Post by: onions! on October 27, 2007, 02:33:49 PM
I'm not going into production & I have no desire to make clothes.I am interested in upholstering my own furniture but I understand that it'd require more than what I expect of this machine.
Something that can do a few dififferent stitches & work reliably for years.That's what I'm looking for.
I've visited a sewing center &,well,ever get caught by a pack of women in the "femine products" aisle?They give you a bemused,tolerant look that's seems to shoo you away.It was kinda like that.
Think Ruger Blackhawk not Custom Shop N-frame.W/a Hi-Point price.
Thoughts?Ideas?Creative snide comments?
Post by: Paddy on October 27, 2007, 03:19:34 PM
Post by: Perd Hapley on October 27, 2007, 03:28:08 PM
Quote
ever get caught by a pack of women in the "femine products" aisle?
A few years back, I was moving into an apartment that had a big window in the bedroom. It had blinds, but it needed something else to block out the light. My mom offered to sew up some curtains for me. Now, I'm of the view that every man (and woman) should have enough sew-fu to maintain their clothing and such. I'd not have felt the least bit sheepish about sewing up some curtains for myself, but at my skill level, it would have taken forever and might have ended up a pretty bad job. My mother, on the other hand, had the mad sewing skills to do it much faster and better than I. And I was busy moving and registering for college classes and what-not. She wanted to do something to help me out.
So we went to the fabric store to get some material. While my mom was looking at some other things in the store, I went up to pay for the fabric. I made the mistake of mentioning that my mom was making some curtains for me. The lady at the counter kindly informed me that guys can sew, too. Usually engineers, she said.
I bore her prejudiced attitude with minimal response until I could get out of the store. I could have explained to her why it made more sense for my mommy to do it for me. Or I could have asked her if she presumed that every man who came into the store was afraid to do girlie stuff like sewing. Whatever. Can you tell that this still annoys me? 
Post by: Paddy on October 27, 2007, 03:32:05 PM
Post by: onions! on October 27, 2007, 04:15:24 PM
Sheesh. Hire a freakin' seamstress already. There's a lot more involved than just owning a sewing machine.
I could.I just enjoyed a nice meal of sweet'n'sour chicken I made from scratch(yep,sauce too).That involved more than just owning a stove as well.IOWs,I can learn.
Post by: grislyatoms on October 27, 2007, 04:16:11 PM
When I was layed up recovering from back surgery I did cross-stitch to keep from going out of my mind with boredom. I gave it to my Mom for Christmas. I don't ever want to do it again, though. I really don't have the patience for it.
Anyway, onions!, I have a small sewing machine you can have, if you like. My Mom bought it for my daughter but I doubt we will ever use it. It is quite small, so i don't know if it will be useful or not. I have to find it, too.
Lemme know.
Post by: RoadKingLarry on October 27, 2007, 04:18:50 PM
Post by: Stickjockey on October 27, 2007, 04:25:25 PM
Quote
It must be a midwestern thing, 'cause it sure sounds gay to me.
Whatever. Hey Onions, if you're in the Portland, Oregon area, pm me. My wife sews like nuthin'.
Post by: onions! on October 27, 2007, 04:36:44 PM
Quote
It must be a midwestern thing, 'cause it sure sounds gay to me.
Whatever. Hey Onions, if you're in the Portland, Oregon area, pm me. My wife sews like nuthin'.
:cool:but I'm in Michigan.
Post by: Mabs2 on October 27, 2007, 04:37:34 PM
I've never heard of men sewing, especially 'curtains' 'n stuff, fistful. It must be a midwestern thing, 'cause it sure sounds gay to me.
Well, it IS fistful.
Post by: Harold Tuttle on October 27, 2007, 04:47:41 PM
buy camo burlap
use staple gun to affix above window
slip covers:
buy camo burlap
use staple gun to affix around furniture
cover staple line with long thin strip of black gaffers tape
Post by: thebaldguy on October 27, 2007, 05:00:31 PM
Funniest use: fixing holes in the crotch of sweatpants. I don't know how they get there, but a few seconds through a machine and they're done.
Post by: Paddy on October 27, 2007, 05:01:48 PM
Sheesh. Hire a freakin' seamstress already. There's a lot more involved than just owning a sewing machine.
I could.I just enjoyed a nice meal of sweet'n'sour chicken I made from scratch(yep,sauce too).That involved more than just owning a stove as well.IOWs,I can learn.
OK. I can get behind that. You must have a lot of free time.
Post by: cosine on October 27, 2007, 05:10:09 PM
Edit: just saw thebaldguy beat me to it. Cuff platform=free arm.
Post by: Archie on October 27, 2007, 05:39:29 PM
Sewing is much like sheet metal work, by the way. Except the edges don't cut fingers so much. I still make holsters but I hand sew everything.
As for it being 'gay'... someone has some really self-image issues. A man needs to be able to do anything and everything it takes to be self-sufficient. Just like a woman has to be able to change a tire for those times she can't vamp a man into doing it for her.
Post by: Standing Wolf on October 27, 2007, 05:44:08 PM
I bought a used sewing machine that didn't work ten minutes. I took it back and bought a new machine that works well enough. It paid for itself long before I finished making curtains for seven windows.
