craftgrrl | For all you sewing types...

What do your sewing spaces look like? I haven't gotten around to clearing out the spare room and situating it because I've only just begun really getting into sewing. So I've been ... using my kitchen table. :D

So, what have I been doing while making this mess?

Pet hammocks! Hahaha.

So far, it's going really well. I'm making a few for friends, and constantly learning what to do and what not to do. I know almost nothing about sewing, so I'm winging it as I go and looking to finished products for examples.

I do have a question, though. I'm sewing through quite a few layers of fleece and fabric, and having some difficulty at times. I was told a bigger needle would do the trick, so I upgraded from a 14 to a 16 (I thought this was odd since I have experience as a phlebotomist where larger numbers = smaller needles, not vice versa, but I went with what the employee at the craft store said.). It seems to do a little better, but it's still having trouble on the thicker parts. I have a Brother XL-6562 that is at least four years old. Should I go for a bigger needle, or is there some other technique to this?