Sewing

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Book Review and Giveaway – You And Your Sewing Machine

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YOU AND YOUR SEWING MACHINE

A Sewist’s Guide to Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Tips & Techniques by Bernie Tobisch

From the sewing machine whisperer, Bernie Tobisch comes this in-depth, visual guide to how a sewing machine works, how to keep it in good working order, and how to solve common problems. Learn what questions to ask when buying a new sewing machine, what sewing machine foot to use for different projects, what regular maintenance you need to perform, and more. Perfect for sewists and quilters of all levels, this friendly approach to learning about and troubleshooting YOUR sewing machine gives you the tools you need to sew and quilt with less frustration and better results!

• For any brand of sewing machine
• Written by an expert sewing machine technician with over forty-two years of experience
• Learn how your sewing machine works, how to keep it happy, and how to troubleshoot common problems

This sewing guide is filled with tips and tricks on how to get along with your sewing machine, I mean there has been a few times when I have wanted to chuck my out the window. With this book your sanity will remain as Bernie guides you through all the common and not so common sewing machine dramas. We love this book and we are giving 5 lucky Sewing Craftgossip readers the chance to win a copy of their own.

We are giving away 5 copies to 5 lucky Craftgossip.com readers (US address only)

For your chance to win a copy all you have to do is comment below.

Want an extra chance at winning? Signup to our Newsletter and join our Facebook page. 

Entries close on the 30th of October 2018  – Winners will be contacted via e-mail at the close of the giveaway.

 

Comments

  4. I’m 68 and been sewing since I was a child. My grandmother was a professional seamstress. I’ve been nursing an old Janine for a few years. I’d love to learn how to keep her going a few more!

  5. Just got a new sewing machine
    and this book would be wonderful
    to win and have to use!
    Carla from Utah

  19. I would love to win this book for my sister. She has just received an used sewing machine and it didn’t have the book with it. Thank you.

  27. I’ve been sewing for 50 years but I’m always anxious to learn something new. Thanks for the opportunity!

  28. I so need this!!! Every sewing machine I’ve owned has had problems, especially with the tension feature. I cannot decipher anything from the self-help manuals. HELP!

  31. This book would be great for me, being a new sewer and learning about my machine. I need to keep my machine happy.

  36. I just started sewing a few months ago and have been borrowing books from the library to learn techniques. Would love to have my own copy to always have on hand!

  38. Looks like a comprehensive book on sewing. It seems to give a very clear view of what is going on while
    sewing a project. Great!!!

  42. From the pictures on the front of the book, this looks like a really good visual aid. I would love to win a copy of it.

  48. I know exactly who I would give this book to. They are a new sewer and this would be a great reference book for them.

  54. Oh wow, that would really guide me. I haven’t done any sewing since before my son was born and lets see, he will be 47 next month. I just can’t do it. I have tried. I have purchased 3 new sewing machines and lets see, 2 I gave away as I couldn’t get the tension right and found a great big mess on the inside of the material. I blamed it on the machine of course. Then I purchased another machine 6 months ago and am afraid to take it out of the box. Please help, I really need this.

  56. I haven’t actually sewed anything in over 30 years and have recently gotten back into it (new grandson) so a updated reference book would be awesome.

  60. You can never know too much about your sewing machine or in my case machines. This would be a great addition to my sewing library.

  62. I inherited my machine from a friend and I don’t have a clue how some things work. I’ve tried Google for some help to no avail. This would be an awesome opportunity for me to learn. I didn’t think there would be a sewing machine book out there. Thanks!

  63. This would come in handy right now. I have two sewing machines that are not sewing correctly. This sure would save me a lot of money if I am able to troubleshoot the problem myself.

  64. Well, this would be helpful! I just semi-retired and am looking forward to really getting into sewing, plus I just “inherited” a great quality – but old! – Viking machine that I want to get into good running condition again. By the way, I get the newsletter and follow on Facebook as well!