Post by: Paddy on October 27, 2007, 05:46:20 PM
Quote
I made a costume for a live stage production in High School. An old girl friend helped me, but I designed it and did most of the work.
As for it being 'gay'... someone has some really self-image issues.
As for it being 'gay'... someone has some really self-image issues.
Whatever, dude
Post by: Ben on October 27, 2007, 05:50:53 PM
I sewed myself a suede scabbard for my Great Plains Rifle, in case that makes sewing less gay to certain people.
Post by: CAnnoneer on October 27, 2007, 06:31:07 PM
Post by: Paddy on October 27, 2007, 06:39:52 PM
Post by: Perd Hapley on October 27, 2007, 06:47:31 PM
I've never heard of men sewing, especially 'curtains' 'n stuff, fistful. It must be a midwestern thing, 'cause it sure sounds gay to me.
Good thing that I'm not very good at it, then. I think Riley might be more at home with those knuckle-draggers down in Georgia.
Post by: Bogie on October 27, 2007, 11:15:50 PM
My next door neighbor, known as "Big Roy," used to be a manager on the interior and upholstery line at the local Ford plant.
Post by: Joe Demko on October 28, 2007, 05:31:29 AM
Gayness is about being attracted to people of the same sex. Riley is very worried about homosexuality. So much so that he is now drawing non-existent connections between sewing and sexual orientation. I think Riley spends too much time thinking about homosexuality.
Do you suppose he dreams about homosexuality?
Post by: Perd Hapley on October 28, 2007, 05:59:20 AM
Post by: Joe Demko on October 28, 2007, 06:57:18 AM
1. Riley could take up sewing and see if it makes him want to taste one.
2. Riley could taste one and see if it makes want to take up sewing.
Option #2 could also shed some light on whether teh gay is a choice or not. If Riley finds that tasting one is like eating Lay's potato chips, then I'll concede that those who claim it's a choice have been right all along. Here's Riley's chance to do some research on a topic that, clearly, interests him and possibly learn a new skill or two as well.
Post by: K Frame on October 28, 2007, 07:04:27 AM
I've never heard of men sewing, especially 'curtains' 'n stuff, fistful. It must be a midwestern thing, 'cause it sure sounds gay to me.
Thus speaks the "enlightened" California liberal...
Post by: Paddy on October 28, 2007, 08:32:42 AM
Post by: grislyatoms on October 28, 2007, 08:38:18 AM
You guys sure are touchy about this subject. Maybe APS needs a Quilting Bee forum where y'all can trade tips, tricks and techniques for attaching sequins to ballet shoes and stuff like that.
Good one, Riley!
Post by: K Frame on October 28, 2007, 08:43:42 AM
Post by: Bogie on October 28, 2007, 10:02:49 AM
Give.
Post by: K Frame on October 28, 2007, 10:10:18 AM
1. Tack and saddle shop. Yellow pages/net
2. Sailing supply store. Yellow pages/net
3. Sewing supply center. Yellow pages/net.
Post by: Euclidean on October 28, 2007, 01:33:20 PM
I've never heard of men sewing, especially 'curtains' 'n stuff, fistful. It must be a midwestern thing, 'cause it sure sounds gay to me.
Quote from: Robert A. Heinlein
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
Admittedly I sure could sew better, but competence is no grounds for ridicule.
Post by: Perd Hapley on October 28, 2007, 01:38:51 PM
Post by: Euclidean on October 28, 2007, 01:42:12 PM
Post by: Perd Hapley on October 28, 2007, 01:44:35 PM
Post by: Desertdog on October 28, 2007, 05:58:07 PM
Quote
I've never heard of men sewing, especially 'curtains' 'n stuff, fistful. It must be a midwestern thing, 'cause it sure sounds gay to me.
Have you ever heard of a Tailor? Nothing more than a male seamstress.When I retired I thought taking up sewing would be good. After a few weeks of practice I found I still could not sew a straight seam. So now I just set up the machine for my wife if she wants to sew anything.
Post by: Euclidean on October 28, 2007, 07:25:14 PM
Oh come off it, Euclid. It's obvious you're just trying to explain away your homosexual urges.
As soon as those urges come, I have your address.
Post by: K Frame on October 28, 2007, 07:28:36 PM
Oh come off it, Euclid. It's obvious you're just trying to explain away your homosexual urges.
As soon as those urges come, I have your address.
I was going to close this thread, but you know, with a snapping comeback like that, now I want to see where it goes...
Post by: Euclidean on October 28, 2007, 07:30:57 PM
Even if he wasn't I really wouldn't give a hoot, I know what my sexual orientation is.
Post by: CAnnoneer on October 28, 2007, 07:37:33 PM
Post by: Euclidean on October 28, 2007, 07:43:30 PM
Post by: wooderson on October 28, 2007, 07:45:58 PM
Post by: CAnnoneer on October 28, 2007, 07:58:15 PM
I would SO be teh ghey in Austin, Texas way before I'd do it in Kali. Not nearly so many of the silly gun laws, and a ban on homosexual marriage as a great added bonus! I mean seriously how many straight people wish that marriage was illegal for them? Lucky gays.
