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Sewing/Questions
| Subject | Date Asked | Expert |
| Singer 401a | 2/16/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I recently purchased an old Singer 401a. It does sew a nice stitch. But it seems slow like it ... A: The Singer 401A is probably the best machine (in my opinion) that Singer ever built! You can clean ... | ||
| 503 slant o matic | 2/15/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I recently purchased a singer503A at the salvation army store. It sews a beautiful straight stich ... A: The Singer 503 is one of Singers finest machines! Here is a downloadable manual: ... | ||
| Singer 401G needle out of alignment | 2/15/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: My needle isn't aligned correctly anymore. It points to the right-hand side of the presser foot and ... A: Take off the top lid to see if the long spring that goes from the cam follower over to the left end ... | ||
| Drapery side hems curling out | 2/14/2009 | Karen Erickson |
| Q: The drapery outside fabric is silk with a chenile type strip going across the fabic every 2-3 ... A: I hope I can help but do need a little more information in order to answer this question. What type ... | ||
| heavy duty sewing machine reocmmendations | 2/14/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: is there a particular brand you would recommend over others for durable, heavy duty sewing able to ... A: It depends on how much heavy duty sewing you intend to do. If it's just once in a while you could ... | ||
| Singer 206k25 EH serial number | 2/13/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I hope you can help clarify something I heard about the use of open vs closed bobbin cases and the ... A: The Singer 206, 306 and 319 all use the 206X13 needles. They are not hard to get if you know where ... | ||
| singer 401 tension assembly | 2/13/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I disassembled the tension for cleaning and thought I carefully laid out the order. Not! Do you have ... A: Email me at beaton38@yahoo.com if this doesn't come through. Here is a diagram for assembling your ... | ||
| Waistband Sewing | 2/13/2009 | Jenna McAuliffe |
| Q: i make custom boxing trunks for pro boxers and i was wondering if you could tell me what would be ... A: I remember you asking a question previously regarding the boxing trunks, I hope things are ... | ||
| Waistband Sewing | 2/13/2009 | Claudia Buchanan |
| Q: i make custom boxing trunks for pro boxers and i was wondering if you could tell me what would be ... A: JJ, I don't sew much clothing anymore. But I would sew a longer straight stitch. A ziz zag would ... | ||
| fabric not advancing | 2/12/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I recently acquired an older(25-30) kenmore that seems to be in great condition except the feed dogs ... A: Sears models were numbered like this.....385.23454 or 385.12387 etc so there were hundreds of 385 ... | ||
| Singer 201-2 | 2/12/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I'm thinking about buying a Singer 201. It is in "working" condition. I called a local sewing ... A: I use 'simple green' cleaner but dilute it about 50% with water or first spray it on a rag and then ... | ||
| sewing lessons | 2/12/2009 | Karen Erickson |
| Q: I learned to sew as a young child - sewed for many years throughout my adult life. Unfortunately, ... A: I did a quick search on google and here is what I came up with copy and paste this link in your ... | ||
| altering princess seams | 2/12/2009 | Sharon Vogel |
| Q: I adjusted the armhole princess seams in the front for a low bust line. Online directions told me ... A: I would add the 1 inch to the back at the shorten/lengthen line then compare the armhole seams and ... | ||
| fabric not advancing | 2/12/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I recently acquired an older(25-30) kenmore that seems to be in great condition except the feed dogs ... A: The stitch length control must not be in the right position. Try to lengthen the stitches and see ... | ||
| white 710 timing repair | 2/11/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: Through the years I have frequently had problems with the timing going beserk when the needle hit a ... A: There is not much information on repairing the Japanese machines. Mostly on the older Singer ... | ||
| trying to decipher what's wrong with my draperies | 2/11/2009 | Karen Erickson |
| Q: (or whoever might answer if not Karen) I had some draperies made for me, I'm not a professional or ... A: Well, it is hard to tell exactly the problem.... Linen even if ironed will not have all the ... | ||
| Fashion disc problems | 2/11/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I have a Singer Slant-o-maic 503 special. Great machine EXCEPT that I can't seem to make the discs ... A: The problem is probably that you are not adjusting the stitch LENGTH correctly. For the pretty ... | ||
| sewing lessons | 2/11/2009 | Karen Erickson |
| Q: I learned to sew as a young child - sewed for many years throughout my adult life. Unfortunately, ... A: Nice to learn you are wanting to sew again. Yes, most of us learn better with hands on classes. ... | ||
| Drapery buckram | 2/11/2009 | Jenna McAuliffe |
| Q: Do they still make buckram with the marks where to put the pleats? Or is it made in such a way that ... A: I may be at a bit of a disadvantage here as I live in New Zealand - a smaller market - but I have ... | ||
| bobbin case | 2/11/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I have a fashion mate deluxe model 1280 singer machine. I took out the bobbin case to clean it and ... A: The bobbin case is kinda tricky but just keep fooling with it and it will almost fall into place. ... | ||
| Necchi Lydia 3 544 sewing machine | 2/10/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I purchased this elegant looking machine at GoodWill yesterday. It is in very clean, well kept ... A: I was always a Singer man but worked on some Necchi machines but never really liked them. Therefore ... | ||
| Fusing | 2/10/2009 | Sharon Vogel |
| Q: I have taken a faded pure virgin wool suit apart in order to sew it back inside out. But under the ... A: I am guessing that interfacing has been fused onto the fabric. The best way I would suggest ... | ||
| problem sewing with Singer 500 | 2/10/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I have my Mom's old Singer 500 machine. It was running fine when I last sewed on it. I now am ... A: Sounds like the machine and or the needle is not threaded properly. The needle goes in with the flat ... | ||
| Singer foot turning | 2/9/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I have had my machine repaired at our local shop 2 times. They have replaced the spring for sure ... A: You didn't say what model Singer you have, but there is a 'set screw' on the presser foot shaft that ... | ||
