Messages

Just got off the phone with Scovill (DOT).  They only make one "level" of quality.  I'm forwarding some Fasnap samples so they can match them to theirs.  They were unaware of Fasnap's two levels.

This is kinda nuts.  Scovill used to sell their own setting machine, but now sells Fasnap machines.

My head hurts.

...have you tried a 19 needle before a bunch of tension adjustments.

Showing my ignorance here... I didn't know there was a 19 needle, for example:  18 --> 20 (then 22).  All even numbers.  There's a 19?  My mind is blown...

[Fasnap users... do you demand Premium snaps? Or is Economy adequate for your needs?]

In the past when I ordered snaps from Fasnap, they sent me "Premium".  I never specified, that's just what I got, so I assumed "Premium" was the default.  Fast track to today -->  they sent "Economy" so I called and asked if there is a quantitative difference:

1.  There is less brass.
2.  The nickel plating is the same.
3.  The dimensions are the same but the walls are thinner (because there is less brass).
4.  Premium and Economy can be used together in the same application.
5.  Premium is significantly more expensive, like 30% more.

Fasnap users... do you demand Premium snaps?  Or is Economy adequate for your needs?

Also, since I haven't ordered in a while, they dropped my 15% distributor discount. *whine*

Not to diminish your enthusiasm but I simply use Pledge in the spray can - performs fine .

Doesn't Pledge contain silicone?

[Fine Woodworking]

Originally featured in Fine Woodworking:  http://www.finewoodworking.com/how-to/article/food-safe-finishes.aspx

...and reviewed here:  http://www.humblebeeandme.com/beeswax-furniture-polish/

Beeswax Furniture Polish

50g mineral oil
10g beeswax
I used a ratio of 5:1 oil to beeswax, but next time I may go with a 4:1 ratio to give me a thicker polish.

Melt together. Remove from heat and stir until cooled. It should be thick and creamy. Decant into a small jar.

To use, buff onto a wooden surface with a clean cotton cloth. Let dry for about 15 minutes, and return to re-apply or buff off any leftovers (I like to apply a thin enough coating that this is not necessary to remove visible excess, but it is necessary to remove the stickiness so dust doesn't stick to your furniture). Let the surface dry for a few hours before using.

Because this is from a blog, people chimed in with more "natural" oil alternatives to mineral oil, such as walnut, grapeseed, jojoba, and refined coconut but the author did note:  "You'll just have to watch for rancidity (though you generally don't have to worry about it once it's on the furniture, which is nice)."

Before I go melting down beeswax, what is the general opinion of this recipe?  Thanks!

John lost use of the left side of his body. Today he is starting to be able to move his left arm and leg.

That's really encouraging.  Sending healing thoughts their way...

Best of luck, Paul.  I'm so glad everything is finally falling into place.  Now the real work begins!

[Beard Baubles]

So much talent in one family, Keith!

Saw an article yesterday about guys putting specially made "ornaments" in their beards.  I about fell out of my chair laughing when I saw that.

Ah, yes... Beard Baubles:

I just picked up a foot lever operated Defiance button machine.

First of all, congratulations!  Have you ever used a button machine before?  Do you have any specific issues? -problem with dies, perhaps?  Speaking of which, do the dies screw on to the machine?  Does the base move back and forth?

[knew]

I asked him one day why everything from the store was S-coded when I knew from experience that it was almost always water cleanable.   He laughed and basically said to protect themselves from the DIYers that improperly cleaned their goods and ruined them.

I knew it!

"While Pantone 18-3224 Radiant Orchid, the captivating 2014 color of the year, encouraged creativity and innovation, Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

"Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness," she said. "This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors."

Marsala provides a unifying element for interior spaces, Pantone said, calling it a rich and welcoming hue in accent pieces, accessories and paint. Marsala's plush characteristics are enhanced when the color is applied to textured surfaces, making it an ideal choice for rugs and upholstered living room furniture, the institute said.

Additionally, Marsala is ideal for use in graphic design and packaging, according to Pantone. Eye-catching, but not overwhelming or bright, it draws in consumers and is an alluring shade at point-of-purchase.


Seriously, who writes this stuff?

The feature is a dial atop my Juki 1541N7.  I can adjust the step height of the inside foot by turning it.

Ah... that's it.  I have an early production model.  Doesn't even have the legendary safety clutch -- wasn't even available as an option.  *weeps uncontrollably*

I agree with all above.  Some fabrics are more "squirrelly".  This is most likely not a "machine issue", but an "operator issue".  

I agree, but operators need to know and understand how feed dog action affects "ease" on a straight-stitch.  Experience leading to professional intuition just isn't possible without it.

I was already sewing professionally when a friend joked that she remembered bottom layers feed faster by thinking "the 'dogs' are hungry."  This led to an epiphany; I had never really considered it before.  And my sewing became much better and far more intuitive.

5.)  I have the advantage of adjusting the "walk" on my Juki 1541 and I use that feature a lot.

Seriously?  WHERE IS THIS FEATURE LOCATED??!!

[Instabind Carpet Binding]

Another option:  Instabind Carpet Binding

http://www.installersstore.com/cgi-bin/INSstore.pl?user_action=category&category=Instabind%20Carpet%20Binding

I've never tried this product, but here's one upholsterer's review:

http://www.carrscorner.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=3481.msg28885#msg28885

That furniture would go with any Early Appalachian decor.

Our home is furnished almost exclusively in Early American Attic, with a few Yard Sale Decor accents.