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This can't possibly be a needle problem! OK, so it was a needle problem...
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5411	Login to reply to this post 5 members like this. Date: 8/11/12 6:35 PM Sewing lingerie elastic into a little loop to make a regular body suit into a convertible strap body suit so the straps can be threaded through the shoulders of a Latin ballroom gown. It a) holds the bra straps out of the way so they don't show and b) holds the dress up. After 3 or 4 thread breaks and not finding even a remotely reasonable explanation, I bowed down to the collective wisdom of PR and admitted I just might fix the problem with a new needle. Was a bit surprised to find I have #14 microtex sharps, but that seemed a good one to try and by golly, it worked. New mantra: when in doubt, change the needle first. ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
SheBear0320   Advanced MB CANADA Member since 4/8/08 Posts: 2790	Login to reply to this post In reply to tourist << Like this post Date: 8/11/12 6:44 PM Whenever I have problems with elastic on spandex, I switch to microtex -- it is almost always the solution. Good to know it's not just dumb luck on my part. ------ Sheila "sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet" 2012/2013 Stash Busting Sew-Along: 27.25 yards sewn (as of 05/15/13) 21.75 yards purchased (as of 05/15/13)
poorpigling Advanced TX USA Member since 12/28/07 Posts: 10057	Login to reply to this post In reply to tourist << 8 members like this. Date: 8/11/12 8:44 PM Check the needle first.. the bobbin second .. and rethread.. Those three things usually takes care of most problems.. So simple.. and yet we always fear the worst. I had a complete meltdown one time when I got absolutely NO response from my machine.. even praying over it didn't help.. Pluggin it in did though..
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 6985	Login to reply to this post In reply to tourist << Like this post Date: 8/11/12 8:57 PM I'm chuckling about this because I came across this very mantra-enlightenment recently. I brought out Goldie to do some sewing for a client (it's much easier to use a Touch and Sew with the constant thread changes than to have to unthread and rethread my machine) and noticed her bobbin stitches were too tight, with the top just fine. I fussed and I fumed; I changed the tension, I changed the stitch length, cleaned the bobbin--twice and oiled it, and was starting to think I needed to send her in for repair, when I decided to.... change the needle! Oh yes! those simple little things in life that can aggravate! By the way, I'm curious about this loop thing. I was working on a client's bridesmaid dress and noticed two threadchained loops inside, near the shoulder seams. The loops came undone via a snap. Ingenious way to hide bra straps and to keep the straps of the gown up! I'd never seen this before!! I was wondering if yours would be similar? ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
SheBear0320   Advanced MB CANADA Member since 4/8/08 Posts: 2790	Login to reply to this post In reply to Miss Fairchild << Like this post Date: 8/12/12 0:37 AM I've been using lingerie straps for years at the shoulder seams -- I usually use a piece of ribbon and plastic snaps. I've also put a larger version on either side of the centre back seam to hold bra backs in place. I think tourist's might be a bit different -- at least if I understand what she is using them for. ------ Sheila "sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet" 2012/2013 Stash Busting Sew-Along: 27.25 yards sewn (as of 05/15/13) 21.75 yards purchased (as of 05/15/13)
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 6985	Login to reply to this post In reply to SheBear0320 << Like this post Date: 8/12/12 3:29 PM Now this is a great idea! The little thread chain I saw on the RTW dress was a little on the flimsy side, but it did hide the straps well. ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
SheBear0320   Advanced MB CANADA Member since 4/8/08 Posts: 2790	Login to reply to this post In reply to Miss Fairchild << Like this post Date: 8/12/12 7:25 PM Just came across an article in the Summer 2012 issue of Sew Stylish that calls them lingerie guards and uses thread chains and covered metal snaps -- they suggest using them to: 1. Make a convertible length hem 2. Avoid the flap at the bust -- for holding V necks in place 3. Control gap at the waist -- to hold jackets in place I'll have to try the V neck one -- not sure about the others. ------ Sheila "sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet" 2012/2013 Stash Busting Sew-Along: 27.25 yards sewn (as of 05/15/13) 21.75 yards purchased (as of 05/15/13)
Symon   Advanced Beginner CANADA Member since 9/17/11 Posts: 14	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/13/12 10:16 AM It always surprises me how the littlest things make the biggest difference! My bobbin thread bunches and snarls when my needle thread isn't through one of the guides properly - it's strange but true! ^_^
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5411	Login to reply to this post In reply to Miss Fairchild << Like this post Date: 8/13/12 11:23 AM Miss Fairchild - I think I originally saw the bra strap guides in RTW, as well. So when I couldn't figure out how to keep straps hidden on a gown, I added a set. Then it still showed so I added another set. There might have ultimately been four sets on that gown, which worked, but was really fussy, particularly when one came undone and I had to get help doing it back up. So on the next gown, I decided to make one long channel for the straps to go through. It does require the body suit or bra to have convertible straps, where the snap version does not, but since the body suits I use are strictly for wearing with the gowns, it is worth doing it. I just unpick the bra strap on the back of the body suit, add a loop to the suit and a hook to the strap. I can also customize the suit at that point if it needs to have a lower back. The channels get sewed in to the shoulder of the gown about 4 or 5" in front of and behind the shoulder seam. I just cut an extra piece of fabric and lay it into the shoulder before finishing the neckline and arm holes. Tutorial on my blog. Well, photos and instructions, anyway. ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 4974	Login to reply to this post In reply to tourist << Like this post Date: 8/13/12 1:19 PM Love Microtex needles!

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