How to get the correct overlocker tension is the most common issue when using these machines. An overlocker is a fantastic machine and can be extremely useful. But they can also be beastly. Read on to find out how to use them and get the most from an overlocker.
I set up my teaching studio in January 2015 so I had to find the best sewing machine. I needed something that was easy-to-use, versatile, robust, and great value. My local specialist dealer Andrew Pemberton recommended the Husqvarna Viking Emerald 118. Prior to that, I was aware of Husqvarna as a high-quality brand but I hadn’t used them since my school days. So I was happy to go along to test it against some of its closest rivals in the same price bracket.
Pattern Ease is the allowance made over and above the body measurements when making a pattern. It enables natural body movement. If patterns were exactly the same size as your body measurement, the garment would literally be skin tight. Pattern ease is added to the body circumference measurements, but not to any vertical measurements. Although your shop-bought clothes may say ‘to fit bust 36″‘, if you measure them, you’ll find that they are considerable bigger.
I’ve often mentioned the Embroiderers Guild ‘Travelling Books’ project on my Facebook page. There’s about 24 members of our Guild branch involved and we started last October by all being given an A5 sketchbook. The idea is that we each choose a theme for our book, and do a small piece of embroidery inspired by that theme.
I’ts been a great opportunity for me to work in some my favourite creative textiles techniques.
The talking point of last night’s Academy Awards ceremony was undoubtedly the announcement of the wrong winner of Best Film. But my attention as always was on the stunning gowns. So I thought I’d take a look at some of the sewing patterns around that are worthy of an Academy Award themselves.
