Can't decide!

This isn't really a hobby but more of one of my abilities......sewing.

I have this fabric to make new curtains but am undecided what colour thread to use. Would anyone like to help me please, at the moment I'm leaning towards cream. I've thought about the deep pink but I think that would stand out to much against the cream stripe.

 

Hi there ...

I have made things for most of my life .. in the 60s all my clothes, ie, 2/3 piece suits, jeans, you name it ... all of my curtains, drapes. I still have my original New Home machine which I bought in the States, took the the UK and now have with me here in Portugal.

What do you want to do?

 

I keep swinging backwards and forwards Victoria, I decide on cream thread and then change my mind to pink.

I think the older machines are much more reliable. I have an old Alfa, it's 58 years old and will machine through just about anything, I also have a modern portable that my mum gave me, but it's hopeless on thicker fabrics and very temperamental.

 

a dumb suggestion, but can't you use different coloured threads over the seams (use the colour that is predominant in the section?) .... takes a lot longer, but then you won't see the different colour thread on the particular section

speaking of old sewing machines, I used to trade on ebay .... bought many old Singer 222K featherwight sewing machines at carboot for under £20 each, and used to get well over £200 each on ebay .... highly sought after and seen some sell recent for over £500 (has a free arm mechanism .... whatever that means?)

wife has one in mint condition, with loads of accesories but has never used it

 

The seams aren't a problem, machining across the material is.

 

id try a shade of grey ,only as i dont think you would notice that colour thread as much

 

well shows you what I know

so, it's best left to the women ....

but a male would make a plan and do it in sections to blend, with no odd colour thread showing .,... and sadly, males don't sew, so women just do as they please and say it cannot be done

 

Hi there Sheal ,think I'd be inclined to go with sort of Fawn / Beige colour thread .

 

I would go with a light shade of gray. Used to sew a lot, just have not in years. Have a wonderful machine. Find that the cost of an item out ways my time cost. So I have not in years.
I've made evening gowns, curtains, suites, robes, curtains, tableclothes.

 

Are you unable to use the invisible thread in a machine then

I used to hand sew my rate badges on my uniform with it

Jack McH

 

Dim, females make plans as well! Do you think we make curtains from patterns? Or cushions etc. They are not available, it's all down to design from our own grey matter. I have just made tie backs for another pair of curtains, my own design!

You can't change thread for every different coloured stripe it's just not feasible, so one has to be found that will contrast all.

.........and yes, males do sew. My father was a mechanical engineer by trade, he also made my mother a coat many years ago.

 

Thanks Jack, I've never tried an invisible thread in a machine, years ago they were nylon and that couldn't have been used because it stretches and curls. Also I wouldn't be able to see it very well while sewing, eye-sights not as good as it was.

 

Thanks everyone, Grey is a good idea. I think I'll try all the threads against it that are in my sewing box and see what looks best.

This shade of pink has been a nightmare from day one. It took me ages to find the fabric with this colour in it and it cost me an arm and a leg. Which is partly why I'm making them to save on cost. I couldn't get a 'ready made' anywhere.

I have one wall painted the same colour, it looks great but is a nightmare to match up with anything else.

 

I was going to suggest that as I have a reel of clear and of grey .. but I have never tried it on my machine and also find it difficult to sew with ... age problem again, me'thinks ...

It would be nice to see the final results Sheal.

 

Yup, I'd go with a darker grey, Sheal. Only pick a lighter colour if you want the stitching to stand out. Dark blends in better. Lovely fabric, BTW.

Dim, you could pick a matching colour to do the vertical sewing, as it would be the same colour all the way down (if you could be bothered) but it's not possible when sewing horizontally across the stripes, as Sheal points out.

I have some invisible thread, I've never used it much. It might catch the light and look a bit shiny and plasticky.

I used to sew loads but it irritates me nowadays that I can't thread the needles quickly - I'm going to make a very grumpy old person!

I have a rubbish Janome machine - it sews, but is not good quality. Can anyone suggest a good replacement model to look out for on Ebay? Nothing fancy needed.