The 237 is quiet. And STRONG. The stitch may improve if I switch out the needle plate with one for a straight stitch machine. I believe the 239 is the straight stitch version. I can get the needle plate for it and try it on the the 237. I was using the 1/4 inch quilting foot, which is, in essence, a straight stitch foot. Except that I messed up and put the foot on while the machine was still set for a narrow zig zag. Believe it or not there was room on the foot to allow the zz. Not full width, but still. I should have tried the straight stitch foot. Next time.
I think that the coil spring belt was too big for the 237. The hand wheel kept turning backwards. I did not have that difficulty with the 201 with the large spoke wheel. This created difficulty sewing. I tore out many thread nests. The fabric I was using frays readily and I did use the zig zag on the seams. Interestingly the zig zag was quite lovely but something was just not right about the striaght stitch. I ordered a smaller diameter coil spring belt and a urethane belt from Mc Master Carr today. I expect that later on this week I will have them. Look for a post about the differences between the two. Oh and I guess I will comment on the leather belt too.
All in all I enjoy treadling. I have a bit of a galloping rhythm. I am a one footer, but to increase speed I add my left foot. It isn't really exercise. But I am moving my legs and I am not as stiff at the end of a day of sewing as I am when I use the electric machine. That is a plus for a woman in her seventh decade.
Looking at this photo, I just don't like the one on top. OK, so 4 of 6 are finished. Not too bad.
ReplyDeleteAnd I like the one on top, as it's 'springy' looking. I was going to sew today, but, hubby wanted to make a stuff sack, and he was in my sewing area instead. Hey, as long as he takes an interest in a machine, that's fine with me. He's beginning to understand why we need so many different machines.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I definitely like the two-toned bags best. The fabric on the top bag would make a great grocery or farmer's market tote :)
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think that is what I will do with the rest of it.
DeleteThe bags are very impressive. The problem with the top one is nothing just that the others have the two fabrics to garner attention.Nice work! My 201 is very lonely as are all my machines these days-will have to remedy that. Maybe just zigzag on the 237 during a power outage and straight stitch on the others and you are all covered. Lol!
ReplyDeleteI love the print on the top one, it's my favorite, but I like all of them! Definitely take the top one too, I'm sure one of your friends will also like it!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI am sure you told about these bags and how to do them before, but I can't find it. I can't figure out what it was tagged. Do you remember? I really like them. Thank you.
Linda
Linda, I don't think I ever did a post about these. I'd have to scroll back.
DeleteI thought I remember two tone sewing and I thought it was bags, but maybe I was wrong.
ReplyDeletehttp://mysewingmachineobsession.blogspot.com/2013/06/more-sewing.html
Delete