Today's special blogger is...
Kat, from the blog Under Construction
Kat is from Mesa, Arizona. Her blog is chock full of great ideas, tutorials, tips and her card making is awesome!!
Click HERE to visit her blog and give her a big blogging hug. She is going to be so surprised, she doesn't know you're coming!!
Visit Kat and then pop back here for ALL your questions and great answers from all over the world.
It's Friday and this day is all about you. Every week, on Fridays, I alternate posts with "Find a Friend Friday" and "Ask the World a Question" and now before each post I'll feature a new blogger too!!
This week is Question and Answer Day...
If you're new to the Question and Answer post, it's very simple...ask a question (any question at all) and my wonderful readers from all over the world will answer it for you!! Another reason why I love blogging...so many people willing to help and share their thoughts!!
Thanks to everyone who asks and for all who answer. I LOVE IT!!
Just ask a question in the comment section. Anyone who reads my blog from all over the world, can answer that question by clicking in the "REPLY " button under THAT specific question.
There are so many helpful people in the world who can share so much...some have blogs, and some do not. I thought this would be the perfect solution for everyone to ask any question and then we can all help!!
Just an FYI...when you are clicking "reply" in any blog comment format, you are not "replying" directly to that person's email address. You are just replying on my blog under the question, so everyone has to return here to see the answers.
Ask questions about cooking, recipes, crafting, sewing, blogging, photography, vacations in other countries or states, decorating, families, babies...anything goes.
Here's how it will work...
- post your question in the comment section
- everyone will read the question
- if someone has a helpful answer, that person will click the "REPLY" button right under that particular question and post the answer!!
- that way everyone can read the answer too!!
- this is helpful for some who don't like to share their email address or who are "no replies" and there isn't an email address to respond to
- just come back to this post to see if your question has been answered!!
Have a great day everyone,
~Karen~
I just received a serger for my birthday this week. Yay! I know that it takes cones of thread, but it's going to be super costly if I have to buy 4 cones every time I want to sew up something in a non-neutral color. Is there some way of getting around this? I'm a cheap sewist!
ReplyDeleteIn Scotland, we can buy the big cones (5000 metres) or we can buy smaller spools (1000 metres). I'm pretty sure you'll be able to get those wherever you are too.
DeleteI usually go for the smaller size - I like to think of it as being a careful sewist, rather than a cheap one ;oD - and, each time I put them on my overlocker, I always put the biggest spools on the 2 loopers as they use more thread than the other two.
Hope that helps. :o)
I have had a serger for 25 years (on my second one) and thread can be costly. A couple of ways to handle the thread is when thread is on sale buy 4 cones of your basics (black, white, ecru, and red). When I'm working with a specific color like orange, I will buy one large cone and wind bobbins. I get the super-sized bobbins for the high end machines because they hold so much thread. By the time I'm finished with my project, I've used most of my cone of thread ~ nothing wasted. Not much to store. A package of the Bernina bobbins for the 700 series machine is pretty expensive ($20??), but after 2-3 projects, they pay for themselves.
DeleteOh, honey, there's an easy answer to your problem...I use white, ecru, black or navy blue, no matter the base color. I guess you should think about investing in red, if that's a color you use often (I *never* use red on anything, so no problem for me). I stock up when it's on sale, and it takes forever to get thru a cone of Maxilock. I've had my serger for about 5 years now, using it all the time (making clothes, aprons, mixer covers, and things like that) have only used up a couple of cones. You'll find that some positions run thru the thread faster than the others (it takes forever to run out of threads 1, 2 & 5..the others are used a little faster) Go ahead and get you some basics & don't worry about matchy-matching.
DeleteBuy when thread is on sale. Use the basics, white, ecru, black, grey - blends well with a lot of colors, maybe navy and red if you use those colors a lot. If you really need to match a color and it is not on sale, only buy for the needles. Use a neutral in the loopers as these threads will not show at the seam. I have had my serger for over 20 years so I have built up a good supply of many colors, but if you use neutral colors you can get by with just a few colors.
DeleteThe newer machines make threading easier, but I also make sure I have serged everything I could possibly need to serge in one color before I change to another color. That means I will sew all of the things that are the same color as the thread curently on the serger before I switch out the color and sew the next group of colors.
Diane - you can use regular spools of thread in a serger. However, the loopers use more thread so watch your spools carefully so you don't run out and have to rethread.
ReplyDeleteI am really wanting to purchase a monogram machine but there are so many options out there. Any suggestions for a beginner?
