Feedback On...Sewing Machines

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Zigzag stitches are used mainly for decorative purposes anyhow . . . and if such effects are desired, excellent attachments which enable straight-stitch machines to do zigzag, buttonholes, gathering, ruffling, etc., are available at nominal cost.

There's a Swedish approach to military equipment design which homesteaders should adapt for their own use. The program is called KISS . . : which stands for "Keep It Simple, Stupid."

[71 Treadle sewing machines are excellent for homesteads without electricity land are also good pieces of furniture with value as antiques). Nevertheless, I've converted many old-time units to electricity with a clear conscience. The treadle sewer does have a drawback: The flywheel takes time to build up speed, and-once a high speed is attained-hand braking is needed to stop the sewing action when desired. These problems are eliminated by the footoperated rheostat of the modern version. Besides, electric machines can be carried to sewing bees and-when not in use stored in a much smaller space.

[81 I've often been asked whether a sewing machine is worth having,.when ready-made clothing can be purchased at so-called reasonable prices. My answer is "yes", for two reasons: First, homesewn garments provide superior quality at less cost, and second, even those who don't sew from scratch will "Ind that the machine pays for itself by facilitating repair and reinforcement of storebought articles. In today's competitive market, clothing manufacturers use short-cut production methods which cause seams to split easily . . . and their output will last longer if seam ends, crotches, and other stress points are strengthened with extra stitches over those areas.

The pointers I've given here can save you both money and time that might otherwise be lost waiting for repairs to be made on your machine . . . and, since cash and extra hours are often in short supply on the homestead, you may find the information valuable.

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