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I cleaned my sewing machine and it was scary (Moderated by Sharon1952)
Posted on: 11/12/07 9:53 AM ET
Since I use an older machine, I haven't been too picky about thread and I've just grabbed Coats & Clark whenever I was at Wal-Mart because it was convenient.
I've actually cleaned my machine after every couple of projects but until this weekend, I'd never removed the throat plate so I was only getting the bobbin case clean. Well, when I removed the throat plate yesterday.....O-M-G! Now I understand why a lot of people like the better quality threads. And I've probably only sewn about a dozen projects total so that was a LOT of lint! I was able to get out all of the lint I could see, but what about that which I couldn't see? Surely there is some getting up into the cracks and crevices that I couldn't reach, right?
So, I made the decision and gathered up all the fluffy thread (I call it that since I can actually see little fibers fluffing out) and chunked it all. It was only about 15 spools so it's not a major financial set back or anything. But being committed to driving to the other end of town to get the good stuff when I need it will be the hard part.
-- Edited on 11/12/07 10:20 AM --
I've actually cleaned my machine after every couple of projects but until this weekend, I'd never removed the throat plate so I was only getting the bobbin case clean. Well, when I removed the throat plate yesterday.....O-M-G! Now I understand why a lot of people like the better quality threads. And I've probably only sewn about a dozen projects total so that was a LOT of lint! I was able to get out all of the lint I could see, but what about that which I couldn't see? Surely there is some getting up into the cracks and crevices that I couldn't reach, right?
So, I made the decision and gathered up all the fluffy thread (I call it that since I can actually see little fibers fluffing out) and chunked it all. It was only about 15 spools so it's not a major financial set back or anything. But being committed to driving to the other end of town to get the good stuff when I need it will be the hard part.
-- Edited on 11/12/07 10:20 AM --
Posted on: 11/12/07 10:13 AM ET
I just cleaned and oiled my machine last week too, and it really had a lot of lint under the throat plate. T'was a very rewarding project :)
Much of that lint is from fabric...it's not just from thread.
Don't worry about hidden lint...you took it apart and cleaned everything you could see, so you did a good job.
I swear, it even sounds like it's running cleaner.

-- Edited on 11/12/07 10:22 AM --
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Much of that lint is from fabric...it's not just from thread.
Don't worry about hidden lint...you took it apart and cleaned everything you could see, so you did a good job.
I swear, it even sounds like it's running cleaner.

-- Edited on 11/12/07 10:22 AM --
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Ardis
the lefthanded daughter of a lefthanded mother
the lefthanded daughter of a lefthanded mother
Posted on: 11/12/07 10:20 AM ET
In reply to zeoplum
You will get that buildup no matter what thread you use though. I use a lot of C&C, and a lot of Metrosene, and either works well for me.
Machines needs a cleaning out every project. Most of it is fabric bits - fleece is the worst, though many synthetics and blends seem to me to be bad but in general all fabirc leaves fluffs behind...
-- Edited on 11/12/07 12:15 PM --
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Machines needs a cleaning out every project. Most of it is fabric bits - fleece is the worst, though many synthetics and blends seem to me to be bad but in general all fabirc leaves fluffs behind...-- Edited on 11/12/07 12:15 PM --
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
Posted on: 11/12/07 10:26 AM ET
In reply to zeoplum
Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater! I've used C&C, well, forever and had no problems w/ it. Ardis is right...the majority of that gunk is from the raw edges of your fabric, NOT the thread you're using (esp. if your using the DualDuty poly-type). I make it a habit to clean out my machine before each project (a good way to kill time while you're winding your bobbin thread). For the 2-3 minutes it takes to clean it out, I save myself many inappropriate words due to jammed machines, bad stitches, etc. My machine treats me well so I figure it's the least I can do, and it really does run better!
When I'm sewing w/ particularly sheddy stuff (flannel, fleece, corduroy, etc), I can actually hear the difference in my machine when it starts to get gunked...kind of a cry for help.
Eve
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When I'm sewing w/ particularly sheddy stuff (flannel, fleece, corduroy, etc), I can actually hear the difference in my machine when it starts to get gunked...kind of a cry for help. Eve
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People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
Posted on: 11/12/07 10:37 AM ET
Sewing machines collect lint like an old couch collects crumbs. It just works out this way.
Re: Synthetics. Synthetics make a grand MESS in my opinion.
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Re: Synthetics. Synthetics make a grand MESS in my opinion.
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Needle Needle Straight and Slim, Dust and Sweep the House for Him! --Grimm Fairy Tales
Posted on: 11/12/07 10:54 AM ET
See...I learn so much here on PR.
So I guess I'll get rid of the two pieces of synthetic $1/yd fabric I picked up for muslins, too.
So I guess I'll get rid of the two pieces of synthetic $1/yd fabric I picked up for muslins, too.
Posted on: 11/12/07 11:16 AM ET
In reply to zeoplum
Oh no, you can keep it - just check under the throat plate more often when you're using a fuzzy fabric.
Posted on: 11/12/07 12:16 PM ET
In reply to zeoplum
Oh yes, Keep that material as Irene says! Just clean out under the bobbin and around each time you sew a project! :))
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
Posted on: 11/12/07 1:56 PM ET
In reply to zeoplum
Quote: zeoplum
See...I learn so much here on PR.
So I guess I'll get rid of the two pieces of synthetic $1/yd fabric I picked up for muslins, too.
See...I learn so much here on PR.
So I guess I'll get rid of the two pieces of synthetic $1/yd fabric I picked up for muslins, too.
If you throw out everything that causes lint you won't have any fabric or thread left.
Our machines have survived many, many years of using Coats & Clarks threads in sewing everything from baby bonnets to boat covers.
Cleaning under the throat plate and the bobbin case is just routine maintenance, not a catastrophe!
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
Posted on: 11/12/07 3:31 PM ET
Ok, the thread has been salvaged and the fabric is still folded nice and neat in my stash bin.
It's all good now.
It's all good now.
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