Replies

1. 
   rekha | Jul 13, 2008 09:40am | #1

   You could try reducing the foot pressure. On my overlocker it sits on top of the machine

2. 
   ThreadKoe | Jul 13, 2008 05:38pm | #2

   You may have to set the blade distance a bit further out, and use a slightly heavier needle. The heavy threadwork in an eyelet or embroidered fabric actually makes it heavier and thicker to sew than you think. The background fabric is light but the embroidery is thick, so you need to base your needle choice on what works for that. Try it on a sample and see if it helps. It sounds like the machine and needle are working too hard. Cathy

1. 
   kbalinski | Jul 14, 2008 06:46am | #3

   Thanks for the tips, ladies! I used my regular machine for most of the sewing and the serger to finish the seams (3 threads).  I lightened the foot pressure, and the noises seemed to lessen.  Here is a picture of the final product!

   Kristine in Michigan

1. 
   JunkQueen | Jul 14, 2008 07:35am | #4

   I love it. You did a beautiful job on it.You probably aren't going to believe this, but I have one that appears to be exactly, I mean exactly like it, including the color. I bought it while on a trip, because I had to have a blouse "right then". I'd love to compare costs with you, if that isn't too gauche.

1. 
   kbalinski | Jul 14, 2008 07:43am | #5

   Hmmmm.... I didn't save my receipt, but the eyelet was 60% off, and I only bought 2 yds., so my best guess would be under $20, including the pattern.  When I saw the fabric on sale, it became a "must have" right then and there! It's going to look great with khakis and jeans, for work or play, so I'm really happy.

1. 
   JunkQueen | Jul 14, 2008 08:01am | #6

   Ohhhhh, I'm so envious. Mine was $32 on sale. And you still have the pattern and can make several more. It is super comfortable, and you are right about the combinations. I almost always wear blue jeans, and it it perfect with them. The eyelet is cool and comfortable, and with our 100 degree temps the same humidity here in Texas right now, I'm loving it. Good on you, girl.

2. 
   rekha | Jul 14, 2008 09:24am | #7

   Am I just imagining or is it so, the neck edge seems to be 1. loose or 2. uneven.

   Please don't take any offence as I couldn't put it another way

1. 
   kbalinski | Jul 14, 2008 03:24pm | #8

   Rekha,

   What's uneven? The camera when I took the picture! It's loose because my dress form doesn't match my shoulder measurements and I didn't have anyone available to photograph me in the shirt yet.  Yes, I actually took time and made sure the eyelet was straight when I cut the pattern.

   This is the second time that you've berated my work unnecessarily, and don't give me that "no offense meant" business, otherwise you wouldn't say it!  What makes you think I was looking for someone to pick my work apart when I posted this picture? It started with a question about my eyelet fabric, not "Does this look loose/uneven/well constructed...and I thought the ladies (you, being one of them) that took the time to try and be helpful might like to see that I worked through the problem.

   It's comments like this that keep new sewists away from boards like this, where they could get some encouragement to develop their skills at this craft.  I don't claim to be an accomplished sewist, but the internet (and this site) is one of the few places where I can connect with people in the sewing community that appreciate the skill of garment construction.  We are all at different levels of that skill here, or so I thought.  If this site is meant only for the professionals, then I was mistaken, and will spend my time elsewhere.

   I'm proud of my work, and I'm sure I'll garner more compliments, than questions about my top.

1. 
   rekha | Jul 14, 2008 03:45pm | #9

   For starters, I almost never look to see who I am responding to. You recall two times: that may be so.

   Every one is proud of their work, newbies and professionals. 

   Unfortunately that is not tattoed on the messages. 

   Your black eyelet top looks pretty but it seems to have problems on the neck.

   Was I supposed to know that your dress form is not shaped like your body?

3. 
   ThreadKoe | Jul 14, 2008 05:41pm | #10

   Kristine, I'm glad you worked your problems through. You did a great job, and the blouse looks like it is going to be cool and comfortable. What was the pattern you used? Cathy

1. 
   kbalinski | Jul 14, 2008 05:51pm | #11

   New Look 6785  click to see pattern envelope picture

   It has a 3 lengths for the top (blouse, tunic, dress), 3 sleeve options (open, cuffed, none), and a pair of pants.  The pants are next on my "to-do" list.

   One word of warning: There is a lot of ease built in, so you may want to do a muslin to check the size.  I'll be making it again, one size smaller than the envelope recommends.

1. 
   ThreadKoe | Jul 14, 2008 06:10pm | #12

   I liked the yoke on your blouse. I like how fresh the fabric makes the blouse too. Thanks for passing the info on. Cathy

2. 
   kbalinski | Jul 14, 2008 06:59pm | #13

   Thanks, threadkoe! I'm wearing it today with denim shorts, and know that I'll be making it again!  A nice brief project... I'm all about instant gratification!

3. 
   sewelegant | Jul 23, 2008 05:29am | #14

   I sent you an e-mail regarding your blouse so look for it and don't delete it!