dark fabrics, but check that you can get the chalk mark out after. I can’t keep scissors sharp even my Ginger’s so I just use the cheap ones and then throw them in the junk drawer when they get dull.
Rather than a medium sized ironing board I had a piece of scrap wood about 9 x 12 inches and 3/4 inch thick from another project. I padded it well with cotton quilting and other batting that I had, and covered it tightly with muslin. I stapled it on the back. I have it right next to the machine under my arm. I use it for pressing whatever smaller/quick pieces without having to turn and scoot over to my large ironing board on my chair that has wheels. Otherwise, it makes a nice arm rest.
I’ve never taken a machine in for service, just blow and brush out all the dust and fibers, dig deep and take it all apart to do so and oil them when they start to go clickety, clickety. What else is there to service?
I can’t wait to watch the rest of your videos. 😎☺️🥰 Beth in Austin, TX
Can't remember if it was this video i watched where you talked about your self healing mat. It got me thinking so i googled why they call it a self healing mat: “Self-healing” cutting mats are made from independent tiny pieces pressed together to create a solid cutting surface. When you cut on the mat using a rotary cutter, the blade actually goes between the tiny pieces, separating them, and not cutting into the surface as a whole unit. After the cut is made, the surface has a “memory” and closes back together, thus it is referred to as “self-healing.” This is why it is very important to always use a sharp blade in your rotary cutter. A dull blade can actually slice the mat because it is not able to make that thin precise cut. In addition, always keep your cutter at a 90° angle when cutting on the mat. It is easy to hold it slightly slanted instead of perfectly perpendicular, even when using a rotary cutting ruler. The slanted cut can actually cut the tiny pieces rather than separating them, leaving a gash in the mat.
Both my mats have cuttings all over them! Def not self healing. Thanks for researching though, I think them calling it self healing is dodgy because going by what you say if the blade separates the fibres, no cut has been made therefore there is nothing to heal from, so either way its not self healing.
I have most of what you talked about and I totally agree with you. One thing I don't have is a pressing ham which I didn't but yet as I keep telling myself I'll make one as I find them quite pricey to buy them on line (shipping being very expensive), and haven't found in any of the stores in Malta. But I don't think I can do any sewing without my serger. The finishing with a serger is way more neat than a zigzag . I got it when I wanted to sew my daughter's holy communion dress 26 years ago and I'm still in love with it.
I have a video on how to create a sewing ham. I don’t see why you couldn’t use your serger as long as it’s 4 thread for security. If unsure you could create a lining bag put the clippings in that then put into the outer bag.
My newest smart purchase is an english product (me living in Germany): the Clover sliding gauge! Shortening trouser legs - which can be a tedious job - is a breeze once you get to fix the length correctly with one single pin needle. And because all trousers I buy do have too long legs, I'm really happy about this gadget :-)
7:30 I just fell in love with you. You're a hoot!! U have a great laugh. I'm hooked....so I subbed
Welcome!
I too joined during your 1st video (poor choices) cuz you made me laugh. And I so needed a laugh.
Another enjoyable video. . When changing threads make sure all tensions are on Zero that opens up for the knot and only pull through one a a time 😊
No, no Barbara! You should not have to turn the tensions to zero to pull the threads through. Leave tensions well alone. After tying the new threads, all you have to do is to keep the foot RAISED, and then pull. That's it! Your way, you will have to fiddle with the tensions to get them right again. Just so not necessary.
Oh I love the Brother sewing machines. I have 2 of them. One is my main one and it is nowhere close to your model but it is still great and sews like a dream. The other I have is one of the Brothers you can get at Walmart. It is completely manual but it is a full size sewing machine but so very light. It too sews like a dream. My smartest purchase was my brother side cutter foot which I explained in a earlier post was a sewing machine foot that acts like a overcast foot but actually trims fabric at the same time. It works on both of my Brother sewing machines. I refer to it as my mini serger.
I mention that foot in my serger video. It seems like a good option if you can’t buy a serger.
When rethreading my serger by tying on the new thread, I turn my tension knobs to 0. That's helped me.
I got better machines than I could afford by watching ads and buying 2nd hand. I think your suggestions are spot on. I'd add a small pair of sharp scissors to keep at my machine for snipping threads.
I loved the “not self healing mat” I thought the same thing!!!! You’re awesome! I agree with all these items being useful. I don’t have the smaller curved rulers but, might look for one or two that you’ve showed us.
Really enjoyed your video. Seam ripper is the most useful 😁 Smartest was buying a good quality sewing machine. Bought a cheap one first, but it was hopeless on thicker fabric.
