So I'm finally sewing again at home. Or will be, as soon as I have my "new" little machine figured out. My family visited for the holidays and brought out my grandmother's Singer Featherweight. It's a simple machine and only sews a single stitch, but it's certainly better than nothing!
The only downside is that I have no idea if I'll be able to use it to create faire garb - or anything beyond faire skirts and chemises. I have plans for new nobles, but I still might end up sewing at friends' homes.
You might be surpised at what you can manage. I sewed garb for years on a baby blue 1959 Singer that only did straight and zig-zag.
You don't NEED a machine for anything garb-related. The Tudors certainly didn't even have a Featherweight, let alone a $$$$ computerized machine! Sure, the bells and whistles can make the job faster, but don't let not having the newest modern equipment stop you from making the garb you want. Witness RF member Centuries Sewing's hand-sewn silk corset (http://centuries-sewing.com/category/costumes/16th-century/pair-of-bodies/). If she can manage all those boning channels on a fussy fitted garment, then you oughta be able to find your way without a zigzag. ;D
I was able to do a lot on a 1913 Singer sewing machine that only did straight stitch. I learned to manipulate the fabric on the sewing machine.
Blushing, I have a fairly basic Singer that I sew on. Granted I don't do the elaborate kind of work many of the ladies here do, but I have made all the pieces needed for a noble and I've rarely used anything other than a straight stitch.
Does your machine have a manual? I know there's a site that allows you to order one if yours is missing.
Quote from: gem on January 04, 2011, 01:33:59 PM
You don't NEED a machine for anything garb-related. The Tudors certainly didn't even have a Featherweight, let alone a $$$$ computerized machine! Sure, the bells and whistles can make the job faster, but don't let not having the newest modern equipment stop you from making the garb you want. Witness RF member Centuries Sewing's hand-sewn silk corset (http://centuries-sewing.com/category/costumes/16th-century/pair-of-bodies/). If she can manage all those boning channels on a fussy fitted garment, then you oughta be able to find your way without a zigzag. ;D
I second this one. And actually, I have a new and more than decent machine but all I ever use it for is zig-zag and straight sewing. I usually do long (=boring) seams on the machine, and attach trims and bound edges and such by hand. I can manipulate the fabric more effectively that way. And I don't think I've used zig-zag for historical dresses, only theatrical costumes.
Thanks all! ;D I actually thought the simple stitch would be more than enough for everything I (currently) have in mind, but I wasn't sure.
Anna - I have a manual, but I'm going to order another one, since I "borrowed" my mom's (with her permission of course). I also need to find a thread attachment, since the tall spools tend to wobble TOO much.
The ONLY real problem you might have with the Featherweight is it's physical size. It's VERY small, and great big skirts will not go through that tiny harp area. And the weight might drag it off the table, so make sure things are well supported. No using it for Big Skirts on a teeny card table or sofa table! ;D
And watch the light fitting: it gets hot enough to iron hems...
Quote from: DonaCatalina on January 04, 2011, 01:22:40 PM
You might be surpised at what you can manage. I sewed garb for years on a baby blue 1959 Singer that only did straight and zig-zag.
I used a 1923 hand crank for years. Made shedloads of stuff on it as a student back in the 70's. Including stuff in stretch velvet.
Before I bought my Janome workhorse in 2006, I sewed on a simple Brother I bought at an Estate Sale for $25 in 2003. That is what I used fo my Mary, Queen of Scots ensemble and the other garb I made for my husband and I. It did straight and zig zag stitching. I had my older serger at the time as well. I knew I was going to need a better machine for the sewing I was planning to do, especially with Hat making.
When tackling Noble Garb and various thicknesses of fabrics and layers, a sewing machine with a good dog feed and sturdiness will be the better bet.
There's stuff to think about here. I'm hoping this little one won't be my only machine, but for now I'll do what I can with what I have. At the very least I'll be improving my skills.
That's pretty much where I am, Blushing. I know I could really expand my skills if I had a better machine, but this is what I have now and it works well...or well enough for my current needs.
I think yours is especially nice as it belonged to your grandmother.