Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Are you listening?

Do you listen to your machine when you sew? I was hearing what can only be described as a "popping" sound as I was stitching this morning. I immediately realized that it's been awhile since I changed the needle on the machine. Every new quilt deserves a new needle - they aren't that expensive! You should also change your needle after eight to ten hours of sewing. Dull needles can damage fabric. If you can't remember the last time you changed the needle, then be sure to do it now before you sew another seam.

And since I'm talking about machine care - when did you last remove the throat plate to clean out all the lint? I'll never forget the time a student asked me where she could buy another little felt pad for under the throat plate. Her machine had gone so long without cleaning that she thought all that stuff was a felt pad that was supposed to be there!
Don't forget to treat your machine to a "spa day" once a year also if you sew regularly - that is several times a week. She deserves a good cleaning, oiling and a check of her tension and timing. She will be so much happier and so will you. Don't wait until she breaks down before getting her serviced - you need to care for your machine at least as well as you care for your car!

And now for the picture - I can see a bear staring to emerge , can't you?

17 comments:

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

Thanks for the reminder. That's a hilarious story about the felt pad. I'm loving your bear quilt. Can't wait to see the finished bear.

Carol said...

Today was needle day...I did the same thing...I thought "What is that noise?" Changed the needle and magically noise gone. I need to be better!

Maya Madhavan said...

My machine is smart - just decides to break the needle if I haven't been paying attention! I recently got rid of my felt pad too - thanks for the laugh. I love the bear! If I didn't already have a long list of projects, I'd make one myself.

antique quilter said...

what a funny story !
I will change the needle on Friday when I get back to machine piecing my nine patches (and yours!).
LOVE the bear that is starting to appear :)
keep going!!!!
Kathie

Teresa said...

I see a bear for sure, and it is looking so fine! Thanks for the reminder to take care of our machines.

dot said...

WOW!!! You are making great progress on this quilt. Yes I change my needle often. When things don't sound right I change the needle and see what happens.

Linda said...

Thank you for the reminder :)
The bear is coming along great!

Anonymous said...

Yup, mine needs a bit of service! And that is going to be such a neat quilt!

The Calico Cat said...

O.K. I am not late on that tip. I think that the repair man changes the needle, but I am not 100% sure - so I will change my needle tonight.

I am so impressed with how much you've gotten done!

Sweet P said...

I do listen to my machine. I love to hear it hum. The teddy bear is looking great!

Darlene said...

I bear is going to be adorable! I love that pattern - perfect choice.

I definitely listen to my machine and yesterday I could tell it was time to do some simple maintenance. I usually wind 10 bobbins - when I sit to wind 10 more, I remove the throat plate to clean out the lint, add a drop of oil and change the needle. Works for me and keeps my machine purring! :-)

Helen in the UK said...

Exciting to see the bear starting to appear!! He is going to be great :)

KC Quilter said...

Oh, what a darling bear that is emerging! You are so clever! Last week I had a surge of needle breaking!!! Don't know why...

jodie said...

The bear is looking AMAZING!!! Yes I was shouting then. Your work is always fantastic but this one.... just beautiful. You work so fast! Thanks for the heads up on maintenance.... I am a bit lacking there. Jodie

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Finn said...

OK Patti, you are "officially" linked to the NYE countdown challenge of UFOs. From the looks of your sidebar,you've already been a very busy gal!! I am truly impressed by both the number you were/are facing and the amount you have finished up! Love the little log cabins for the new babe's quilt. The bear is adorable! Hugs, Finn

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

The bear is adorable! What a great pattern.