Seam ripper definitely a necessity!
You are so sensible - just found you and watching all your videos. Well done you.
Welcome!
I agree on all of these, except maybe the pens. Just cuz I learned with chalk, which works for me. A surger I would say is a absolute necessity, as soon as you're sewing for other people or selling. And the sewing machine I agree about in the sense that one should buy the main tools that you are happy with and that keeps you happy for years. Be it a budget machine or a pricy one, it's what gives you pleasure and the result you want that is most important. Not the price. Me, I love my old Nordic Zig Zag that I bought in the 1980's. It was second hand, but had lived in a closet for 20 years and just keeps on going and fits me ergonomically. I'd like to ad a pair of thread cutters, the type that has a loop for your finger. It's on my right ring finger at all times when sewing.
My trusty Bernina 1030 was my best ever purchase. Cost me £450 over 30 years ago, I thought that was a massive amount to pay. But it’s been an absolute workhouse, not as fancy as a lot of today’s machines but I wouldn’t get rid of it for the world.
I thought these items were all great. A lot of my favorites too. I live in Texas and just bought that Ikea small ironing board a year ago. It was $5 then. I love it. I can set up a little ironing station next to my sewing machine for when I’m sewing quilt blocks. I just found your channel recently and subscribed and am binge watching! Great content! I’m plus size and want to get back to sewing for myself. I’m not willing to pay $60 for a top. 🤗🤗
Hi Vicky, welcome! So pleased to have you here!
Crayola washable textas are a dream to use for marking fabric, especially since they also have lots of ink so if you need to mark 2 layers of fabric, you can leave it on the point for a bit longer... and it washes away so beautifully!
I agree 100% with that french curve ruler, I have a body shape that isnt suited to store baught patterns so that baby has been an absolute dream for adapting, altering or creating from scratch!
I've not used a ham in forever and have been trying to find one thats just the right shape, but in the mean time, that towel idea is brilliant! thanks for sharing that!
I've spent a little money on 1940s/50s sewing instructions, or rather pattern drafting, as a lot of the more modern instructables arent exatly user friendly in comparison. the eras before fast fashion offered people the ability to be creative and unrestrictive, so they show you how to make, then take basic pattern blocks and change them to any style you please from billowing bishop sleeves and gathered day skirts with POCKETS, to evening gowns and wedding dresses. Etsy is a great place to look for the downloadable versions, and if you'd rather just know how to do ONE thing, like adjusting an armscye or adding vintage looking pintucks to a blouse, Pintrest has a LOT of options from all of these instructionals. very very helpful for makng a single pattern become an entire and varied wardrobe!
I recently got myself a "healing mat" (it got delivered yesterday) and I've not had a chance to use it yet, but its 18" x 24" and I'm excited about cutting my rayons and chiffons with ease... do you have any advice for someone who's never really used one before? its midspring here in Australia and I am really excited about putting together my summer wardrobe. I started the process for a new wardrobe mid last year and was futzing about with pattern that fits but then I started a new medication in Jan and I suddenly started to lose weight and had to hold off... but my weights been stablised for a couple months now and I'm ready with piles of beautiful rayons and chiffons and cottons and lawns ready to cut sew and in some cases dye, embroider and/or paint!
I am pretty happy with my little tabletop ironing board, too. I've got a small family but we're all creative types so theres limited space for me to store ALL my things, so my sewing desk is also my writing and painting desk... and having that little board fold up and hang on the back of a door makes a world of difference.
I have had a passion for sewing for most of my live, and have used a lot of sewing machines in my time. My first was a refurbished 1970s dream that I have sadly parted ways with, I've had a couple others and my newest made model is from about 7 years ago now... I also have an overlocker by toyota that is marked with all the instructions on where to put the threads and is a little monster of a machine, it'll work on christmas up hill both ways in a snow snorm!
And yet, here I sit sewing on a 1950 featherweight singer with no zigzag function and I havent used the surger or the other sewing machine in 5eva... It may be one of the most beautiful things to look at, but OH! THE PRECISION! This baby is literally an orgasm to sew on... I have almost all the original feet that it came with (my ex found it in a deceased estate situation) and I can sew chiffon rolled hems at 3mm without so much as a crinkle of my forehead or the feeddogs eating the fabric, make perfect pintucks in lawn with a foot that looks like a torture instrument and the bias foot is 80x better than the several others I've tried/owned and it takes 15/16th" wide bias to do it, so once sewn it comes out just shy of a quater of an inch wide. I know lots of people proffer the overlocker or the zigzag edge, but I'll take bias seams and french seams and hong kong seams and every other seam over that any day... and sewing stretch/knit is as simple as stretching the fabric out while you sew a long stitch. andandand it comes in this little case... I've had handbags bigger than that case, with storage. andandand theres some wonderful people out there that have not only made all the tutorials I'm ever going to need on how to service, repair, and use this thing, they also sell parts, accessories, manuals, etc, and since this thing is made of metal parts rather than plastic, I'll be able to take care of it all for myself and it will last at least another 70yrs for me to be able to teach my great grandkids how to sew on this thing too!
