403A - Isn't She Lovely?

Denim Tote - Completed & the Return of the Bernina 930

The denim tote has been completed. DD#1 has claimed it. The tote is sturdy, but those pleats make it feminine and give it a bit of style - a wonderful use for the leftover denim. Here is what it looks like inside:

One of the rivets didn’t set right, so I removed it and tried again. I am not sure what tool should be used for rivet removal, but this is what I did:

First, I lifted the edges of the rivet up with a screwdriver and then I cut off the stem using this tool. It worked and if I need to remove any other rivets, this is the method I will use.

The Bernina is back.  I was able to speak to someone at the shop.  To keep it running well, I need to do the following about once a month:

• Lower and raise the feed dogs (they get stuck if not used)
• Run the basting stitch (yep – learned the hard way on that one)
• Make buttonholes (again, it keeps things from getting stuck)
• Use the embroidery stitches (specifically the honeycomb stitch as the needle has to go forward/backward and left to right to make the stitch)

Easy enough, I can do that……

Bernina 930 - On the Mend & Making Room for the 403A

The Bernina is being serviced and should be ready for pick-up by the middle of the week.  The pin on the clutch will be repaired or replaced. I forgot to ask which.  Anyway, it will work again.

The basting stitch needs to be used periodically to lubricate the pin on the clutch.  Not knowing this, I haven’t run the basting stitch and I doubt that it had been before the machine came to me.  So, even if it is oiled properly, not using the basting stitch prevents the oil from getting into where it belongs.  Eventually, the needle will not go up and down.  This is what was explained to me. Lacking the mechanical gene, I have to trust.

I was informed that the feed dogs are like bald tires and the light bulb is on the way out. They will be replaced. Once again, I have to trust.

It was good to know that this was not caused by the denim.  Yes, I have had guilt, and, well, I still do as this pin/clutch thing was a direct result of neglect.  I am going to find out if there is anything else that I need to be doing to keep the machine in good working order.

The 403A has spent the weekend in Illinois and is scheduled to be delivered on Wednesday.  I bought some machine oil and a few plastic bobbins, in case the metal ones don’t arrive when the machine does.  The manual has been printed.

Also, in preparation for its arrival, I have been forced to critique the organization of my sewing possessions.  There isn’t room here to add much more and that is why the 403A is coming without a cabinet.  Where will I store it?  The closet?  No, not without an intervention.

So be it.  There has been an intervention.  The closet is no longer solidly stuffed from floor to ceiling.  I would like to report that I had a gentle demeanor while this change was occurring.  But, I cannot.  There was much grumbling and stomping.  The closet has been put right with the offending boxes moved to the shelves above.  One can now actually enter the closet without removing boxes first.  And, the items inside are easily viewed and accessed.  A place has been made ready for the new machine.

The garage is next…..

Bernina 930 Repair and Singer 403A

I checked the Bernina into the shop yesterday. It may be a few days before they can examine it and let me know what needs to be done. While it is there, they will make sure that everything else is in good shape. It will also receive a professional cleaning.

Not having it here has created a void and made me realize that I need to have a backup machine. I have been shopping on Craigslist and eBay.  I also visited a few thrift stores, but that was depressing. The few machines I found were broken, scratched, filthy and expensive.

I purchased a machine on eBay that met my requirements of strength and modest price:  a Singer 403A. Yes, a Slant-O-Matic!  The 403A has the streamlined style beginnings of the 500 series and just makes you smile to look at it.

This machine, like the Bernina, is all metal.  In the eBay photos, a few chips in the paint are clearly visible and the rubber bobbin winder tire appears dried out and cracked.  I ordered a replacement.  I have also ordered some vintage Singer class 66 bobbins, and have downloaded, in PDF form, the manual.  This should help me to get started right away.  I will gather additional presser feet and cams once I know the machine is a keeper. It will also need a carrying case.

The 403A has been shipped.

Denim Tote - Bernina 930 Defeated

While starting the final row of topstitching, the size 18 needle on the Bernina seized, but it did not break.  I unstuck it from the denim and examined it.  It had a rough spot near the point, so I replaced it with a fresh one and rethreaded the machine.  Everything appeared to be fine, except the needle would not go up or down.  I will call the Bernina shop today.....

The seam where those pins are is several layers thick.  I had started the topstitching on the side seam where even more layers are folded.  And, in case you are wondering, no, I did not hit a pin.

I use a lot of pins. I don't like to baste, unless I have to. I know that various tapes and glues are popular. For me, pins do the job.

The topstitching, besides being decorative on the outside, also fastens the bottom of the band lining to the tote.  Of course, I did not follow the pattern instructions.  The instructions have the tote lining sewn only at the upper edge, where the handles are.  The lining is otherwise loose inside the tote - making for a messy look, don't you think?

The tote wants rivets.  It shall have them.

Denim Tote - Everything But The Oink

This is what is left after cutting out the tote - evidence indeed of my project manangement skills.

And what fabric, kind reader, do you think was chosen for the lining?

Machine Maintenance

The machines performed so well throughout the jeans construction that I am going to reward them with a thorough cleaning and oiling. You have already met my Bernina 930 Record. Above, is my faithful Kenmore Overlock 3/4D, purchased in 1991. It took charge of that denim and, granted, it protested a time or two, but no needles were broken.

There is a large piece of the denim left. Enough to make this tote - the large one on the upper right. Oh, there are lots of rivets left, too.....