First the rant. If you've followed along for the past year, you'll have gathered that I really struggle getting my Pfaff to do button holes. To the point that I start to sweat when it comes times. I've had so many really bad ones, spent so many hours picking them out and even wadding up an almost finished garment. Well, here's the latest mess. First the trial. 
Not too bad, if you don't care that they don't really start and stop at the same place (look at the tops), so I can't use any of the keyhole or rounded templates. Only the straight ones, so they still work. Anyway, I thought I was as good to go as it was going to get. Here's the real one. 
On my trousers. With the waist band attached and top stitched. Seriously, I almost cried. I still might. I'll try to pick this mess out. And maybe try again with the Singer. WHY!!!!!????? It started at the right, worked to the left, straight stitched up to the right and then zig-zagged 3/4 of the way back and finished off. (if it seems backwards, this is the underside, it shows better in the lighter bobbin thread) DAMN IT!
Not too bad, if you don't care that they don't really start and stop at the same place (look at the tops), so I can't use any of the keyhole or rounded templates. Only the straight ones, so they still work. Anyway, I thought I was as good to go as it was going to get. Here's the real one. 
On my trousers. With the waist band attached and top stitched. Seriously, I almost cried. I still might. I'll try to pick this mess out. And maybe try again with the Singer. WHY!!!!!????? It started at the right, worked to the left, straight stitched up to the right and then zig-zagged 3/4 of the way back and finished off. (if it seems backwards, this is the underside, it shows better in the lighter bobbin thread) DAMN IT!And my rave, as a follow-up to last night's tracing paper. I promised Kathryn I would confirm whether the Beinfang paper will bleed through a Sharpie. That's be "no". None. Here's my amazing art work. 
I'll be incredibly humble and decline any requests for commissions. Sorry. And here's the paper I put underneath 
This is a really cheap absorbent made for kid's art paper from Ikea. You don't see nothing do you? That's be point. Not one mark went through. Now I didn't have a wide Sharpie (isn't that an oxymoron?) but mine are new and, well, juicy. And I held them in place for a few seconds a couple of times. BUT they will smear if not given a few seconds of alone time.
And yes, for those of you who are interested, yes, that IS permanent marker on my finger and yes, it is still there after washing my hands.
I'll be incredibly humble and decline any requests for commissions. Sorry. And here's the paper I put underneath 
This is a really cheap absorbent made for kid's art paper from Ikea. You don't see nothing do you? That's be point. Not one mark went through. Now I didn't have a wide Sharpie (isn't that an oxymoron?) but mine are new and, well, juicy. And I held them in place for a few seconds a couple of times. BUT they will smear if not given a few seconds of alone time.
And yes, for those of you who are interested, yes, that IS permanent marker on my finger and yes, it is still there after washing my hands. And finally. Thank you all who left such positive messages concerning both my son and Stem cell research. I was afraid to post this, afraid I would loose followers, that I would blasting messages concerning abortion, GW Bush and where I am likely to spend eternity. I received only positive messages, I didn't delete a single one (if you're keeping score). I am touched by all your comments and proud to call you all my friends. THANK YOU!
Thanks, BeeBee, for doing the research for me! The Bienfang sounds like the way to go.
ReplyDeleteBTW, you may have to use some alcohol to get that Sharpie smear off your fingers. You could dip your finger into a Margarita, though, and then wipe your hand on your shirt as you enjoy the rest of the drink. :-))
Kathryn
Or even better, dip your fingers into said Margarita and then lick them clean. I don't think that Sharpie ink will hurt you! K
ReplyDeleteOr drink 2 Margaritas and to hell with the ink on my finger.
ReplyDeleteButtonholes are the thing that convinced me to buy my Viking over Bernina and Pfaff options. I know others can do buttonholes on those brands, but when I was test driving machines, the Vikings were the only ones where my samples looked like the store samples! :-)
ReplyDeleteBeeBee,
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised at those buttonholes; I thought you and a few others were just perfectionists when it came to bholes. But was I wrong. It's funny, but earlier this year, I felt my sewing machine might be somewhat inferior to all of these fancy ones being used on SG. It was recommmended by Threads editors the year my ancient little machine died. It is a Singer Quantum 3400 that cost about $800-900. At that time I was satisfied with the machine. Now to the present, the more I read and see, I am very satisfied with my humble little machine. It never jams, messes up, or has tension problems. It has worked perfectly every day. And despite my novice status, makes beautiful, perfect buttonholes. I'm not bragging, just appreciative at last for my little jewel. Grass is not necessarily greener etc.
Karen
aka Karendee
I even have an Obama sticker on my car here in TN.LOL!
My buttonholes are so far from perfect I can't even see perfect. They aren't really even usable. Well, as you can see. This is one of the worst examples (though not the all time worst). To prove me right (yes, I NEED THAT!!!) I'm going to do a sample off all choices and post them. I'll show you - and everyone else who stumbles on this. I should probably show my dealer, first and foremost.
ReplyDeleteYes, show your dealer. And show them some you've done on your 201 to prove it isn't "operator error." K
ReplyDeleteI agree that your buttonholes are awful. What I was referring to about perfectionism, was when you and others posted about your buttonholes not being acceptable, I just thought to myself that your expectations were unreasonable. Because I had the lowliest machine of all and certainly mine would be the worst, but they weren't. After seeing how awful yours really were, I appreciated my little cheapie machine all the more. LOL on me!
ReplyDeleteKaren dee