~TJ ODonnell wrote: ~ ~> sorry of this is a dumb question-- but i am new to sewing machines so ~> forgive my ignorance. ~> ~> I have this canvas material, and tested my embroidery machine with it ~> and it works great. ~> ~> The next step is to lightly paint the canvas, then embroider on top of ~> it. ~> ~> ~> Question: ~> 1) Is this a bad idea? Any potential dangers to the machine? (Using a ~> bernina Bernette deco 340) ~> ~> 2) Should I still use stabilizer or would that make it too stiff and ~> damage the needle? ~> ~> ~> My ultimate aim is to add embroidery onto my paintings as flourishes... ~> ~> Thanks! ~> TJ ~> ~ ~Sounds like a great idea! My only concern might be flakes of paint ~gumming up the sewing machine, but if the paint does flake, careful ~and thorough cleaning after every use should avoid problems. Whether ~this is a problem or not might depend on the kind of paint you're ~using. I imagine that some paints would be more susceptible to flaking ~than others. ~ ~I don't know the Deco 340, but there are some sewing machines made ~specifically to handle very heavy canvas - such as ships' sails. ~ ~ - Herb
Ditto what Herb said. I have 2 different machines and have sewn a few things I'm sure neither one of them was intended to sew. That being said. If you can sew through the multi layers of a French-felled seam on a hem of a pair of jeans...then your canvas should not be a problem. I would recommend testing on a scrap bit of canvas first to ensure you will get the desired results.
As for damaged needles. Well it's a good thing I wear eye glasses. I've broken a few needles in my time and the bits can go flying. You would think I would have learned by now not to try and cut those darn little bits of thread when my machine is zooming along, minding its own business and stitching away. Let me tell you, when the needle hits the scissors the, pieces do go flying. I have also sewn over a straight pin once (sewn directly on the pin) and had a heck of a time getting the bent pin out of the hole in my throat plate. It was doubled over and driven down into the bobbin case somewhere in the bowels of my poor machine. A good pair of pliers and more then a few good tugs and I finally got that sucker out. And....my machine lived to stitch another day.
Do I still commit those evil sins? I have to hang my head and admit yes. I like to live dangerously but at least I know the possible consequences of my actions.
By the way, the Deco is really made by Brother but sold through Bernina. That is why it will read PES files and not ART.