Zig Zag through the years with Singer

This is my little family of Singer zig zag attachments.  The biggest one - the Automatic ZigZagger, takes cams to make different stitch patterns.  It comes with a set of four cams, and three more sets of four are available. (If you want to see all the stitch patterns, LOOK HERE.)

The older versions only make only a zigzag, and the width is adjusted by a screw.

However, those two older version have an edge stitcher which can be attached so that you can stitch on the very edge of the fabric or join a piece of lace right to the edge like this: 

And they also have a cording slot so you can zigzag over a cord or thread for gathering.  Very useful!

The first oldest one shown (one the far left above) not only works great, but is small enough to pop into my Featherweight case.  Actually it isn't any bigger than the standard issue ruffler attachment, and somehow it's dainty size just seems more suited to the FW.

Narrow Hemmer feet - they are not created equal!

For years I have tried to master that seemingly simple foot that comes standard in the old Singer accessory box - the "foot hemmer" that makes a narrow, rolled hem.   Every now and then I'd take it out and try it again hoping this time I'd get the perfect narrow hem they show in the illustration.  But it never worked for me.  The hem was never straight and evenly turned ....NEVER!

So I decided to try it again the other day and this time I happened to take the foot from a different accessory box rather than the box I've always used.  I didn't even think about it making a difference, I just grabbed the one that was handy.  And what can I say?  Here it is, THE PERFECT HEM, done with the good old Singer narrow hemmer foot.  


So how could I suddenly get this result after years of failed attempts?  What did I do different?  I didn't do anything different.  But there is a difference.  Look at these three feet - they are not exactly alike!

Teensy tiny differences, but apparently it makes a big difference.  If one of these isn't working for you maybe just try another one.

At this point I want to beat my head against a wall for all the hours of frustration trying to make that elusive perfect hem only to try another foot and nail it the first time.  Sigh....

Vintage Fabrics, a couple of finds...

The ultimate vintage sewing experience?  Sewing vintage fabrics on my Singers and of course using all those nifty Singer attachments which make it so much fun.  (I'll show those later - each and every one.)  But first a couple of recent fabric finds.   

How absolutely gorgeous is this?  Scrounging around in an antique store recently I came upon a basket stuffed with odds and ends of old linens.  I picked up this piece which was sewn into what looked like a huge pillow case (?).  Bought it for $3.  Unpicked the seams, washed and ironed it, and I have 1-5/8 yds of beautiful chintz fabric.  It hasn't told me what it wants to be yet, but I love just looking at it.  

Then the other day at an Estate Sale I came across this piece which I bought for $1.50.  A very lightweight cotton in a dainty, delicate print.  It needs to be made into a darling little dress of some kind.  

UPDATE:  Sunsuit I made for a sweet baby girl with this fabric!