The sewing machine

[TecScot]

Ok so the last post was in December, but I have something that might be worth while, even if late. Please allow me to contribute my 40+ years of sewing knowledge. Your old metal case, metal gear New Home is a gem. Worth getting service on from a competent modern shop.

Usually "bobbin" problems - a mare's nest under the fabric - is the result of improper threading of the upper thread path. I know it is counter-intuitive, just believe me.

Thread breakage every 30 seconds or so is caused by a couple of things, bad needle, needle installed properly, thread spool on its side when it is supposed to feed off the top of the spool, (like with the cross wound spools common today) or vice versa (as with the traditional straight winds).

The solution to the needle problem is to get a new one and be sure it is installed right. The wrong orientation on the thread spool can be solved with a thread stand. They are $7.00 at the local fabric store. Oh, and sometimes, even with "quality" thread, you can get a bad spool. Try a different spool before looking for a thread stand, it's cheaper.

Good Luck!

[berserkbishop]

Ok so the last post was in December, but I have something that might be worth while, even if late. Please allow me to contribute my 40+ years of sewing knowledge. Your old metal case, metal gear New Home is a gem. Worth getting service on from a competent modern shop.

Usually "bobbin" problems - a mare's nest under the fabric - is the result of improper threading of the upper thread path. I know it is counter-intuitive, just believe me.

Thread breakage every 30 seconds or so is caused by a couple of things, bad needle, needle installed properly, thread spool on its side when it is supposed to feed off the top of the spool, (like with the cross wound spools common today) or vice versa (as with the traditional straight winds).

The solution to the needle problem is to get a new one and be sure it is installed right. The wrong orientation on the thread spool can be solved with a thread stand. They are $7.00 at the local fabric store. Oh, and sometimes, even with "quality" thread, you can get a bad spool. Try a different spool before looking for a thread stand, it's cheaper.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the advice, and welcome to the board! I still am having issues with the machine so your input is very appreciated!

BB

[James MacMillan]

Ok so the last post was in December, but I have something that might be worth while, even if late. Please allow me to contribute my 40+ years of sewing knowledge. Your old metal case, metal gear New Home is a gem. Worth getting service on from a competent modern shop.

Usually "bobbin" problems - a mare's nest under the fabric - is the result of improper threading of the upper thread path. I know it is counter-intuitive, just believe me.

Thread breakage every 30 seconds or so is caused by a couple of things, bad needle, needle installed properly, thread spool on its side when it is supposed to feed off the top of the spool, (like with the cross wound spools common today) or vice versa (as with the traditional straight winds).

The solution to the needle problem is to get a new one and be sure it is installed right. The wrong orientation on the thread spool can be solved with a thread stand. They are $7.00 at the local fabric store. Oh, and sometimes, even with "quality" thread, you can get a bad spool. Try a different spool before looking for a thread stand, it's cheaper.

Good Luck!

First off -

from Sunny Southern California, just outside the back gate of Camp Pendleton!

Now a question - or request. Please give more information about the thread stand. My wife, who is an accomplished quilter and my neighbor who is a very good seamstress, haven't heard of this.

[cacunn]

Now a question - or request. Please give more information about the thread stand. My wife, who is an accomplished quilter and my neighbor who is a very good seamstress, haven't heard of this.

James
Check this link to Joann's Fabrics I think it is what SheScot is talking about

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...RODID=prd12768

[James MacMillan]

James
Check this link to Joann's Fabrics I think it is what SheScot is talking about

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...RODID=prd12768

OK - Thanks. Both my wife and neighbor use much smaller spools, and I guess that's why they didn't recognize the item.

[berserkbishop]

Sew. . . .or not. Anyway, I am getting irritated with my complete incompetence on anything to do with sewing. In my life, there really hasnt been anything that I have put my mind to that I wasnt able to accomplish, but this sewing machine is like rocket science to me! If I cant handle this what makes me thing I can make it as a NUKE? I have taken it to a shop where I hoped to get help, but the people seemed to only be knowledgeable on "their machines." I am not going to go out and drop $100+ on a new machine when I have one that would work fine if someone with some know-how tinkered with it. . . . Oh why oh why does Grams live so far away? Ok, I am done ranting. After not being able to figure out how to wind a bobbin (that is what the little spool is called right?) I have called it quits until I can find someone who can give me an in person tutorial.

BB

[SteveB]

BB,
You will be a great Nuclear Engineer. You may be a little frustrated at the moment with a very old fashioned form of mechanical engineering. Be assured that if you can master this minor problem at some time before your trip to boot camp, it will be to your advantage. May I suggest talking with some of the young ladies in your neighborhood? They may be able to help you learn the sewing machine and its weirdisms. While in the Air Force, I took my machine with me after basic training. It was a great money maker as I was able to quickly sew insignia on uniforms for men and women on my base.
I became very popular, and had a great time.

[berserkbishop]

Here are a few pics of the contrapion. I think I messed up the tensioner when trying to adjust it. . . .