Maintenance time

I had planned to spend the day dressmaking, but I always over-estimate the amount of time I’ll have left for hobbies after I’ve done all the day’s necessary jobs. I also had an unexpected order for cards and personalised stationery to fulfill, so it wasn’t until about 4.00 pm that I could actually sit down at the sewing machine.

I’d only sewn three bust darts (that sounds odd, doesn’t it, but I’m lining the bodice so I need to sew four bust darts in all!) when the needle stopped going up and down, although all the other components were working. There was something strange going on down in the bobbin area. 

I had to take out the bobbin case, lower the hook race cover and remove the hook, which is a large circular-shaped piece of metal, and then replace it correctly because it had become dislodged. I do it so rarely that I had to consult YouTube videos for instructions on the maintenance of 34-year old sewing machines, but I managed it. I now have four bust darts sewn and am about to stitch the front and back together of the bodice and the lining, before joining them up.

Another very hot day, around 31° without even allowing for the ‘feels like’ factor, so apart from a bit of early gardening I’ve stayed indoors where it’s decidedly cooler.