I'm genuinely not even sure what to do with my other sewing machines anymore, I've often wondered if I should give them away or keep them to teach my son sewing on so he doesnt have to wait around for me to finish on my sewing machine.
Lots to read, but its a joy to interact with others about a subject that really gets my juices going! lol
Yay for that! For the mat, when it gets grubby I clean with bicarbonate of soda. You always want it laid and stored flat else it will warp.
@@Penguinandpear oooh! Thank you so much! I need to change where I store it now! 😂😅
Totally agree about the self healing mat! I’ve got several of your ‘best buys’ including the ham and the Ikea ironing board - love the video!
Best purchases, serrated blade scissors for really slippy fabrics (truly work). The purchases of 28 and 18mm rotary cutters, for tight curves and small areas.
I use my Juki coverstitch machine almost as much as the serger. It makes the best hems that don't pop stitches and saves so much time from what I used to do with a serged edge, then re-threading my sewing machine with a twin needle and 2nd thread spool holder. If a person doesn't work with knits or stretchy fabric much, it would be hard to justify the extra expense. I don't use my Industrial Machine as often as I thought I would...I would 2nd guess that purchase if I had to do it all over again. Would likely get a used one. I agree on the sewing machine splurge. I have a high-end Brother as well that I love and the capabilities are endless. I look for big throat length for for large items, automatic threading and a reasonable amount of stitch options. If I were to shop now I would look more at ease of maintenance by consumer and the cost to do a tune up if you have to take it in. My Innovis-IS Quattro 3 is expensive to service. TFS
About 20 years ago I bought a Kenmore 385 series machine (made by Janome) and love it. It is a manual which I prefer as i can do quite a bit of the work on it myself. She's a jewel! ~~ and you really have to love your machine. Some of your favorites I have and some I plan on getting but on a fixed income (retired) it really does take planning!
Enjoyed your video. Keep up the good work!
Absolutely love your machine and as you know I live here in America and can’t get those machines here. You did however give me advice on what is the closest machine to yours and I did purchase it, and it was a large purchase for me as well. But...it was the best purchase I’ve made. I love it !! So thank you for your advice Claire ♥️
Glad you like it! I’m pretty sure your machine is the exact same one with a different name.
I truly did enjoy this video but I must recommend spring tension scissors for use. They run fairly inexpensive on Amazon or the local stores. I have carpal tunnel flair ups and these scissors practically stop the pain and fatigue in my hands.
What I really like about you is that you seem so real! Thanks
🤯
That's a thing!?
Fiskers nose sharp they are awesome, They are a little pricey but it's well worth every penny. I like using my rotary cutter for long cuts especially straight and also a lot of the curved extended cuts to are really good because of the way rotary cutter can move, I like my scissors for precise detailed cuts and small cuts
Thanks for coming back Claire, I love your videos.
Best purchases? ... hmmm, still wondering what that might be as I'm on my second sewing machine, both not quite ideal but $$$'s right!
I know - my iron is a really good iron and I love it. Now to pay $$$'s for an ironing board that isn't wonky ... :D
A manufacturer of the self healing mats told me that they are made for straight line cutting as long as you don't gouge it it does heal. However we do lots of curves and that causes the gouging. Also using dull blades damages the mat. Some people have the one blade in their rotary cutter for years that is not going to work. I have tried to order that table top from Ikea for the last couple of years but since there isn't one close to me it's difficult, but I serge standing up so not a problem.
My best purchase was my Necchi machine on offer from Aldi for £160. I went to 200 stitches from a manual machine that had 21!. I love it so much. Only been sewing for about 7 months now but I would re buy my machine time and time again!
About the ham and small ironing board, I don't have either of those but I have Two mini tabletop ironing boards on little folding bases that are the size for pulling sleeves onto such as those on shirts and blouses. I bought one myself then my daughter bought me another not knowing I already had one. They aren't as useful as the ham or short and wide board but work well for pressing seams and such.
Love my lightweight Fiskars shears, which I've had about 40 years!
