First thing first. I am very sad to report that my modern Singer (aka Sallie Moonbeam) broke down last night... The handwheel mechanism got jammed up, and would only move a tiny teeny amount back and forth. I took her apart almost completely (big mistake), didn't find anything that was caught (but man was it filthy and fluffy), and when I proudly put everything* back, there were 3 screws and a cylinder left!!! Needless to say, it still doesn't work, and I am getting more and more wound up over it. I didn't quite realise just how much I was relying on my sewing machine, until it stopped working!
HELP PLEASE! Has this happened to you before? Also, if anyone has any experience of any sewing machine repair/service specialists in the South East (UK), please could you let me know?
Now onto the project. This was a quick project with one of my favourite patterns, McCalls 2401 (see previous versions here and here), and the same stretchy cotton fabric that I used in my Alma Blouse. I've called it the Old Favourites Dress, though strictly speaking the fabric is quite a new favourite.
It was a breeze to use this tried and tested version, which I have altered previously to fit me (see adjustments here). This time I made a View F, with the bateau neckline, and sleeveless. I love this pattern with a stretchy cotton - it hugs the body so well and it's super comfortable to wear.
I think this is quite a smart looking dress. And did I mention how comfy it was to wear? A bit of stretch is all you need sometimes!
Have a lovely week all! My priority will be to get my 8280 fixed but in the meantime, I'm going to try and use my Singer 99k to keep me busy...
Poor sewing machine. You're in Reading right? Try this place http://www.sewdevine.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteI was making a McCalls2401 toile this weekend. It's done now and I'm very excited to choose some exciting fabrics. This latest version of yours is lovely... but I still think your blurry version is my fave.
Thank you so much for the link!
DeleteThat's very exciting about your McCalls 2401 -- It's such a wonderful yet simple pattern, I love it (can you tell?)! Both the blurry version and this latest version were made with stretch cotton - it's a match made in heaven ;)
Oh Alice, I'm so sorry to hear about Sallie Moonbeam! The same thing happened to me once - my machine jammed so I took it apart but couldn't quite get it back together again afterwards. I'm afraid the story doesn't have a happy ending and I had to buy a new machine, but I sincerely hope yours is ok!
ReplyDeleteOh, and the new dress is gorgeous
Thank you for your sympathy Elena, and I'm sorry to hear about your old machine, too! I am also kind of relieved that I'm not the only person to have opened up my machine without being able to put it all back! I have sent her off for a repair and service now, so hopefully she'll be cured...
DeleteYours was the first sewing blog I ever found -- love it. You're adorable and I've enjoyed following your blog -- especially through the making of your wedding dress and your wedding. I think you should probably check into a new machine. Singers, sadly, aren't made like they were in the past. Have you thought about another brand? I have a 25 year old Bernina that sews like a charm.
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely, Stephanie! Thank you for your very kind words. I gave some serious thoughts as to whether to upgrade to a new machine, but in the end, as we've had so much good times together, I had to get it repaired (or at least attempt to). In the meantime, though, I have been using my vintage Singer - and after some teething issues, I am really enjoying using it!
DeleteI think you will enjoy that Singer, Alice! The old Singers were wonderful. I learned on a German Singer that my dad actually bought in 1958 (year I was born) to sew patches on his uniform (US Army) when we were stationed in Germany -- my mom didn't sew at all. Both my sister and I learned in school in the US and used that machine.
DeleteOops -- I actually learned in school in Germany in the 70s when we were stationed there again. :) Also -- I don't blame you for being attached to your machine. The two of you have accomplished a lot together. Just be careful not to put as much money in to her as she's worth.
DeleteOh Stephanie, that sounds like quite a story! I'm really enjoying the vintage Singer whilst my modern machine is out of action - will do a post on this later, too :)
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