| Singer Fashion Disks | 2/9/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: Is there a list anywhere of all of the Fashion Disks that fit the Singer 400\500 machines? A: Yes, here is a list of them. The later numbered and white ones won't fit your machine but the rest ... | ||
| Singer 628 stuck needle position/stitch width | 2/9/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: and when I made the adjustment, the needle position moved to R. Now I can't move the stitch width or ... A: The machine probably just needed (or needs) a good oiling. Most of those don't like to sit for long ... | ||
| silk drapes | 2/8/2009 | Jenna McAuliffe |
| Q: I just bought some silk curtains at a sale price. I like the look of them very much. Problem, ... A: As far as "can you" lengthen them, then absolutely yes you can! I wouldn't recommend using a sticky ... | ||
| Planetary gears that drive shuttle hook do not engage properly | 2/8/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I hope you can help me. I have this singer 413 machine that I use probably once every 3 or 4 years. ... A: I believe the website I gave you has those instructions on how to do that. It's almost impossible to ... | ||
| singer factory machine | 2/8/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I hope you can shed some light on this as we are having a difficult time finding an answer. My mom ... A: I am not an expert on commercial (factory) machines but it sounds like you probably just need a new ... | ||
| The cost of a 401g Singer | 2/8/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I am wondering how much a 401g Singer sewing machine goes for, it has the original case, parts, only ... A: NICE 401G...... One of Singers finest and made in Germany. Not much (but a little) different from ... | ||
| Necchi Supernova Ultra feed dogs | 2/8/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I just replaced my belt and oiled my machine. When I tested it the feed dogs didn't feed the ... A: I have forgotton most of what little I knew about Necchi machines as I was a Singer man. Go to yahoo ... | ||
| Planetary gears that drive shuttle hook do not engage properly | 2/8/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I hope you can help me. I have this singer 413 machine that I use probably once every 3 or 4 years. ... A: Your machine probably has a broken plastic gear. The one that usually breaks is at the top of the ... | ||
| Singer 201-2 | 2/7/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I'm thinking about buying a Singer 201. It is in "working" condition. I called a local sewing ... A: I was in the sewing machine business over 40 years and I NEVER saw a 201 with bad gears. Those ... | ||
| Singer sewing machine problem | 2/7/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: Hope you can help me with my machine.It seems that when I press on the pedal to start the machine ... A: Check to be sure the little 'arm' from the bobbin case base is in between the 'springs' on the ... | ||
| White Sewing Machine tension assembly | 2/6/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I have a White sewing machine model #1455. The upper thread tension assembly fell off. Is there ... A: Sorry, but white made so many different models I wouldn't remember without having it in front of me ... | ||
| Singer Model 774 bobbin tension | 2/5/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: I've recently begun using my grandmother's singer 774 and I'm having a little trouble with the ... A: Yes, it sounds like your bobbin tension needs to be tighter. There is a screw on the bobbin case ... | ||
| Sewing machine Bobbin | 2/5/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: hey, i have a Nelco ja-38 that was my great grandmothers and i have been cleaning it up and ... A: First, the red piced of felt goes under the spool of thread on top of the machine to keep the thread ... | ||
| Singer Fashion Mate 237 Italian make | 2/5/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: It seems from lack of use my trusty machine has developed some rust in the shuttle area and won't ... A: The Singer 237 is a great little machine. Chances are you may have a little rust but you can wipe ... | ||
| singer 500A - tension adjustment problem | 2/5/2009 | Bill Eaton |
| Q: My singer 500A tension knob is very loose causing all stitching to be loose regardless of the number ... A: Below is a .pdf file that shows the parts of the machine in case you get "lost". On the side of the ... | ||
| reducing size of comforter. | 2/5/2009 | Claudia Buchanan |
| Q: How do I go about reducing a full size comforter to twin? It's polyester filled. A: Kathleen, 1. I would suggest measure and mark the comforter to the size needed and allow a large ... | ||
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Sewing
Answers by Expert:
Karen Erickson
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
All about home decor sewing, with many tips and trick on how to make a finished project look like a professional was hired to sew them. Specialize in "home decor" sewing. From how to measure, to how to cut and sew. Slipcovers, deocrative pillows, bedding, table accessories, drapery toppers, top treatments and more... Please do not ask me questions about clothing or trouble shooting sewing machines. I appreciate if you ask about home decor sewing.
Experience
Started sewing at the young age of 10 years.
In 1986 opened up my own Designer Sewing Workroom, in 1998 started teaching workshops and classes to others in my Industry.
In 1998 established Slipcover America Inc, produced 3 DVDs and 3 CDS. I have traveled to the American Sewing Guild Conferences and various Sewing Expos in both the US and Canada, as a speaker, teaching and instructor. Also was on staff at the CHF Drapery School in North Carolina as the Slipcover Instructor. Continue to speak at special engagements at Fabric and Sewing stores throughout the country.
In 2006 established Sonoran Sewing, in 2008 www.HomeFashionsU.com with an associate Claudia Buchanan in Arizona where we do specialized in "home decor" sewing workshops and retreats throughout the year.
Organizations
Slipcover Network
Drapery Pro
Workroom Association of America
Window Coverings Association of America
American Sewing Guild
Publications
Sew What Magazine (trade)
Window Coverings Magazine (trade)
Sew News Magazine
Drapery and Window Coverings
Mary Engelbreit Home Companion Magazine
St Louis Home and Garden
Education/Credentials
College degree in Photo Journalism, Chaffey Community College in Cucamong, CA.
Years of continual education through conference and workshops dealing with the sewing industry.
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