tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74620782986724058192013-05-09T07:01:40.445-04:00Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-58756004517038057742013-03-11T13:09:00.002-04:002013-03-11T13:09:26.873-04:00

Rosanne writes, " I hope my question will turn out to be a simple one.  I already have 4 sewing machines. However, none of them can accommodate sewing that is rather thick under the presser foot. Because I have recently started a sewing business at home, and I'm starting to get more Home Dec jobs, I'm realizing that I should start searching for a (used) machine that is both strong and handles

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-53003837554300791242013-02-17T09:23:00.000-05:002013-02-17T09:23:04.535-05:00

Hey folks.  I just got a great question from a reader. Maria writes: Hello Brain, I am very impressed with your site and now a new follower.With all the sewing you do, what is your favorite iron?  I am not pleased with the one I have (there have been many). Steam is either messy or not enough, sometimes the irons either get to hot or not hot enough. What are your thoughts?Thank you,Maria

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-73068866464484310422013-02-15T11:33:00.001-05:002013-02-15T11:33:28.043-05:00

A reader sent me this and I thought I'd answer it here since its a question I get asked from time to time.  He writes,   "This email is asking your thoughts on a tough   question.  I recently found myself coming under a great deal of criticism for collecting old sewing machines.  I have about nine now, and very few duplicates.   My rule is any addition to the family must be old, and be

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-1113538172515622432012-11-29T08:36:00.000-05:002012-11-29T08:36:02.578-05:00

First of all this video is an experiment, I'm not really expecting it to be ground breaking. When I first started sewing I needed to see real people sewing real things.  All the books and tutorials are great for learning techniques but I craved seeing how it all came together at the machine. Here I ignore the camera while I sewed three pairs of pants assembly line style.  I think you'll see the

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-5077199309628638672012-11-15T12:56:00.002-05:002012-11-15T12:56:45.893-05:00

Sophie and I have worked together for a bit more than a year.  I had hired her as an instructor at the other sewing studio and when I left she followed me.  Sophie is also self taught and it shows in her ability to take on rather ambitious projects with little worry they may not succeed.  She has a very much "Make it work" attitude when it comes to sewing.  Making it work is an excellent skill

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-10208312527068732552012-11-01T11:07:00.000-04:002012-11-01T14:41:38.073-04:00

I guess they didn't have 6'3" men in mind when they designed these? Boston didn't get hit with hurricane Sandy nearly as bad as other parts but many of our neighborhoods did loose power and still have not had service return. Most of the damage was from high winds, luckily it did not rain enough for the widespread flooding that could have been a very real possibility. I grew up in the country

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-22339613746057734192012-10-19T12:32:00.003-04:002012-10-19T12:32:54.898-04:00

Left Point Using Pam's Technique, Right Using The Traditional Poke and Roll Collar points, what a pain.  I can't tell you how many awful collar points I've made.  Actually the point on the right done with poke and roll is one I'd normally be quite pleased with.  I've tried all the tricks before..  Taking a few stitches across the point, trimming down and down, extra small stitches, etc.  

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com731-63 Elm Rd, Newton, MA 02460, USA42.3467771 -71.207232142.323306099999996 -71.2467141 42.3702481 -71.16775009999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-49331581499623845412012-10-11T11:08:00.003-04:002012-10-11T16:08:15.684-04:00

Introducing Newton Sewing Studio! This is the main sewing floor.  We also have three smaller offices that will house the lounge, break room, and my favorite the pro room.  The pro room is a studio within the studio equipped with industrial machines and all the supplies needed for the more advanced students. As you may know I've been working as a sewing instructor at a local sewing school.  

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com17Newtonville, MA 02460, USA42.3467771 -71.207232142.323306099999996 -71.2467141 42.3702481 -71.16775009999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-77846305816738966392012-08-09T07:04:00.000-04:002012-08-18T08:37:55.395-04:00

Dear Brian, I have been reading your news on the Supernova..I enjoy it...Do you know what is the difference between that and the ultra? Also what is it like as far as stitch quality and piercing power? I am looking at one on eBay it has a free arm..I really need the free arm for detailed small pieces. They are so expensive though and I am on a tight budget. Believe it or not...I love my singer

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-42515707663808028432012-08-08T06:54:00.000-04:002012-12-29T07:59:42.690-05:00

Brian, I just came across some of your postings on pattern review and really enjoyed them, I followed over to your blog and am reading through it now. I was wondering, on pattern review you created a pattern for a bikini and the album where I think you said you laid out some of the details on how you drafted it doesn't seem to be up anymore. Do you still have that info? I am trying

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-85401273300088644772012-08-06T21:02:00.000-04:002012-08-06T21:02:12.041-04:00

Today I had a revelation and we'll see what people think of it. I get at least one or two questions a day in my email box and I certainly do try to answer most of them. Why am I not putting this information here for everyone to read? Doing a sewing Q & A page sounds a bit overwhelming but I do like the format.Let's start with this first one, I'll remove any personal identifiers and correct

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-72919360049882313032012-07-21T07:38:00.001-04:002012-07-21T07:38:49.360-04:00

With that title I almost started telling the wrong story!  I've have been on my fair share of slippery slopes but this is something else entirely.  A while back I posted about my favorite machine oil Marvel Mystery Oil  and how well it will bring a dry machine back from stiffness.  This oil has solvents and whatnot that really help it penetrate and work through the oil yellowed varnish left

