Suzy Qs Quilt Shop

When a machine is new it is well lubricated from the factory. As you create on your machine lint will accumulate in and around the sewing area of the machine. The lubrication is absorbed by the lint thereby affecting the proper lubrication of the machine. When we service your machine, we remove all the outside covers to gain access to the working components inside the machine. These areas are then cleaned, checked for damage and relubricated to maintain the smooth operation when you are sewing. Machines are also inspected timing, burrs and a host of other items that can affect the use of your machine. None of us wants to have the added expense of maintenance. However, have your machine serviced on a fairly regular basis (every 18 – 24 months), even and especially if the machine has not been used for some period of time. ’It is far cheaper than replacing.’

THANKS to Brad from Johnson’s Sewing Center in Edmonton for the valuable information!

I would love you to post your  tip and tricks – after all, there is no silly trick  or tip – it is amazing what we all know and can share – here’s the place to do it so, givver!

One of the most common ‘complaints’ I hear from my customers is that their blocks just don’t end up the “right”  – either a little too big or a little to0 small….but just not ‘right’. They stretch and pull to try to make those darn blocks go together.  Why oh Why??

This was ME — and you are NOT ALONE!

Honestly, MOST often than not, the culprit is the seam allowance – it is NOT a  1/4″. 

UT….I ‘have’ and “use” a 1/4″ foot – it came with my machine.

So – here is a littel tip for you…Not ALL 1/4″ feet – sew a 1/4″ seam. In fact, it is rare. So…what do you do? It’s easy. First, get some scrap fabric strips. Test drive the 1/4″ foot. MEASURE it. It needs to be a “scant” 1/4″ – this mean just a thread smaller than the 1/4″ (this allows for the loss of fabric in the allowance when you press your seam). Don’t say “close enough” — because it really isn’t – it needs to be a scant 1/4″.  Think about it for a minute….if you are out just a little on every square, block, row…..you WILL be out by the end….maybe even up to an inch. Do you think those setting triangles will fit nicely/easily? (I thought so, once! I didn’t really think it was that big a deal…I thought my instructor was a little “strict” in fact…but, did I learn! The hard way (and the expensive way).

Okay – back on track…if your seam is NOT a 1/4″ – and you are using the proper foot….what will you do? ADJUST your needle position. Believe it or not, all machines can do this and will vary. I know three ladies with the same machine who adjust their needle (while using their foot) differently to achieve thier accurate 1/4″ seam allowance. GO AHEAD – give it a whirl. You just may save youself alot of greif!

Happy Quilting – because it SHOULD make you happy!