Sunday 7 July 2013

Old Favourites Dress and SOS on my Singer 8280!

What a beautiful summer weekend! For those that don't live in the UK, I hope you had lovely weather too! 

First thing first. I am very sad to report that my modern Singer (aka Sallie Moonbeam) broke down last night...  The handwheel mechanism got jammed up, and would only move a tiny teeny amount back and forth. I took her apart almost completely (big mistake), didn't find anything that was caught (but man was it filthy and fluffy), and when I proudly put everything* back, there were 3 screws and a cylinder left!!! Needless to say, it still doesn't work, and I am getting more and more wound up over it. I didn't quite realise just how much I was relying on my sewing machine, until it stopped working! 

HELP PLEASE! Has this happened to you before? Also, if anyone has any experience of any sewing machine repair/service specialists in the South East (UK), please could you let me know? 

Now onto the project. This was a quick project with one of my favourite patterns, McCalls 2401 (see previous versions here and here), and the same stretchy cotton fabric that I used in my Alma Blouse. I've called it the Old Favourites Dress, though strictly speaking the fabric is quite a new favourite. 
It was a breeze to use this tried and tested version, which I have altered previously to fit me (see adjustments here). This time I made a View F, with the bateau neckline, and sleeveless. I love this pattern with a stretchy cotton - it hugs the body so well and it's super comfortable to wear.  

  

I finished the neckline and armholes with a navy single-fold bias binding as facing - you can't see it from the photos but I love the slight contrast on the inside. 



I think this is quite a smart looking dress. And did I mention how comfy it was to wear? A bit of stretch is all you need sometimes! 
Have a lovely week all! My priority will be to get my 8280 fixed but in the meantime, I'm going to try and use my Singer 99k to keep me busy... 

9 comments:

  1. Poor sewing machine. You're in Reading right? Try this place http://www.sewdevine.co.uk/

    I was making a McCalls2401 toile this weekend. It's done now and I'm very excited to choose some exciting fabrics. This latest version of yours is lovely... but I still think your blurry version is my fave.

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    1. Thank you so much for the link!

      That's very exciting about your McCalls 2401 -- It's such a wonderful yet simple pattern, I love it (can you tell?)! Both the blurry version and this latest version were made with stretch cotton - it's a match made in heaven ;)

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  2. Oh Alice, I'm so sorry to hear about Sallie Moonbeam! The same thing happened to me once - my machine jammed so I took it apart but couldn't quite get it back together again afterwards. I'm afraid the story doesn't have a happy ending and I had to buy a new machine, but I sincerely hope yours is ok!

    Oh, and the new dress is gorgeous

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    1. Thank you for your sympathy Elena, and I'm sorry to hear about your old machine, too! I am also kind of relieved that I'm not the only person to have opened up my machine without being able to put it all back! I have sent her off for a repair and service now, so hopefully she'll be cured...

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  3. Yours was the first sewing blog I ever found -- love it. You're adorable and I've enjoyed following your blog -- especially through the making of your wedding dress and your wedding. I think you should probably check into a new machine. Singers, sadly, aren't made like they were in the past. Have you thought about another brand? I have a 25 year old Bernina that sews like a charm.

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    1. That's lovely, Stephanie! Thank you for your very kind words. I gave some serious thoughts as to whether to upgrade to a new machine, but in the end, as we've had so much good times together, I had to get it repaired (or at least attempt to). In the meantime, though, I have been using my vintage Singer - and after some teething issues, I am really enjoying using it!

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    2. I think you will enjoy that Singer, Alice! The old Singers were wonderful. I learned on a German Singer that my dad actually bought in 1958 (year I was born) to sew patches on his uniform (US Army) when we were stationed in Germany -- my mom didn't sew at all. Both my sister and I learned in school in the US and used that machine.

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    3. Oops -- I actually learned in school in Germany in the 70s when we were stationed there again. :) Also -- I don't blame you for being attached to your machine. The two of you have accomplished a lot together. Just be careful not to put as much money in to her as she's worth.

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    4. Oh Stephanie, that sounds like quite a story! I'm really enjoying the vintage Singer whilst my modern machine is out of action - will do a post on this later, too :)

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