I watched your what not to buy as a beginner video, and then this, and I have to say, I'm happy, because all the things I bought so far are appeared in this video, not the other one! :D
Yay!!!!
I never thought of scissor maintenance until I saw the Brittany J Jones scissor maintenance video; for your squeeky scissors. Thanks for the video....
I just bought Janome 2000D air threader and I love it,.
Oooooh
My absolute best purchase was an old Singer--NOT a featherweight, but the next size up. I'd tagged along to a thrift shop with a friend and I was wandering in their "bruised & abused"/or junky area when 2 old sewing machines, each in a cabinet, caught my eye. Well first thing I checked for was a bobbin case. The junkier of the 2 was missing that and a lot more. But this Singer 301A was in an ArtDeco cabinet that was in good shape and the drawers were full ofthe xtras: manual, attachments and even extra bobbins. Before I got too excited, I asked the workman the price, figuring I could afford maybe $50-$60, though it was worth much more. So when he suggested $25, I bit my tongue and held my breath as long as I could so as not to seem so eager that he'd correct himself and price it higher. I spent the evening cleaning & oiling it and by bedtime, it was "purring" . Oh, did I mention that it had both knee control and foot pedal and could be taken out of the cabinet and taken as a portable.
What an amazing find!
Brother are brilliant machines even the basic machines are great. I had my original one for 35 years and it was still going strong when I gave it away to a friend in need. But I have new Brother which is also amazing.
You are not alone with thinking a self heal mat will do just that 😂 . My favourite is my machine as well, I have been struggling with tapping butchers paper so I will invest in a roll of tracing paper Karen R
Your definitely not the only one to think that about the cutting mats.
One of my best purchases was a dressform. It took me some time to get it padded out but she is great now. Altering stuff is so easy now.
Best purchases: Rotary cutter/mat, Serger, Brother machines, Sew Steady table, cutting table. Great video.
Absolutely love your videos. My best purchase was my low end Janome serger. I was trying to finish seams using an overcast stitch on my Singer sewing machine and it was a nightmare and the results sucked. Now I can do seams that look so nice and stretch and last.
I agree with so many of your purchases. My tissue paper is 160cm wide, so much better than taping smaller sheets together. A few years ago I bought a computerized Janome and even though it was crazy expensive it was totally worth it. I've had a serger for years and only use it when sewing knits. I think my coverlock machine was one of my best buys, I can't imagine sewing without it. Something else that is needed is good straight pins. As they get dull I just garbage them. One of my favourite gadgets is a magnetic seam guide. I've had my original one since I was a teenager and I'm 62 now. Great information, thanks.
I think I agree with all your comments. I have three smartest purchases - firstly I use fiskas scissors as they are springloaded so your hand does not need to pull the scissors apart as happens with traditional scissors; it is the opening action that tends to cause the most pain. My other two smart purchases are because I have done a lot of sewing over the years so I love my industrial iron and my industrial sewing machine(s). I agree that an overlocker is an amazing investment and a good sewing machine is worth it's weight in gold.
For me getting a good machine that I didnt have to fuss with was important. If you hate your machine you won't even want to get started. I had Singers before and just couldn't get around to using them unless I really needed to machine sew. Then I got my Brother CS7000i. It was one of the highest rated lower price range machines I found when researching. I love it so far. And have actually started sewing a whole garment for the first time since high school. Brothers seem to be good if you want a lot of bells and whistles.
I have tracing paper and I been using it for over 35yrs and still have some left, about 1/4 of it. Been loving your videos. XXX 💖💝💗👍👏
I prefer vintage sewing machines. They're so straightforward and reliable. Much easier to work on too.
You won’t regret getting a Babylock serger. I had two different Singer sergers and they still work and are real workhorses but they are much more trouble to use than my Babylock imagine.
Hi, thank you so much for sharing.
I sow for 25 years now, quilting and dressmaking. More when my kids were little and I had a wonderful Pfaff that time, that did cost me a fortune as well. So I understand exactly what you meant with sewing experience 😃 . Unfortunately I had to leave that machine behind when I left my ex, but I miss it even after 15 years. I picked up sewing again when my mum passed in 2017 to beat depression and PTSD. And I was so lucky to get a quite cheap machine at Aldi that time. In original it was about 239€ and because the packaging was damaged, I got it for 100€. And I am so happy about the purchase. And by the way: I had the same issue with the self-healing cutting mat 😉. You can get them for a decent price in "The Works" in the UK. The biggest I got there is A2 for 12.50 GBP and they are good quality.
Anyways, I love your videos and look forward to see more.
Greetings from Ireland. Please stay safe. 😊