question from a sewing newb

[reddest.livejournal.com]

Hi!

I am very new at sewing and don't want to ruin my machine, so I thought that I would ask you guys for a bit of knowledge and advice.
I have a Singer 57815c and when I began sewing it went smoothly. However, soon the stitch on the top looked fine, but underneath it was a rat's nest with the thread bunching and catching. (Deception!!) My sister told me to adjust the tension. I did this and it was again fine for a while. However, it soon began to bunch underneath again. Repeat....repeat...etc.  Somewhere in the midst of all of this I broke a needle and and bit of plastic broke off of the piece that holds my bobbin.

( Picture of broken piece under this cut )

Do I need to replace this piece? Bring it in to be serviced? ( I am very poor right now, so I can only do this as a last resort)  And do you have any other advice for using my machine or adjusting tension?

Thanks so much! I have been watching this site and am excited to hear your expert advice!!!!

~Redd

Faline

[smock-dragon.livejournal.com]

 

She's the start of something new ;)

Dress tutorial help!

[spunkyfmxgirl.livejournal.com]

I got a sewing machine for Christmas and I have been wanting to sew something new on it. It has been about 8 years since I have used a sewing machine. I love the style of dresses that have the tank top style top portion with a waistband that is usually elastic, with a full and ruffled skirt. While I still remember the basics, I am not comfortable (nor do I have the money) to just "wing it" and goof off. I found this tutorial recently when searching for "easy dress patterns". I find it a little confusing and not quite complete enough.

I don't know if I am just tired or inept, but I cannot find any other patterns and/or tutorials that really show this style of dress and an easy way to make one. Does anyone have any suggestions, advice, tips or links to tutorials for this style of dress?

Purse/Dog Carrier

[whimsicalwitchi.livejournal.com]

Hi!  I'm new here and just wanted to post the granny square bag I made.  It was my first time making a bag, so I was pretty proud of the results.

Anyway, it started out being a purse, but today - needing to take my pomeranian to the vet and not being able to find his carrier - I discovered that the purse makes a great pet bag.  My little baby loved being in it.  



( Pictures! )