jumper03 0 #1 November 24, 2005 I'm learning all kinds of things about sewing now that I have my own machine.... Tip 1 - if you're not ready to sew - take your big ass, heavy foot off the pedal..... or be handy with a seam ripper.Scars remind us that the past is real Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,483 #2 November 24, 2005 Tip 2 - If Tip one is ignored, have band-aids within arms distance of said machine. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #3 November 24, 2005 QuoteI'm learning all kinds of things about sewing now that I have my own machine.... Tip 1 - if you're not ready to sew - take your big ass, heavy foot off the pedal..... or be handy with a seam ripper. __________________________________________ A few years ago, I had a guy come to me, wanting me to help him get his rigger's ticket. Weeell, he couldn't sew to save his butt. So, before we went any farther, I started giving him sewing lessons. The first thing I showed him and 'tried' to impress on him was; "Start sewing with scrap material!" You never start with whatever it is you are wanting to make. Learn your sewing machine and learn thread tension. Unless, the machine you are using is totally screwed-up, leave the bobbin tension alone. Check with Poynter's Parachute Manual or go to a local sewing store and get a book on 'sewing'. Either, will show you proper stitches. Practice, practice, practice! Good luck to you and show pics of your first project so we can all 'critique' you! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdctlc 0 #4 November 24, 2005 Scraps to learn the machine and how it works with different materials and stitch patterns is a really good one but the biggie I found was to start slow when learning... You can take your big ass foot and slam it down and you will get something but practice gives consistent straight stitching and as you get the hang of that the speed develops! IF your starting/learning your not a pro so treat it like learning to fly a parachute. You don’t go to the sub 100 cross-braced speed demon on the first few go!! Sewing can be pretty fun! Play with it and if the stitching looks like crap your tension is probably f*&#'ed up Scott C."He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumper03 0 #5 November 24, 2005 QuoteQuoteI'm learning all kinds of things about sewing now that I have my own machine.... Tip 1 - if you're not ready to sew - take your big ass, heavy foot off the pedal..... or be handy with a seam ripper. __________________________________________ A few years ago, I had a guy come to me, wanting me to help him get his rigger's ticket. Weeell, he couldn't sew to save his butt. So, before we went any farther, I started giving him sewing lessons. The first thing I showed him and 'tried' to impress on him was; "Start sewing with scrap material!" You never start with whatever it is you are wanting to make. Learn your sewing machine and learn thread tension. Unless, the machine you are using is totally screwed-up, leave the bobbin tension alone. Check with Poynter's Parachute Manual or go to a local sewing store and get a book on 'sewing'. Either, will show you proper stitches. Practice, practice, practice! Good luck to you and show pics of your first project so we can all 'critique' you! Chuck well, we'll see how it turns out. I've sewn some patches on a kit bag and they were okay. I got an old canopy that was ripped to hell in a tree landing - took it apart and now am playing with all kinds of stuff. First 'real' project is taking two panels from said blown up canopy and make a free fly tube. Almost done with it.Scars remind us that the past is real Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #6 November 24, 2005 Too cool! That's what it takes... doing. The more you do, the betteryou'll get. Like I said, ya' gott show pics. i'd like to see the finished work. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #7 November 24, 2005 If you move up to a 7 class, harness machine, keep a pair of pliers in your pocket. They are great for getting the needle out of you thumb. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #8 November 24, 2005 QuoteIf you move up to a 7 class, harness machine, keep a pair of pliers in your pocket. They are great for getting the needle out of you thumb. Sparky _______________________________________ You know, I have heard of so many folks who have sewn fingers and thumbs. In the 40 odd years I've been sewing, I've (knock on wood) never done that. Am I doing something wrong? Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeteS 0 #9 November 24, 2005 The way to get good, F#%! some stuff up! Do alot of fun work to keep motivated and take your time setting up your project. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #10 November 25, 2005 QuoteAm I doing something wrong? Yes, for the needle to go through your thumb you have to place it squarely under the presser foot. It didn't take me anytime at all to figure that out. I must be a fast learner. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aironscott 3 #11 November 25, 2005 Steve- What kind of machine did you get? I'm happy for you that you finally got one. Please email me if you have any questions. btw - how is college professoring going? I was down in Eloy for the world meet last month and your name came up often (in a good way). Happy Thanksgiving! Aaron“God Damn Mountain Dew MotherFuckers!” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkwing 5 #12 November 25, 2005 I used to have a Singer 97-10. It would sew through a silver dollar. It woulnd't even notice your thumb. You would though. Practice, practice, practice. -- Jeff My Skydiving History Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McDuck 0 #13 November 25, 2005 You've almost got the tube done?? SWEET! I can't wait to watch one of our burgeoning free-flyers try it out before I give it a go. Do you ever stop working, my friend? Kevin - Sonic Beef #5 - OrFun #28 "I never take myself too seriously, 'cuz everybody know fat birds don't fly." - FLC Online communities: proof that people never mature much past high school. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #14 November 25, 2005 QuoteQuoteAm I doing something wrong? Yes, for the needle to go through your thumb you have to place it squarely under the presser foot. It didn't take me anytime at all to figure that out. I must be a fast learner. Sparky ________________________________________ Aaah! I have been doing it wrong! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tdog 0 #15 November 25, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteAm I doing something wrong? Yes, for the needle to go through your thumb you have to place it squarely under the presser foot. It didn't take me anytime at all to figure that out. I must be a fast learner. Sparky ________________________________________ Aaah! I have been doing it wrong! Chuck If you would like to practice with a manual unit before you move to an electric machine, I would recommend a stapler. You can find one at manifest, just pretend that silver plate is the foot of the machine for purposes of squaring it up. Put your thumb there and hit the stapler... Once you have done that 10 or 15 times, you can move on to the automatic machines with some accuracy. Remember, if you want the thread to have the right stitch thru your thumb, you will need to practice, practice, practice with the tension adjustments. Not that I sew much myself, these are just things I picked up from you guys here. (actually, I can sew, I just don't like to admit it in public because last time I did I had to sew a few thousand dollars of bolts of silk into a 90' foot X 40' sheet for a stage show.) Travis Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #16 November 25, 2005 QuoteIf you move up to a 7 class, harness machine, keep a pair of pliers in your pocket. They are great for getting the needle out of you thumb. Sparky I'm wondering if any of y'all took wood shop in school....but thinking on it, I'm guessing not....otherwise y'all would be in Pieces of Eight!! Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #17 November 25, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteAm I doing something wrong? Yes, for the needle to go through your thumb you have to place it squarely under the presser foot. It didn't take me anytime at all to figure that out. I must be a fast learner. Sparky ________________________________________ Aaah! I have been doing it wrong! Chuck If you would like to practice with a manual unit before you move to an electric machine, I would recommend a stapler. You can find one at manifest, just pretend that silver plate is the foot of the machine for purposes of squaring it up. Put your thumb there and hit the stapler... Once you have done that 10 or 15 times, you can move on to the automatic machines with some accuracy. Remember, if you want the thread to have the right stitch thru your thumb, you will need to practice, practice, practice with the tension adjustments. Not that I sew much myself, these are just things I picked up from you guys here. (actually, I can sew, I just don't like to admit it in public because last time I did I had to sew a few thousand dollars of bolts of silk into a 90' foot X 40' sheet for a stage show.) Travis ___________________________________________ Well, to be honest, I was taught to 'sew the material'! It wasn't until I got into skydiving, that I found that, men sewing... was acceptable! I kept the fact that I sewed, extremely quiet. Something about masculinity and all that. Besides parachute work, I make chaps and chinks for 'working' cowboys. In history, early men did all the sewing. As time went on, it became womens work because the men were off conquering new lands and people. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #18 November 25, 2005 QuoteQuoteIf you move up to a 7 class, harness machine, keep a pair of pliers in your pocket. They are great for getting the needle out of you thumb. Sparky I'm wondering if any of y'all took wood shop in school....but thinking on it, I'm guessing not....otherwise y'all would be in Pieces of Eight!! _______________________________________ I took both, wood and metal shop. I didn't get my shirt-tail knotted-up in the lathe, either! I was told to 'turn the wood or metal... not your weiner'! That was the days before OSHA and guards on machinery. The only 'protection' we had was goggles to protect our eyes from metal and wood shavings. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,466 #19 November 25, 2005 The ONLY time I ever had a needle go through me was once I was having some difficulty in making a couple of stitches with a 31-15. I was holding the material very firmly and pulling the machine through by hand. The needle went into between a couple of layers of skin; so there I was with a needle in me, (however it had not gone all the way through it's cycle, had not made the loop down at the bobbin) and what to do. So I sit there for a moment and then back the machine up. All was well with no blood. Only once and I hope never again. That was too close. The problem with sewing through yourself (IMO) is that you are stuck to the machine, only have one hand free, and you are probably alone with no one to help. Oh forgot, lot's of pain also. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #20 November 26, 2005 QuoteThe problem with sewing through yourself (IMO) is that you are stuck to the machine, only have one hand free, and you are probably alone with no one to help. Oh forgot, lot's of pain also. I have only done it once, that was when I became acquainted with the term "Pain is an excellent teacher". And you are right about being stuck. That’s why I suggested carrying the pliers in your pocket. I was able to stretch out with one leg/foot and knock the rigging snips off another machine. Finally was able to scoot them close enough to pick up and use as a screwdriver to take the needle out. And no, I didn’t feel stupid, why do you ask? SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggermick 7 #21 November 27, 2005 QuoteQuoteThe problem with sewing through yourself (IMO) is that you are stuck to the machine, only have one hand free, and you are probably alone with no one to help. Oh forgot, lot's of pain also. I have only done it once, that was when I became acquainted with the term "Pain is an excellent teacher". And you are right about being stuck. That’s why I suggested carrying the pliers in your pocket. I was able to stretch out with one leg/foot and knock the rigging snips off another machine. Finally was able to scoot them close enough to pick up and use as a screwdriver to take the needle out. And no, I didn’t feel stupid, why do you ask? Sparky After many needle strikes on my digits over the years I learned to (most of the time) keep em out of the way..................However, one day when I was re-timimg a twin machine, I was rotating a hook into posisition when I accdentaly leaned on the "go" pedal and took a hook a hook in the left thumb (three stitches later). The harder it hurt the harder I pressed down on the pedal, which drove it further into my thumb, till I finally jumped off the machine and left a piece of me with the machine. Lesson turn the fuckin thing off when re-timing!!! Mick. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeteS 0 #22 November 27, 2005 For heavy ass foot, put the ball of your foot on the top or furthest side of the foot pedal.Then to engage the clutch, lift your heel up off the backof the pedal. This gives you the most action of your foot with the least action of the foot pedal. Be ready to stomp the brake if your big assed heavy foot gets too excited. Then there is the time my left index finger got over the foot on a 42 stich tacker....... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumper03 0 #23 November 29, 2005 QuoteSteve- What kind of machine did you get? I'm happy for you that you finally got one. Please email me if you have any questions. btw - how is college professoring going? I was down in Eloy for the world meet last month and your name came up often (in a good way). Happy Thanksgiving! Aaron Oh you messed up now! I'll whore information from anyone and anywhere. I got a Singer 96-47. Which after some digging turns out to be a clone of a 31-15 that went to one cam for the bobbin instead of two so it runs much quieter. I'll post pics of the tube later. It was jumped and worked but I need to work on the bottom ring. the plastic I used wasn't stiff enough so it didn't let in enough air to fully inflate the tube. College professoring is so-so. There are ups and downs. I at least know there are 50 college freshmen in NC that now know how to use a ruler...Scars remind us that the past is real Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumper03 0 #24 December 5, 2005 QuoteToo cool! That's what it takes... doing. The more you do, the betteryou'll get. Like I said, ya' gott show pics. i'd like to see the finished work. Chuck as requested... one shot on the ground another of the tube coming down from the jump. It worked okay in the air, but I got to find something a little stiffer for the bottom. The stuff I used as a bit flimsy and didn't keep the bottom open fully to inflate the tube.Scars remind us that the past is real Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #25 December 5, 2005 QuoteQuoteToo cool! That's what it takes... doing. The more you do, the betteryou'll get. Like I said, ya' gott show pics. i'd like to see the finished work. Chuck as requested... one shot on the ground another of the tube coming down from the jump. It worked okay in the air, but I got to find something a little stiffer for the bottom. The stuff I used as a bit flimsy and didn't keep the bottom open fully to inflate the tube. ______________________________________ Looks to me like a great job! Sometimes, you have to work the 'bugs' out. Keep up the good work. Nice job! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
