I'm going to regret asking this!

[tome]

I\'m going to regret asking this!

Just had various quotes for new sail covers etc. Given that at some stage we'll be spending a couple of years on board and will need to do our own repairs, should I bite the bullet and buy a sewing machine. The UK dealer is in Aston Rd Waterlooville and I went to see one yesterday, they look very solid. £590 plus VAT for the LSZ-1.

Does this make sense, or will I end up sewing my own sleeve into the machine and will my results look naff if I have a go making my own sail cover? Never used a sewing machine before, but I'm quite handy at hand-stitching and willing to have a go.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

Interesting thought, if you needed to raise a little extra cash you could always do a few alterations, you know, shorten trousers, the heam of a skirt; or even, how about a complete tailoring service, jackets, dresses etc!

 

[iangrant]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

Ooooohhhh you'll make a luvly seamstress - you can make all your own dresses...

I had a go with a sewing machine once - err never seen such a mess.. I'd try before you buy mate -
Ian

 

[Roberto]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

I would be interested too in hearing reports from people having used these machines

I have made quite a bit of sewing with a normal domestic machine, an oldish one with almost all metal parts, cost 50£, there was almost nothing I could not manage to do (sail covers, sail repair in 7oz cloth, bags, leecloths, + loads of other small things): the main problems I found was slow stitching, skipped stitches and thread breaking usually in the middle of an important part when one uses his fifth arm to stitch correctly
a bit of fiddling with the various knobs and I got a reasonable efficiency, but still not perfect

are these industrial machines much better ?

 

[Sans Bateau]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

I agree with you Ian, it would be all to easy to get 'stitched up'!!!

Sorry!!

 

[Ships_Cat]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

Will you be using a chain or mixed chain/rope cable with it Tom?

John

err, I had better add a , but was not meant to be entirely frivolous.

 

[tome]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

Hee hee! It requires a 250W inverter, but also has a hand wheel.

 

[iangrant]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

Found a nice 240v 2 stroke 950w gennie on ebay for 50 quid plus vat plus carriage - I've one on the way

 

[Ohdrat]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

Just think you'll be able to make floral sails..

 

[tome]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

I'm ignoring all posts from you until you spill the beans!

 

[tome]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

I knew I'd regret asking here, am now thinking about migrating to the sanity of PBO.

 

[Ohdrat]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

OK I've spilt baked beans all over the kitchen at work OK?

 

[EME]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

Dear Tome

Save the cash . The missus has a 19th century Singer in the UK which is worthless, but takes up loads of room. Guaranteed unused in last 20 years and takes up too much room. Take it away when she isn't looking...P.S. needs someone to work treadle.

Is this thread for real?

 

[jimi]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

Nope .. what kond of Jet Ski did you get?

 

[jhr]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

[ QUOTE ]
Is this thread for real?

[/ QUOTE ]

No; it's bobbins...... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[johna]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

<<Is this thread for real?>>

I recommend UVR Polyester V69 thread. Use in in my Singer treadle for sail covers etc.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

Interesting site.

As SWMBO has built our sail covers, canopy, cockpit cushions etc. I will show her what is available.

If you want, I will ask her to recommend what you will need from a machine, when we go long term we are going to have to carry one, with us though, weight is a serious issue. But 40lb for their portable didn't seem so bad.

Sorry for serious answer. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Sgeir]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

For French Singers, see Dylan's later thread.

 

[Evadne]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

My wife made our sail cover out of the standard rubber-backed canvas using her £99 Singer, which was the smallest and cheapest sewing machine you can buy new. She also made assorted hatch and other covers, from the same stuff on the same machine. It will (albeit slowly) stitch through 2 or 3 layers, so unless you're sewing up canvas and sails big-time, and need to stitch long runs through 4 layers, you don't need a professional jobbie.

Having a wife who can sew is the perfect get out: I can answer the question with the weight of experience, without appearing at all gurlie!!

 

[bruce]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

some world cruisers have them aboard and trade repairs for food, services and other parts that may be needed during the trip. just be sure the machine can handle the thread weight and has a zig zag and walking foot.