Hi there, I just picked up a large cache of stretchy fabric that I want to turn into several skirts. I'd like some recommendations on skirt patterns and the like. These will be worn by me (Male, 6'0) size 16-18. Also does anyone have sewing tips for this sort of fabric? some of the fabric is 90%...

My wife and I bought a Brother XR-65t from Wal-Mart last night. Setup was pretty easy but after a minute of sewing, we went to change the stitch length dial and it would not move from the "SS" position. The user's manual does not provide any help in this matter. The odd thing about this is when...

I am having problems with my White ATS serger and need to take it in for repair. Does anyone have recommendations for repair shops in town? TIA, Jolynne

I figured out how to use the blind hem stitch on my machine! Got 3 of the 4 hems needed for my girls dresses done. (2 on each dress, one for the skirt and one for the lining). SOOOOOO much quicker than hand stitching the hem! -- Siptah Columbus, OH

Yet another "what about this sewing machine?" question - anybody out there got a Janome MemoryCraft 6500P and used it enough to get an idea of its strengths and weaknesses? It's been available for about a year, I think. Any major reliability or usability problems? ======== Email to "j-c" at...

My wife wants to get one; she's a newbie and never had a sewing machine. Can anyone recommend one under $100, or point me in the right directions (links for reviews, etc?) Here's the list of the machines sold by Walmart; two Singer machines and a Brother are under $100. Any cons and pros on...

Hi, I need your help again! I just bought a grab bag of elastic and in it was some type I had never seen before, it is mesh looking with very little give, beige in color, and it is in at least 3 different widths. I'm tried to send a picture but I couldn't but if anyone wants to email me privitely...

On Wed, 07 Apr 2004 18:11:09 +0000, NoSpamo~ wrote: I have a brand new Allure got last January. Never used but once for lessons. Will sell for $500 or the best you can offer. Matt Matt, You need to take this to the marketplace n/g.

Sorry for newbie questions, but I usually just quilt, this is my first real attempt at garment sewing. I've got both of the girls dresses done, to the point of hemming (last step). How do I get a proper hem measured on them, or should I just turn up the ends from the pattern and hope it's good? ...

I've finished, except for hemming a dress for one of my daughters. (New Look (by Simplicity), pattern 6741, view B). The bodice is lined but the skirt portion was not. I cut a muslin liner (basically just repeated all the skirt steps) and attached the lining to the bodice to hide the seams....

Greetings, I took both of my new (to me) Singer 401 and 431's to the shop to ensure they were in good shape before using them. The good news is: the 401 is back, and there was nothing wrong (besides a little cleaning and oiling). My daughter will be spending this week with me, and we can start...

I recently inherited a White four-thread serger and am having a lot of difficulty trying to get it threaded, or finding someone that could show me how to thread it. I live in the Austin, Texas, area so if any of you know someone that could show me what to do, I would be eternally grateful! I have...

I have a gift bag company and got a special order for a satin lined, padded,w/jacard $24yd 32 inch round bag for crystal balls. the cost of just materials was $17.50 it took me 30-45 min to make sample. He only wants to pay $22.50 do you give it away hoping for more orders? Any input...

Hi all, I'm thinking about starting a fabric discount store in a well populated area of the East Coast. There is really only one other store that caters to discounted fabrics and that accounts for only 25% of the store's revenue. The closest discount fabric store is about 1.5 hours away and I...

Hi This is my first post, please let me know if this post belongs in a different group. I don't sew but I have a lot of dog toys that I need to repair so my dog can play with them again. I think I can figure out how to just go back and forth and sew the ripped areas back together but what I am...

to fit right into your family preserving the memories you want to hang on to. Mom's dress, Dad's shirt, Grandma's blanket...... you name it, we can do a handcrafted memory bear to fit the occassion. -- Home of the Bellybutton Bears LLC http://www.bellybuttonbears.com Memory Teddy Bears to fit...

I have a question as to what kind of needle is best for stretch fabrics. The fabrics will be mostly lycra and stretch velvets. I was in the store and saw needles that said "stretch" on the case. However, I need clarification because one site I came across said that ball point needles are the best...

Has any one been to one of these? I'm still relatively new to the area, and I'm wondering if it's worth the two-hour drive. It sure is inexpensive. It starts Thursday and seems to have a good list of vendors. Do they have good deals? I'm not sure how I found out about it, but info is...

DD is coming today to work with me on placement of the lace at the hem of her wedding gown. I bought 60" lace yardage which is finished with a nice scallop on both edges, so I will be cutting 8" or so strips and using rayon thread on the 401A to finish the cut edge. (She wants her veil made out...