Creative Arts Have have just acquired a used sewing machine (I call it the Pfaffen Beast because it is made of cast iron not plastic) this past week for sewing leather and it will be capable of sewing heavy fabric. We are currently getting the tension set up properly- experiencing some less than optimal results. But we plan on having a class on using this machine in January - it will be a Training Required to use. You can basically vary the stitching spacing and do zig zag … that’s it but it will meet our needs. so stand by.
It a Pfaffen 130 - an older but stout machine. It will sew leather as thick as we can get under the presser foot. Canvas will require a needle change as the leather needles are knife edged and will cut rather than piece between the threads. But we have a few of them.
If you know about tent making - after you learn the machine, willing to teach a class? What other items needed besides sewing machine and maybe a special foot for rolled edges and zippers, heavy duty material cutters? Summer is coming up and this might be a great class - talk to us about it. I’m sure same skills needed for making packs, tool roll ups, guns cases, hammocks, etc.
We will probably be getting a heavier duty sewing machine for fabrics if the cost of having the one we have adjusted/repaired is very much Nicole and I have decided to invest in a heavier machine rather than repair a lightweight one (more Maker-proof than capacity increase)
Might be a great CA group project to make a small Pavilion* for RennFaire types
Think stand-up pup tent but fancy stripes colors, DMS Banner, etc. … maybe even a Pegasus out front of it.
They would of course be old style zippers Be creative hide them under something that looks like toggles or draw strings … say it’s a Dr. Whom Public Tent and they got the zippers from the future.
SCA can be such sticklers - just assert they did exist, and when someone pulls out their smart phone to Google it, say “Oh, why I didn’t know phones and internet existed before zippers. Where are your scrolls dude.”
David & @uglyknees - if I could please suggest - it would be nice to have a small separate (clearly-marked) “bin” to store needles and accessories for the Pfaff so they don’t get confused with the Singer and Babylock accessories. Many people are not familiar enough with the nuances of each machine to put the proper items on the correct machine and we don’t want to damage the machines or the accessories.
I agree. They are already stored in a container that will be kept with the machine separate from the other machines. There are various sizes and types, Any items that are specifically restricted to this machine of this nature will be kept apart from the other regular fabric machines, including special thread such as the high strength Nylon thread and any special canvas type threads.
The Leather/Canvas machine will stored in a separate area from the regular sewing machines.
Other suggestions would be welcome - that one had already dawned on us, Thanks
I’m planning on teaching a pretty wide ranging basic sewing class in January. So far I’ve got a request for Monday nights. Would that work for you?
Yeah – that should be do-able. One thing you have to factor into the expense is that good canvas is at least $10/yard. And, I’ve been avoiding fabric stores of late so the current price may be more. My stash is quite big enough, thankyouverymuch…
You might want to get a coupon from JoAnns before buying. They almost always have a… percent off one item coupon every week, and 1 cut of fabric counts. I vaguely remember 40% off, but again – I’ve been avoiding fabric stores…
It works for me. Let me know when a good time to meet with you is (PM me to work it out), I’d be happy to get the course outline and materials ready for submission for approval. I’d recommend trying to get the Purple Classroom. The sewing machines can be brought into there as there, there are tables to work on AND we can set up a camera to is focused on the machine and displayed on the large monitors so folks can see what you are doing.
If folks have their own machine it it is probably best if they bring it if we have more than a three people or they will be sharing a machine (not an that it is bad - we’re friendly types).
Okay – I’ve followed the link, and that is just the fabric, not the replacement things. That is some very nice fabric, indeed. You might want to look at JoAnns. They usually have a decent selection of the heavy-duty canvas. Photomancer is recommending the canvas dropcloths. Those would be great for tents, although I think they just come in beige/off-white. The expensive fabric has special outdoor-resistant qualities. Sunbrella is supposed to resist sun-damage better than regular fabric, for instance.
Oh, and as spring/summer approaches, JoAnn’s will probably have a sale on the outdoor fabrics. Check now to see what they’ve got available.
Be creative hide them under something that looks like toggles or draw strings … say it’s a Dr. Whom Public Tent and they got the zippers from the future.