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SEWING BLOG
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Coming Attractions for Fall 2011
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To view the video, click on the video or click here.
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Is the Honeymoon over? |
Between you and your sewing machine, that is. Has your machine become cranky and hard to get along with? Do you find that sewing is not as easy or fun as it was when your machine was new? Well it’s the same with any relationship, both partners have needs. You need a sewing machine that is reliable and ready to go when you are. But, what needs does a sewing machine have, you may ask? Read on. First, it needs to be cleaned. All that sewing makes a lot of lint and fuzz, and not just where you can see it. Deep within the machine where only the technician can go lurk lost threads and mats of lint and fuzz. Second, it needs to be oiled. This is a machine with metal parts after all! For those metal parts to move freely and efficiently they need to be oiled regularly. By-the-way, sitting neglected for a long time is bad for your machine too because it gets very dry. Third, it needs to be aligned. There are a number of settings on your machine like tensions, balance and timing for example. Each of those settings needs to be reset to factory specs now and then. Things like jams, loose threads and lint can contribute to your settings going awry. So how long has it been since you have given your sewing partner a day at the spa (i.e., a good tune-up at the sewing center)? One, two, three years . . . A good service every year or two will make your machine purr and you feel like it’s a second honeymoon. So bring your sewing machine in for the full treatment. You’ll be glad you did.
Posted 5/6/11
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Has Sewing Become A "Pain In The Neck?" |
It saddens me when fellow sewers tell me that sewing is no longer fun for them. Sometimes it is literally a pain in the neck or back that makes sewing physically uncomfortable. Other times having to dig out the sewing machine and find the thread and accessories causes another kind of “pain”. I do have a cure for these pains and it won’t involve a trip to the doctor. The pain in your neck or back is from sitting at the wrong height or not sitting directly in front of the needle when sewing. The cure: a sewing table or cabinet! The other kind of pain occurs because there is no central location for your machine and sewing tools. The cure: a sewing cabinet with storage! If you haven’t looked at cabinets for a while you will be surprised at all the possibilities. For example: Koala Studios gives you eight finishes to choose from; Horn of America has a Multi-Lift cabinet that can be adjusted to any height; Arrow Sewing Cabinets has a sewing table for under $125. No matter what your budget, which sewing machine you have, or how small your sewing space, we can help you find the cabinet that’s right for you. There are a number of specials like free shipping for Arrow Sewing Cabinets, 40% off Horn of America and special “Club” pricing on Koala Studios. Just think of all the fun that sewing can be again when you are pain-free and organized at your new sewing cabinet.
Posted 12/28/10
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All That Glitters Is Not Gold
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Are you afraid to sew or embroider with metallic thread? Have you been unsuccessful in your attempts to use this delicate thread? You can be successful adding glitter to your projects by following a few simple steps. First, you will need to get a metallic needle size 90/14. These specialty threads are made from a metal foil wrap covering a strand of thread. The metallic needle has a special coating in the eye to cut down on the friction and heat caused by the high speed of metal on metal. Second, you need to place the spool on a vertical spool holder. Metallic thread tends to kink so unwinding vertically is better, and if you can, allow extra room for the thread to unwind. A separate cone-thread holder is just the ticket. Third, make some adjustments to your machine. You should loosen your tension, and slow your speed for embroidery. Depending on your machine you will need to lower your top tension by 1 or 2 numbers, and with embroidery slow it down to less than 500 stitches per minute. Just like any new project, having the right equipment and instructions make the difference between frustration and success. So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and add some sparkle to your projects just in time for the holidays.
Posted 10/26/10
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Perfect Cutting WITHOUT Using Scissors!
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To view the video, click on the video, or click here.
Posted 10/6/10
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Disappearing Embroidery
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Have you ever stitched an embroidery design on a towel, fleece or knit fabric only to have the stitches disappear? No, it’s not magic. Whenever you embroider on fabrics with loft or nap, your stitches will tend to sink or disappear into the fabric. To prevent this from happening, always use a topping stabilizer on fabrics like fleece, terry, corduroy, velvet and even knits. Toppings are stabilizers that lay on top of your fabric in order to keep the thread from sinking into the nap. When you are finished with the design, the topping can be easily removed. There are two kinds of toppings, “Baby Lock’s Press-Away” which dissolves with a warm iron, and “Baby Lock’s Hydro Melt” which dissolves with water. Which one you use usually depends on whether your fabric is washable. If you are embroidering on dry-clean-only fabric, then you will need to use the Press-Away. A topping does not add stability to you design so you will still need to use a cut-away or tear-away stabilizer under your fabric. So to stop your embroidery from disappearing, always use a topping on plush and high-pile fabrics. To download a brochure on Baby Lock stabilizers, click here. For more answers about stabilizers, stop into one of our Centers where our experts will be happy to assist you. If you would like to learn more about stabilizers and other embroidery techniques, check out our Embroidery Club by clicking here and scrolling down to the Embroidery Club section.
Posted 9/24/10
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Are your marking tools making your
sewing projects more difficult?
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If so, we have the solution!
To view the video, click on the video, or click here.
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To watch all our videos, click here.
Posted 9/8/10
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THE SECRET TO A PERFECT QUILTING STITCH REVEALED!
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Our behind-the-scenes video blog continues from Baby Lock Tech in St. Louis.
Check out the Baby Lock Jewel long arm quilter. Along with the metal Grace Pinnacle frame, you can get professional results at home! How easy is it? Come watch as a first timer takes over the controls. How did she do? To find out, click here or on the video below.
To watch all our videos, click here.
Posted 9/23/09
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Discount Vacuum & Sewing Center continues its behind-the-scenes video blog from Baby Lock Tech in St. Louis.
Be amongst the first in the COUNTRY to see the new Baby Lock Sashiko machine. This machine is the first of its kind in the world! It duplicates a centuries old hand stitch. It has applications for quilting, clothing, home dec, and more. To take a peek, click here or on the video below.
To see a quick video on what the Sashiko can sew, click here.
To watch all our videos, click here.
Posted 9/9/09
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GO BEHIND CLOSED DOORS!
Take a Behind-the-Scenes Peek at the Vendor Mall
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Discount Vacuum & Sewing Center goes to Baby Lock Tech in St. Louis. See new products before they reach the stores, sewing stars, and more! Stay tuned for more of our video blogs and get an insiders view from Baby Lock Tech! To see our first video, click here, or on the video below.
To watch all our videos, click here.
Posted 9/4/09
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