Re: Presser foot control

Most machines that I have had do have a pressure foot control (from darning to heavy pressure). I'm not sure that I understood the question fully though since most machines disengage the tension while the pressure foot is lifted, so sewing with the foot manually raised could cause serious problems. Cynthia

though since most machines disengage the tension while the pressure foot is lifted, so sewing with the foot manually raised could cause serious problems.

I am referring to the standard lever at the back of the machine that raises the foot to insert and remove work. Pushing the lever up raises it a fixed amount for most work but for buttons or thick wool, it can be pushed up higher but it does not stay there when you let go of it. This requires 3 hands to be of much use.

Every manual machine I have seen does this and it seems real dumb but I suspect there is a reason I am not aware of.

js

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Well, I sew everything from tents downwards, and this has never caused me a problem. Raise the foot to its highest and get the bulky stuff under there any old how, and then let go of the lever and position it properly. Everything will move reasonably freely with the pressure released, then just remember to lower the *presser* (not "pressure") foot before you start to sew, or you won't engage the needle tension.

What's your web site again, and do you have updates on how this year's Smithson gown is going?

Thanks bunches.

Oh my, Melinda, it's always a surprise to see one's name on a Usenet posting subject line...

My project page is

Progress on the dress is... ummm... well....

I do have the fabric, which is a step in the right direction. I found it at Spandex House. It is a sparkle slinky in ombre shades of blue. It will start at the shoulder in a pale blue and grow into a deep indigo at the hem. It is just barely wide enough for me to cut it on the crossgrain.

I also found all the crystals I need at various stores in the fabric district. I've also drafted the pattern but need to purchase the foundation garment before I start doing anything. I'm hoping to work on the muslin this weekend but also am facing a hard deadline for getting my IWCE display done and there are still several large pieces of that to finish.

Thanks for inquiring... I will post to TCM when I have pictures of the muslin. I haven't been as vocal about this one just because this other project has been dominating my thoughts this spring.

--Welmoed

posting subject line... Welmoed posted: My project page is

Dear Moed,

My students used the Wild Ginger software, and sleeves were always an issue. We solved it by taking our "wrist" measurements over the widest part of our hand.

I wrote to the company, which is usually quite enthusiastic about solving problems, and whoever answered me was abrupt about the sleeve problem. One other problem I have with this software is that it doesn't have a fillet command to make square corners when seam allowances are added. This proved to be disastrous for one of my students who cut before she had me check, and ended up with an unwanted notch at the center front of her dress.

All in all, though, I have worked with other programs, and find this one to be the best I have tried.

Teri