Saturday 19 August 2017

Module One, Chapter Six, Task 3


Sample 1


Multiple threads
Sewn directly onto a black calico sample page. I tacked six work areas and began with a running stitch 2.5, tension set to 1.
Changed to a normal foot 20 - as I had still used the pin tuck foot.
Chose a yellow and blue thread  0 tension for the triangle box.
The "bars" were yellow and variegated thread.
Box 4 was pink and variegated zig zag stitch 1.5 x 3.6.
Gold and purple metallic threads for the triangle shape.
Stitch number 3 and overlocking stitch 1.5 x 4.5 changing threads from gold/purple, pink/purple, multi/purple. All stitched well, no particular problems.

Sample 2

Cream calico samples x 4
Tried multiple rows of zig zag with yellow and reds changed to a blue in the centre and then back up to reds and yellow. The tension was tight - everything sews on calaico and cotton so much better on the backing felt. It was annoying as I was enjoying the results. 
Second sample was the grid box using the overlocker stitch 3 again and varying the colours.
The third sample is my favorite and sewed the best. The honeycomb stitch I used variegated thread plus gold, sewed beautifully and a lovely effect.
Finally box 4 variegated thread and changed to dark red metallic the tension problems are obvious and I never really solved that problem. Was the stitch the wrong choice? Actually it didn't pucker but picked up the bobbin thread from under - quite nice really. 

Sample 3


Red and grey patterned cotton fabric mounted on a black calico sample.
Began by sewing grey/ cream zig zag on the stem then grey/chocolate to deepen and finally red/chocolate. Cream bobbin thread showing through and tension a little tight.
Not much definition between the colours - bobbin would be better in a deeper colour (see outer circle of flower). Finished off with a gold metallic zig zag stitch 1.5 x 4.5. 
I think this sample worked well - I used the pattern  as my form to experiment and explore the stitch and colour of reds and browns. 
I also used my embroidery hoop for the first time and this enabled me to get the finish I did. I quite like the slight pucker effect from the centre out as it mimicks the design.



Needle Notes




Module One, Chapter Six, Task 2 Twin Needle Fun




Sample 1

Using a 3.00mm pin tuck foot I stitched simple diagonal pin tucks with spaces in between using brown and orange threads with a brown bobbin. 
Then I experimented by ironing using spray starch and the lifted pin tucks became very flat.

The second is a double grid and retains the lifted pin tucks.


Sample 2


The sewn upside down "Arch" became very raised when the lines became closer in the top corner, I finished by dabbing with a cold tea bag.

The star shapes were sewn using reverse and forward stitching all over and again finished with a tea bag dye.


Sample 3


This sample was sewn in red and orange thread in tight clumps of rows but amongst the striped cotton fabric looked a little difficult to see the pin tuck effect. I changed from orange thread to blue which gives an overall look of purple thread now. I notice that in fact here as the picture file it appears better in its contrast to me now. I do like this however in hindsight I should have sewn from edge to edge as it was virtually impossible to stop in the line consistently.


Sample 4


I love this ones sense of line and its depth created by the two double wave lines crisscrossing the singles. Also, the wave on the stripe fabric shows the pin tuck sewing so much better close up. The bobbin was changed to brown and the top thread was orange. 


Sample 5


Turquoise and green spot jersey fabric. 
I tested a sample of zig zag before I began and realised this was going to be tricky. I have since acquired a "jersey" needle! However, I decided to try using ribbons as a stabiliser and as you can see the ribbon got caught up and dragged in at the sides. Running stitch pin tuck sewed not too badly on the jersey itself. Again though when I tried the ribbon in a running stitch pin tuck it bent and went all over the place. 
Tried multiple rows of zig zag but this just flattened the fabric.
Tried a wavy double pin tuck but the fabric got completely pulled down between the feed dogs.
I ended up dismantling the machine. 
I stitched some straight rows of zig zag afterwards just to make sure it was okay. 

Sample 6


This was a pleasure to sew after the previous sample. Purple satin mounted on black calico sample page.
I did lots of rows of pin tuck using running and zig zag. 
I decided later to go back to it and add the white rows of stitching the tulip design 104, the wave design 110 and finally the centre stem of leaves on a fine pink ribbon pattern number 137. 

Sample 7


Calico sample with number 3 pin tuck foot using wool, embroidery threads and pipe cleaners. 
The embroidery threads did not sew successfully - I thought they had but in fact they were not big enough for the pin tuck to catch. The wool and the pipe cleaners worked the best. 


Module One, Chapter Six, Task 1, Nifty Needles


The most suitable needles for Machine Embroidery are;


Topstitch Needles;


Most commonly used are 80, 90, 100, 110.

Fine 60, 65, 70
Medium 75, 80, 90
Heavy 100, 110, 120



DO NOT USE UNIVERSAL NEEDLES for machine embroidery.

Twin Needles;


2/80 2.5/80 Narrow pin tucks on fabric
3/90      Topstitching and medium pin tucks on medium fabric
4/90      Topstitching and hems on medium weight fabrics
4/100     Heavy fabrics
2.5/75               
4/75      Stretch twin needles for Synthetics
3/90      Metallic twin needles


NEVER USE WITH A SPACE LARGER THAN 2.5MM FOR Zig Zag


Triple Needle

3 rows of straight stitch 2.5/80


CHANGE YOUR NEEDLE EVERY 8 HOURS OF STITCHING.


Health and Safety; 
Always dispose of used needles in a secure container and expose of safely.



My Pin Tuck foot is No 3;

Straight Stitch length 2.0mm – 3.0mm

Double Needle 1.6mm – 2.5mm

Spacing foot 3 - 4mm