ReplyDeleteA sewing machine that does only monograms, or a full blown embroidery machine? If your going embroidery machine, do your homework!!!!! Talk to different dealers. You have Husquvarna, Brother, Singer, and probably a 1/2 dozen more.The dealers will tell you each machine will use different kinds of software,(NOt TRUE) and then you need a computer most of the time too. SOunds dauntinG, I know, but it is so much fun. Join a few (free) yahoo forums for the different machines and ask questions like crazy. There is no such thing as a dumb question. I LOVE my machine, I just wish I was smarter when it came to the software. I could have done things much more cheaper.
Deleteplease see my blog- http://quirkyindiangiftsonlinestores.blogspot.in/ (about a list of online gifting websites)
ReplyDeleteand tell me how can i monetize this to earn money? why would anyone click on adsense ads when so many gift websites are listed here?
I am wanting to purchase a new iron for my sewing room. I know there are tons of options and makers out there but I want to know from all of YOU that sew.... which make and model really is the best for the money? I am wanting to keep this new iron strictly for my cloth projects like clothing, quilting and etc. so having the spry and steaming option as well as good heating options is key. Ok sewists! let er' rip! any recommendations for me? THANKS everyone!!!
ReplyDeleteI am looking too! Here is one I have my eye on: the Oliso http://www.oliso.com/olisor-pro-smart-iron-for-quilters-sewers.html. It's going on my birthday list.
DeleteHi Cathy and thanks for the link up! I was browsing around about this maker and a couple others and was reading reviews about them on Amazon. Many reviewers are complaining about the fact that this make and others leak water at some points and THAT is the reason I am looking for a new iron. My current iron (way cheap compared to the Oliso) just has a moid of its own and outta' nowhere will start dripping water down onto the fabric! argh!!! I have always used distilled water in it so I am being careful to purchase the next model so that I can avoid this water mess. Have you heard about this issue often with the Oliso???
Deleteat one time I was going to spend big bucks on a iron. so I started researching. it seems that the higher end irons last about as long as the cheaper ones. irons just aren't made well anymore. so, I ended up buying a black and decker at walmart. I spent between $30 and $40. I don't buy the cheapest or the most expensive. I like a heavy iron. the one I have now is about 4 years old. that's about 20 years in human! LOL.... My aunt bought a high end iron the same time I bought mine. She has replaced it. I would rather spend my money on fabric. and best press! good luck on your quest.
DeleteLOL! Lorene, I AGREE with the buying fabric part! Well, I have spent the morning reading all kinds of reviews and it seems that most of those fancy irons have "issues" and it makes sense to just get a middle of the line model and deal with them. I think you are right.... the Black and Decker D2030 model is probably going to be what ends up being here too. Hope you find GREAT fabric out there for your stash Lorene! :-)
DeleteShelley, I have owned many irons but the one I have now is great. I got it at WalMart and it is a Shark.It has different levels of vertical steam, is non-drip and automaticly shuts off.My mother and I both own one and have had no problems. I think they cost less than $40.00 and well worth it.You are right about the more expensive irons; they almost always have issues.Just sayin'.....
DeleteI also have tried many different brands from cheap irons to expensive and they all seem to develop leaking problems...so I stayed with the relatively inexpensive black and decker from Walmart and don't use the steam feature, just keep a spray bottle hanging above my ironing board and use that instead. I can control the amount of spray and it works great!
DeleteAbout four years ago I bought a cordless iron. My ironing space was difficult to use with a corded iron. I bought the Panaxonic NI-L70SR. It has been a terrific iron. I'd never want to go back to a corded iron. It has steam and spray. It stays hot for a long, long time off of its base. I've had zero problems with it.
DeleteThe newer Panasonic iron is one that is "360' (meaning it is pointed at both ends. They sell for $100, but are at amazon for $73.50 (and fee shipping if you have a Prime membership!) This is the url:
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-NI-WL600-Multi-Directional-Stainless-Soleplate/dp/B00440EEIG
I've used my friends Oliso. My biggest problem with it is the iron raises up when you let go...that is the selling point. But when pressing seams for quilting, it is a 5 second press. I know that it isn't a long time, but I like to put my iron down, then grab the next piece and lay it out. Just a funny little preference.
I have a Shark. I purchased it from one of the big box discount stores it works better than any of the other irons I have used and the steam power is amazing. This one will shut itself off, but while I am sewing and pressing it will just turn back to a lower temp and heats up very fast when I resume pressing.
