desperate measures

Hello there! Thank you so much for the kind words about my very first toddler blouse! You guys are really so sweet and your love has brought me endless smiles and a huge encouragement! A little heart from me to you! How was your week so far? Mine was pretty good except that i've encounter a minor challenge along the way in making my third gift bag.

My little sewing machine seems to be doing some skipping of stitches and i have no idea what is causing the problem. I have checked the manual many times and ran along the guidelines to make sure it was threaded right many times... and still my stitches were skipping. Could it be a wrong adjustment done on the sewing machine tension? Could it be my machine needle (but i didn't touch the needle since my second gift bag)? I am gonna really need to do some serious online research for some sewing machine troubleshooting. If you have any advice at all, anything, i'd really appreciate it!

With this minor challenge i've encounter with my little sewing machine, i wouldn't allow it to take the fun out of making my third gift bag now, would i? So. i've decided to work on this special gift bag purely base on hand stitches. There's always something magical when you just hand stitches an item, The thoughtfulness and patience spend on plunging each stitch to an item never fails to amaze me and please me to no end! Now, don't get me wrong that i don't appreciate my little sewing machine, i sincerely do. The ability to work with different medium has given me an opportunity to appreciate each and every medium in many different ways. I remember a while back, one of my best girls made a statement that stitches made by machine is always better and stronger compare to hand stitches. There is indeed some truth in her statement but i cannot bring myself to totally nod with agreement. I personally feel that hand stitches has its own beauty that sometimes a machine cannot bring forth. Along my journey here with all of you in this creative world, i have met a few creative friends that does purely hand stitches and their work are amazing and yet durable. I have purchased from them and i love every detail and effort spent on these lovely items. I've recently met a new creative friend, Mai, who has the cutest little shop that she made everything from hand stitching. I'm in awe with her thoughtfulness, sashiko embroidery and creativity! (One of her Sashiko embroidery bags has pulled a few of my heart strings)

I'm hoping to finish my third gift bag soon as well as hoping and praying that i find a solution to my little sewing machine issue. Wish me luck!

Have a lovely merry happy mid week and love to you and yours!

Comments

[Tracy]

Hi, Jacqueline! Looking forward to seeing the next bag soon! I'm with you, I think there is value in both hand stitching and machine stitching. Each has it's own plus points, and when used together make a great team ;o) For your sewing machine dilemma...It could well be that the thread tension is off. It happens sometimes. Just check again to make sure all the settings are as you want them and try again. If you continue to have a problem though you may need look into taking it to a repair shop to see if it's more an internal mechanical problem. Keep us posted! :o) Happy Day ((HUGS))

[Nia]

Hi Jacky!! :)

I had the some problem in the begining, it was the tension! Every time I change the fabric I use, the tension must be adjust. The more thick the fabric is, more tension you need.

I still have some troubles so I always get a piece of the fabric I'll use and try to sew it a few times, when it's ok i'll sew the real thing ;)

Because the machine does not have numbers to regulate the tension, I try to more a little to left ou right and test it. With time we get the hang ;)

I have so much I want to do and so little time... right now my handmade crafts are in slow motion :p I hope to have more time next week!

Anytime you need help with the sewing machine, feel free to send me an email or message on my blog ;)
Have a great week!!!!!
Kiss-kiss-kiss

[Nia]

Sorry for any mistake *blush*
I need to write more in english :p

[Laura]

So sorry about your machine. I think hand stitching is way more special anyway so good for you for persevering!

[Eve]

Hi!!! Thank you for all you sweet comment on my blog! I appreciated!! And by the way, I tagged you... if you want to play, go ahead!!! :o)

[lindsey]

Hello! I love hand stitched items myself...but if the skipping stitches don't get fixed by adjusting the tension you should change the needle and rethread the machine. Sometimes little nicks and burrs develop on the needle from regular sewing and a new needle helps! And sometimes it's just that the thread may have come unlooped somewhere. I usually try these two things and it fixes the skipped stitches.
I haven't been around on my blog and flickr lately...I think the rainy weather we're having has dried up my creative urge for the moment!
Lindsey

[Sam]

Gosh! That sounds very frustrating! It's great, though, that you have decided to work around this problem and go for hand stitching. I think your friend it wrong about hand stitching - it's so much more lovely than by a machine because it's YOU!I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product! Have a lovely weekend!

[Rene']

Hi Jqline! Your blog is flourishing. I have much catching up to do. Your little toddler blouse is adorable and I'm sorry you're having problems with your sewing machine. Thank you for the lovely comments on Savanna's doodles. I am having so much fun doing all of the embroidery. Remind me to tell you something very exciting. I miss you and hope we can catch up soon. Do you have a facebook page?
Much love from your friend,
Rene'

[Gina Kim]

Sweet Jqline! I have much catching up to do on your blog as well :) You're just a bundle of warmth, love, happiness and goodness. And I heart you!