  65. This would be a great book for me. I bought a sewing machine 15 years ago. Had problems with threads and stopped. Now I am terrified of my sewing machine. I need a good push start.

Have you read?

Sewing for Seniors: A Roundup of Practical Patterns for Aged Care and Dementia

As a caregiver to an elderly parent navigating the challenges of aging and dementia, I’ve found myself on a mission to create thoughtful, practical items that assist in everyday care while maintaining a sense of dignity and comfort. Over the years, my sewing projects have shifted from creating cute clothes for my children to sewing things that support my parents through their later years. It’s not always easy, and it can be heartbreaking at times, but crafting these items has brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

If you’re in a similar situation and looking for sewing patterns and tutorials to support your loved one, whether they are in a wheelchair, dealing with dementia, or simply needing adaptive clothing, this roundup is for you. These patterns offer solutions to daily challenges, from sensory stimulation to maintaining dignity and comfort. 

Adult dignity bib 

When caring for someone with dementia, eating can often become a messy experience. An adult dignity bib offers a simple but effective way to help prevent spills and ensure that your loved one remains comfortable and clean during mealtime. This pattern provides a great way to create a stylish and practical solution for dignity and comfort.

How to Turn a Plush into a Weighted Toy  

Weighted toys can be a calming and comforting tool for seniors, especially those experiencing anxiety or agitation. This tutorial shows you how to transform a soft plush toy into a weighted sensory item, offering soothing pressure and comfort to help relax your loved one. It’s a great way to create a personalized, comforting toy that provides sensory input.

Eye Pillow – Weighted 

Tulip Walker Tote Bag 

Special Needs Bib Pattern — CraftBits.com 

Make a Fidget Quilt with Rob! 

Fidget quilts are fantastic tools for dementia patients, offering tactile stimulation and promoting calmness. In this video tutorial, Rob guides you through the process of making a fidget quilt, showing you how to add various textures, buttons, zippers, and other engaging features to keep your loved one’s hands busy and focused

Making Fidget Quilts for Dementia Patients | Madam Sew – MadamSew

How to sew a fidget quilt 

How to Make a DIY Lycra Sensory Bed Sheet | And Next Comes L – Hyperlexia Resources

Lycra sensory bed sheets are an excellent choice for providing calming pressure during sleep. This pattern from And Next Comes L explains how to make a DIY Lycra sensory bed sheet that can help your loved one feel secure and relaxed while they sleep, which is especially useful for those with sensory processing issues.

Wheelchair And Walker Carry Bag Sewing Pattern

Tutorial: No-sew adaptive sweatshirt for wheelchair users 

Tutorial: Adult-sized bib – Sewing

How to Make a Fidget Blanket 

Sewing pattern: How to Make a Fidget Quilt 

How to Make an Adult Pocket Diaper

For individuals who need additional care in maintaining hygiene, adult pocket diapers can be a game-changer. This pattern teaches you how to create a comfortable, functional pocket diaper, ensuring your loved one stays dry and comfortable throughout the day.

How to Sew an Adult Front Closure Swim Diaper 

How to Sew a Fitted Adult Cloth Diaper

For those looking for an eco-friendly and budget-conscious option, sewing a fitted adult cloth diaper can be a great solution. This pattern offers detailed instructions for creating a well-fitting, reusable cloth diaper for adults who need additional support.

The Linda Pants – Free Adaptive Sewing Pattern

Adapting Creatively: Wheelchair Rain Poncho Tutorial

This wheelchair rain poncho is a practical and thoughtful accessory for wheelchair users. This tutorial shows you how to make a poncho that will keep your loved one dry while they’re out and about, ensuring they stay comfortable in all weather conditions.

Adapting Creatively: Split-back Wheelchair Jacket

 Weighted Blanket

Weighted Lap Pad

For those who need a little extra calming weight throughout the day, a weighted lap pad is an ideal choice. This simple but effective pattern helps you create a lap pad that can be placed on your loved one’s lap for a soothing, calming effect that promotes relaxation and comfort.