DeleteI personally love both Black & Decker irons and Rowenta's. However, it is sooo important to remember that it is NOT the weight of the iron that gets the job done, but the HEAT. So your priority is to get an iron that gets plenty hot (cotton, the choice of quilters, can take hot!), not be a heavy beast. No sense risking carpal tunnel syndrome when it's not necessary! haha
DeleteThanks for the great question. I, too, need a new iron so this was perfect timing!
DeleteI just bought a second Rowenta DW8060 I have one at my home and one at my DD! I love this iron! It has a crazy amount of steam and after the first break in use has NOT leaked any water. You may also want to know that I got this at Lowes! Yes Lowes they were having a discontinued sale on the Rowneta. It is made in Germany and I have read that there are some made in China make sure to get one made in Germany. I would suggest if you have afriend that is in love with their iron ask if you can visit and try it before making the investment.
DeleteI'm with Quilting Nonnie - I adore my Panasonic cordless iron. I detest fighting with a cord and this iron is perfect. I love it!!!!
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ReplyDeleteOh my goodness!...Thank you SOOO much Karen for featuring my blog this week!..What a wonderful Honor that is!..I look forward to making many new friends!
I LOVE coming to your Blog and adding things to my "i can do that", or "What a great idea" list!..Thank you to everyone for visiting, leaving compliments, staying and joining me!
I did a Shout out to you Karen on my blog with a Link to you!..
Thank you So Much again!
I visited your site for the first time this morning Kat and you have some very lovely work on there!! Good luck in the blog-s-phere! :-)
Deletedoes anyone know of a way to sharpen seam rippers? I know, they are cheap, just buy a new one, right? I have about 18 of them, just wondering if there IS a way to sharpen them? Thanks!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope someone has an answer cuz' I have a draw full of dull ones too. LOL!
DeleteI do not know about sharpening them, but Bernina makes the absolute best seam ripper ever! Unfortunately I use my ALOT, and I sew frequently with heavy upholstery thread. Still using my Bernina ripper after a year of steady use and it is just as good as when I bought it. I picked one up at my local Bernina sewing/quilting shop.
DeleteI don't know how to sharpen but I saw one on quiltville that simply an eyebrow razor from the beauty Dept at walmart. Super cheap. You hold the two pieces apart and carefully tap the threads between. I'm sure someone has a demo on you tube and they are like a buck a piece. Throw out that dull one grab your 50% coupon on your Joanna smart phone and buy you a new one. You deserve it.
DeleteIf you own a sharpening stone, it can be done. In a pinch, you could try a good emery board. I have sharpened everything on my stone from my 8" dressmaker shears to my tiny serging snippers. The trick is to find the correct angle at which to rest the blade against it. Wet the stone, and gently make little circles with the blade held against it. Test it for sharpness. If it seems good, go ahead and use it. You can do this many times. Sounds like a bit of a pain, but it works. I keep one stone in my sewing room, and one in my kitchen. Love'em!
DeleteKaren - just wanted to let you know that I think your blog is awesome and you've been the inspiration for many changes around my house. Please keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be featured as a new blogger sometime Karen (RedDeliciousLife.blogspot.com)! Okay, now here's my question for your wonderful readers: we are probably going to be relocating to Florida and I'm worried about how we are going to transport our 3 cats. We've done cross-country moves before (Ohio to Seattle and back!) but they were always in the fall/winter and my husband drove them. Since it was colder, it wasn't a problem to stop throughout the drive for lunch, etc. and keep them in the vehicle. Heading down to Florida, in the summer no less, that won't be an option. Our vet doesn't recommend that we fly them (via cargo) due to their ages/health conditions. Has anyone out there transported pets long distances in hot weather? Not sure what we're going to do.
ReplyDeleteI know freeze water in empty soda bottles. Like 20 0z size, and most hotels have freezers in them, we have even asked the hotel to put them in their freezer for us without a problem. Then you can put those even wrapped in towels inside the kennel or back seat and they can lay next to them for a cool off time. When the ice melts, you have water readily available for drinking for the kittys. Also if you take a cooler they help your ice last longer because they are bigger. Hope this helps some, I was born and raised in Miami I know HOT.......
DeleteThanks for the idea Vicki. That's very clever. We'll be driving 2 cars - one with the cats and one with our 3 year old. Stops should be interesting since we'll have to stop every few hours for the toddler while one keeps the cats cool in the other car!
DeleteHelp! I have just started a blog with Blogger. Does anyone know how to put a post under the appropriate tab? (I only have one post so far). I checked a few forums and there were so many steps! Is there a straightforward way to do this? Val
ReplyDelete