Troubleshooting your Sewing Machine with Jaycotts.co.uk

A Jaycotts Blog post  with Alex Jaycott and myself 

I asked Jaycotts about troubleshooting Sewing machines as we all have problems from time to time and we don't always know where to start to sort it out.

This is their advice:

Alex,

The biggest issue we encounter is mis-threading of the sewing machine 

Having sold and serviced sewing machines for over 30 years I can honestly say that the biggest headaches for customers are actually caused by mis- threading the sewing machine!

everyone does it from time to time whether beginner or expert, novice or sewing teacher 

What do you mean by that Alex, what should we be doing?  Angela

Alex

Well , it is important to thread the machine  exactly as shown in your manual.For example  if someone miss-threads the take up lever, they usually don’t notice it and when the machine jams it looks as if the problem is the bobbin area  - when in fact it isn’t

So I guess my point should be that if you have an issue, the first thing to try is: re do your upper thread, taking care that the thread goes right into the take up lever. Incorrect threading can cause the machine to jam almost immediately.

If you  still have problems after that then go on to checking the bobbin area.

The Sew Over It Eve dress

A Minerva.com post 

I love this pattern, I have one with the fluttery sleeves, but wanted another one with short straight sleeves 

Winter scarves capes and handwarmers

 I have a lovely little project for you which is so easy to make and you don't need a pattern.

I am going to talk you through making handwarmers and a scarf , which would also make a great gift.

And also a cape which you can either make your own pattern or purchase one ..Both of these simple accessories are suitable for adults and children and only basic sewing skills are needed

Mimi G Designer Dress. Simplicity S9370

 This dress is amazing. And I do mean AMAZING . It is a sophisticated dress perfect for parties and dances

It is a brand new  Simplicity Pattern details below

This incredible dress is a designer dress by Mimi G for simplicity and is available on this link. Simplicity 9370

Before you read the rest of this post do watch this short video clip and see for yourself how this fabric moves

A very beautiful blouse in fabulous Art Gallery Fabrics stretch cotton Jersey

I do not normally wear blouses and I was thinking about why I don't. I realised that I have always sewn them in a woven fabric and I feel too restricted when wearing  fabrics like cotton  Lawn,  no matter how beautiful  it is , it's  just not me.

So I was glad to have been gifted a length of this fabric and also a copy of the pattern,  so it was the perfect opportunity

Lovely Warm gifts for you to sew.

 Handwarmer,  body warmer and a relaxing eyemask for you to sew. Plus a very easy neck scarf. Perfect for giving. 

A lot of us suffer in the  cold with aches and pains sometimes from arthritis. These simple garments are designed to help keep you snug and warm. Even if you don't , these delightful pieces make perfect thoughtful gifts

The pattern is Kwik Sew 4318.

If you are unable to purchase the pattern then it is easy enough to draft your own, see my post Handwarmers and scarves

It is so very easy to do as long as you remember to make your pattern big enough to accommodate multiple layers 

. Let me know if you have a problem 

I have used pure 100% cotton from my stash.

But you can purchase  it here Cotton fabric

I made the Bias Binding myself which is incredibly easy to do. I made a video to show you how to make it. Please don't buy it ready made, your own is far superior

My fabulous Lurex Pants suit

 Channeling my inner Abba in this fabulous pants suit

Have you thought about what you are going to wear for Christmas yet? I wanted something glamorous yet comfortable and a lurex pants suit fits the bill perfectly.

 

The top is the  Simple Sew Nancy tunic which I adapted slightly by cutting the front and back off on the diagonal from hem to just below the armsyce and stitching the triangles on again but this time the front goes on the back and vice Versa.i also altered the sleeve shape . All this was easy to do 

Vogue V8952 Pullover Tunic Top

 A Minerva.com make

You can read the post in full and view more photos as well as finding out how to order this fabulous fabric and pattern on this link My Vogue 8952 top on Minerva.com

What an amazing pattern this is. I love all three views but in the end decided on the version with the cowl neckline, however I am already planning on what fabric to make the other two versions in. This does seem to be a popular pattern and since purchasing mine I have seen quite a few versions and they all look fantastic 

The fabric I used is a Viscose Jersy knit and it hangs really nicely don't you agree. It comes in four colours and is modestly priced especially as you only need 2m

This isxtgeclink to this gorgeous fabric which comes in several different colours 

Viscose Jersey Fabric

McCalls 8064 in cotton jersey

 McCalls 8064 in cotton Jersey from Minerva.com 

details of fabric and pattern are on Minerva.com Cotton jersey dress so please do take a look 

The dress that almost didn't happen - a beautiful 1940s Tea Dress by New Look

A Minerva.com post

This lovely dress , New Look N6594 very nearly ended in the bin,

( to find out more about the fabric go to this link on Minerva.com My 1940s tea dress in cotton poplin )

It is a 1940's WW2 Style Tea Dress ,looking at the pattern I feel it is more American in design rather than British as our clothing restrictions were much less forgiving than in America where just about the only clothing restricted was anything made from leather as it was needed for sadddles and so on.