If marriage were illegal, 90% of the men in the world would not get laid.
Post by: K Frame on October 28, 2007, 08:00:33 PM
Post by: Perd Hapley on October 28, 2007, 08:00:38 PM
Oh come off it, Euclid. It's obvious you're just trying to explain away your homosexual urges.
As soon as those urges come, I have your address.
No, it was a joke, see. I'm not gay. Honest.
I'm really not.
Seriously.
[Insecure, stressed-out emoticon]
Post by: Bogie on October 28, 2007, 08:49:23 PM
Post by: onions! on October 29, 2007, 03:15:12 AM
Grislyatoms?I'll keep you in mind.If what she has is incomplete or rusty junk I'll PM you.Thanks for the offer.
Harold Tuttle?Kinda funny,the
thebaldguy.
Sweatpants!I have three pairs w/the same splits.I thought that it was just me...Riley,Riley,Riley.>shakes head<What are we gonna do w/you.
BTW,I do have a bit of extra time on my hands right now.It's too dark to golf,I sold my .22-no tree rat hunting,& I'm single & not looking.
Thanks for the replies,I gotta go.I've a date w/a Richard Simmons video.Exercise!
Post by: roo_ster on October 29, 2007, 07:59:34 AM
One of my accomplishments was to repair my football pants in Jr High. My issue pants had pockets of ra ll the pads...with the stitches all ripped out. Two hours, one needle, a lot of white thread, and one tube of Krazy Glue later, and I am ready for football.
Post by: Scout26 on October 29, 2007, 08:46:26 AM
Oh, did I mention that I was the only male in a class of ~45 females
How gay, huh ? I did the same thing by taking a typing class. (Again the only male in a class of ~ 60 females.) My firends thought it was gay also, until they noticed that all these girls would come up and talk to me. Having the same class with homework, group projects, etc. gave us a common connection. After that I never did have much trouble finding a girl to go out with on Saturday Night. Yes, I also took a couple of Industrial Arts classes (House Wiring, Metal Shop, Wood Shop, Auto Shop.)
I brought a fairly decent, slightly used, sewing machine to my marriage. (Which somewhat surprised Mrs Scout when I used it in front of her for the first time and actually managed to sew stuff togther and not my fingers.) Sewing skills came in handy when I was in the Army to sew on patches, rank, badges, etc. Now it's very useful since my son joined Cub Scouts (and I'm a den leader) to get all those patches on the uniforms (Holy crap are there a lot of patches !!!!! But about 15 minutes on the machine and they're done, vs $15-20 at the tailors/cleaners).
Funny this topic came up. I was just at Jo-Ann Fabrics and picked up some more clear thread for adding a couple of new cub scout patches and a yard of some fabric to make some "cases" for the protective eyewear (about 20 pairs of glasses) so they don't get all scratched up getting banged around in the range bag.
I can sew simple stuff (a fabric pouch with a draw string closure for glasses, 'fer instance), and sew on patches and make basic repairs to clothes. I probably could do clothes/drapes, but only if you're not real picky as to finish/straight lines. I did make a pair of pants/jeans from a pattern in high school. (Imagine "Picasso Pants"
) I got a lot of "Nice Try !" and "You'll get the hang of it." type comments from the girls and the teacher. Nice thing is I got a well rounded education. I can cook, clean, sew, do laundry, fix plumbing, do electrical, repair/maintain cars (at least until they became flippin' computers), build/make stuff with wood and/or metals, and have done all the other things that Heinlein mentioned, except the "Die Gallantly" part, I'll save that for much later.
Post by: Perd Hapley on October 29, 2007, 09:08:14 AM
Of course, sailors had to mend sails and the like. But we all know which way they swing.
Post by: Hawkmoon on October 29, 2007, 02:54:39 PM
Think Ruger Blackhawk not Custom Shop N-frame.W/a Hi-Point price.
Thoughts?Ideas?Creative snide comments?
Thoughts?Ideas?Creative snide comments?
Speaking as my former alter ego "Omar the tent maker" (from car racing days, when I made all the racing flags for the track where my club raced), I suggest going to that most manly of stores, Sears. The sewing machine department is usually located in close proximity to the tool department, thus providing both alibi and cover. And Sears offers decent machines, at reasonable prices.
Post by: CNYCacher on October 29, 2007, 06:46:41 PM
I know they have at least 7 for sale right now even though they are not all on the website. A phone call or email would get you all the info. All these Singers have been disassembled, cleaned, re-timed, and had all the electrical stuff updated, and all the wearable parts replaced like rubber bumpers etc. Black ones are original finish with gold leaf replaced and clear-coated. Colored ones are refinished in custom color with gold leaf replaced and cleared, and are more expensive.
If you want a great machine that will likely outlast you and can also punch a needle through just about anything, there you go.
Post by: Hawkmoon on October 31, 2007, 06:17:46 AM
Well, if anyone knows where I could pick up a nice double-needle machine that isn't currently in a container from China, and doesn't cost over a grand, I'd like to know.
Irrespective of price, if you don't want it to come from China it doesn't exist.