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-81569821372005249192012-06-30T11:57:00.000-04:002012-06-30T11:57:32.146-04:00

you have everything you "need" and life becomes about experiences.  Treadle sewing has always been a dream of mine (well more of a doomsday fantasy) but let's not go there!  I found this treadle base on craigslist with a machine dating back over 100 years.  The Necchi BU head was a freebie and has cracked peeling paint but sews smooth as silk.  After removing the Singer head the Necchi dropped

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-67660824980516531022012-06-30T11:01:00.000-04:002012-06-30T11:06:14.760-04:00

I will spend my days playing dress up and giggling with little girls. Usually I try to stay away from posting overly personal experiences here in public because I feel like it's not really what readers are coming here for.  That being said I feel like a little bit of an explanation is in order so here goes... Time.  Last September I became a full partner in the sewing school I help run

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-23801292320259988752011-07-17T14:51:00.008-04:002011-07-18T14:14:58.061-04:00

The pattern for this Y back tank can be downloaded here: I've developed a technique I like to use for the binding that I think you'll enjoy.  I'm not laying claim that it's the proper or "right" way it should be done I'm just saying that it's the way I've discovered I like to do it.  I've been using the coverstitch machine however you can get by just fine utilizing a standard zigzag machine as

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-45804714096395572522011-07-11T21:24:00.001-04:002011-07-11T21:25:41.415-04:00

EC Cutter $100 I'd like to introduce you to a very special tool.  This isn't "just" a new sewing tool or notion, it's actually my new best friend.  We spend lots of time together and I don't think they've ever let me down.  I know, there are a lot of notions you've bought that never get used, I've done the same.  This is totally different.  Soon you'll be reaching for these for almost any

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-67914917596173578002011-07-09T05:20:00.009-04:002011-07-18T15:05:03.678-04:00

I've been in desperate need of some new tank tops for a few years now.  If I was a girl all I'd have to do is ride down to my local Target and I'm sure I could pick up a few cute items super cheap.  Truth be told two of the last tanks in my closet were picked up in the juniors department of the Nordstrom Rack back in Sacramento, yeah, like I said it's time.  For guys  the options (cute ones

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-6037951209408734502011-07-02T17:21:00.001-04:002011-07-11T20:12:06.244-04:00

As I've been tweaking my jeans pattern (which is almost done btw) I've also been working on other seemingly unimportant jeans details.  One of those is the front pocket bag.  Really?  Yeah, really!  My first attempts quite some time ago were to simply make the bag smaller/larger/deeper/etc but not change the actual shape.  With those experiments I learned that nothing is more irritating than too

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-23793965559439014312011-06-23T16:05:00.004-04:002011-06-29T06:37:01.806-04:00

Oh yes, the "new" fabric cutter has produced a LOT of interest!  Well I still need to do the video and gather resources but I promise it's worth the wait.  Until then I was just at IKEA and found some amazing lights that I think you're going to love. I'm a big proponent of good lighting while sewing and let's face it, as our eyes age they need more light, I've certainly noticed..  If possible I

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-87537039464106818612011-06-20T13:52:00.000-04:002011-06-20T13:52:42.945-04:00

The Kenmore 1410 sewing machine was literally built for making buttonholes. It's an all metal machine with a metal cam stack.  Having used Kenmore machine built a few years earlier and a few years after this line I'm willing to say these could be the best (vintage) machine to carry the Kenmore brand.A healthy 1.2 amp  motor and cogged belt make this machine sew with a purpose that easily feels

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-39819196698604619032011-03-08T09:04:00.000-05:002011-03-08T09:04:58.469-05:00

I have a habit of checking craigslist a few times a day.  Mostly between classes, morning and evening.  Soothing somehow I suppose I use it as a quick break from my day.  I do multiple searches: sewing, pfaff, bernina, necchi, elna, and serger.  Every so often I might throw in embroidery but usually not.  Craigslist will automatically expand your search area if there are only a few results and

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-19354317402637300602011-03-07T08:39:00.000-05:002011-03-07T08:39:55.923-05:00

The other day while cruising for ideas I came across these pants on ETSY...  Produced by TheHouseofCanney they have a historical flair without wandering too far into the reenactment side of fashion.  What caught my eye is the front "fall" or "fell" depending on what reference you're reading.  I like this detail quite a lot and have seen it years ago in designer jeans although it's difficult to

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-75292172560651546852011-02-17T10:34:00.000-05:002011-02-17T10:34:41.697-05:00

I've been making silk t-shirts lately after I was introduced to silk knit sometime last year.  If you don't know, silk makes a wonderful and sturdy knit that withstands regular old washing and drying, perfect for glorious t-shirts. You may have noticed that I pretty much just wear t's and jeans most of the time.  I will occasionally throw in a button down shirt but not very often.  Mostly

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-55080703930778261732011-02-09T20:15:00.002-05:002011-02-19T07:21:15.643-05:00

Using Wild Ginger I thought the button down shirt project was difficult, that was a cake walk compared to the current jeans project. My standard draft using my actual measurements looks like this photo on the left: Those don't look quite right do they?  It took me quite some time manipulating the numbers to get a draft that looked right on paper, then 15 muslins later I had a wearable pair

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7462078298672405819.post-74982626614609372972010-08-27T09:01:00.000-04:002010-08-27T09:01:28.135-04:00

Girls have discriminating taste.  I know this now as I've been exposed for the first time to groups (hoards, flocks, gaggles?) of young ladies with my new job.  This is the job I've been wanting so badly to talk about but needed to wait until until the right time to go public.  It's also partially to blame for my not being around so much in the blogging world. I landed a job as a sewing

Brian Remlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619605141637919460noreply@blogger.com18