Sewing – what it’s all about!

I started collecting sewing machine machines a couple of years ago, and have been working towards my ultimate machine. During those years I have been through radiation therapy and hormone therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer, so have not been 100% for a lot of that time.
However, my forever machine is now finished (Singer 319k, digital motor control, new bobbin carrier) and I have started completing some tasks which have been waiting for my fitness and enthusiasm to return.
As part of this I have started creating some items on the sewing machine, and have been achieving some really good results.
Most of the items I have been making are in a heavy waterproofed Oxford nylon material, of various colours and quality. The 319k is perfect for this work, it copes with the heavy material so well. The digital speed controller allows me to optimize the power and speed settings to suit the fabric and the job, very little stalling in the first stroke, and a speed I can manage for creating long straight seems, sewing in zips etc. Zigzag stitching, excellent stitch length control, and forward and reverse stitching add to the control ability.I am using a size 18 Schmetz jeans needle, with Guteman heavy duty upholstery thread, which reduces thread breakages and wear, with no needle breakages.

Recent jobs include a tent pole bag, 140cms long, 15 by 15 cms across, with a full length zip, D rings and handles, with stiffening foam board to retain the shape when empty. Tonight I made a simple bag for other tent bits which will go in the tent pole bag, 40cms by 25cms, with a zip along the long side. Yesterday I put together a “bum bag” using a pattern based on a bag that my wife has been using for 20 years and has worn ott, using zips and straps I removed from a bum bag I have worn out over the last 15 years or so.

I am finally getting some use out my machines, getting better results than I have ever had before.