Understanding Satin Stitches

By Donna Trumble

Think of it, every stitch basically starts out as a straight stitch.

This stitch is called a straight stitch. It is made by wrapping an upper thread around a lower bobbin thread and tightening them to what is known as a locked stitch. This connection is made inside the fabric when everything is properly set.

Originally stitches were sewn only along a straight line stitch after stitch. Therefore, we get the name straight stitch. The length between stitches could be adjusted. This made it possible for the user to sew very fine stitches or medium ones or longer ones or even basting stitches.

In about 1950, the first home zig zag sewing machines began to appear. The introduced a revolutionary concept. Instead of simply adjusting the length of a stitch, they devised a way to alter the width of the stitches. The sewing machine would move the needle to the left and make a stitch. Then it would move the needle to the right and make a stitch. The result was the introduction of the zig zag stitch.

Suddenly, the capacity of stitch variety had more than doubled. Instead of just adjusting stitch length to produce a few variation, the zig zag machines could alter the width of the stitch (0mm to 5 mm to 9mm for top of line modern machines) as well. This actually made it possible for a sewing machine to boast six or eight stitch functions depending entirely on how the sewing machine was set.

The side to side stitching creates some dynamic visual effects that inspired increased creativity. Generally, these stitches are called zig zag stitches regardless of width or length, however, very long stitches are also called zig zag basting stitches. We call very fine or short zig zag stitches satin stitches.

What a gorgeous stitch the satin stitch makes. The threads lie side by side giving an embellished flare to the stitching. It is important, however, to produce a consistent stitch where the thread do not bunch up or leave gaps between stitches. A trial sewing on scrap fabric is always a good idea.

Sewing a satin stitch requires a bit more care than a straight stitch or standard zig zag. Due to the narrow length of the satin stitch, the thread tend to have a slight rise between the left and right sides of the seam. This loft is what makes the stitch so attractive, but it often gets caught under the regular zig zag presser foot. Therefore, it is vital that you use the special satin stitch zig zag presser foot. The regular foot has a flat bottom that can catch the thread of the satin stitch, but the special satin stitch foot has a groove that permits the thread to pass without complication.

Regulate the satin stitch just like you would a straight stitch. Set the stitch length knob to a very very short length. Then test the stitch. If you see gaps between the threads, turn the length a bit shorter. If you see thread bubbling up, out of place, or over other threads; slightly lengthen the stitch. This is an art, but once you get the right setting on test cloth, you should be ready to sew a beautiful satin stitch.

Sewing with satin stitches is just a bit more delicate than a simple straight stitch, but the recommended process for guiding your fabric is the same. Start by sliding the fabric edge under the presser foot and then lower the presser foot to hold it in place. Put your right hand on the right edge of the fabric three to four inches in front of the needle to serve as your guide hand while steering the fabric. Avoid every putting your right hand through the arm of the sewing machine. This may be a temptation, thinking you need to pull the fabric through or help it through, but dont. If the fabric fails to move through the sewing machine, there is a problem. Do not make it worse by pulling the fabric. Instead, allow the sewing machine to do its job while you steer the fabric.

Use your left hand to keep the fabric flowing smooth while sewing. Flatten out folds, wrinkles, and bunches. Keep the fabric even. Avoid tugging on the fabric, placing your hand behind the needle, or attempting to assist the operation of the sewing machine itself. Just keep the fabric coming smooth and flat.

Your satin stitch is sensitive to quick sharp turns. You want to maintain a smooth stitch without caps or breaks. Therefore, take special care when sewing curves. Avoid abrupt turns. You may wan to alter stitch length or even stop and reset the stitch from time to time when making sharp turns. Try practicing until your feel confident, then enjoy using your satin stitch on all kinds of applique, decorative, and embellishing situations.

About the Author:

Professional Sewing Seamstress Donna Trumble unveils her special sewing instructions. Learn basic sewing instructions in her free ebook Top Ten Sewing Answers.

Lionel HO Model Trains - How To Buy Vintage Lionel Trains

By Mike Griffin

If you are an enthusiastic experienced train lover ,then no question you have the solutions to nearly all of the common inquiries. Your queries would be more geared towards an personalized dealer who is dealing vintage.

The beginner getting in the ho good example train hobby will have numerous enquiries. Yet that can be tough, because you need to know some thing about the field you are curious.

Your line of curiousity will have to deal with the purpose you need the ho model train for. Say you are planning on becoming a collector, or are you just build a introductory layout for something to do, but are not going to get overly involved, or is a gift for a youngster?

Say you are planning on becoming a collector, and then your introductory query would be where can you gather whatsoever particular selective information as to the history of the Lionel trains. It would be risky to pay top dollar for a train set that was not responsible. Several vintage pieces can be very high-priced.

To start with merely a original set and go from there, it might be best to go a honored hobby shop ,preferably 1 that exclusively addresses with train sets. Most of the people that have these kinds of storehouses have a passion of trains and they have spent ages studying about them. The 1 bit of wisdom that you do have is you know that Lionel train sets have been on the market for numerous yr, and are recognized to be worth the money you are about to invest. So likely your introductory question should be, which models should you start off with. You will in all probability want to start with a fresh elementary set and sum up to it. Dont make the decision that it doesnt matter if there are add ons or not. It has been said that the train hobby is highly addictive. Which means theres a good chance you may get to a greater extent involved then you planned.

Plan for the future. Ask the experienced hobbyist selling to you if some of the ho model train sets come DCC ready. This is new to model railroading, and what it stands for it that it uses digital computer technology. Say the respond is no, then ask are there sets that can be advanced and if so how much would it cost. You as well desire to acknowledge what is a reasonable budget to have to start with the train serials. They may have numerous package deals already defined.

If you are buying a set for a child. Your demands will depend on the childs age. Say they are quite young and then you will need a Lionel train set that is going to fit in with his capabilities to run it. Once More ask the sales rep what they would recommend for that age group. He will be competent to present you train sets that would be perfect for what you are reckoning for. And Then you can pick the theme that your kid would like well.

About the Author:

Download your free 1965 vintage lionel train catalog and learn how to repair lionel trains easily and quickly with over 2000 pages of diagrams and blueprints from LionelManuals

Review of the Garmin Nuvi 880 High-Powered GPS

By Joseph Aaron

The Garmin Nuvi 880 GPS Navigation System gives you a lengthy list of benefits and services that make it a valuable item for anyone who desires a high-quality GPS system. The unit is partially operated by voice and also works using the touch screen. The Garmin Nuvi 880 is one of the most helpful GPS systems that can be bought now.

Features

The Garmin Nuvi 880 has several features that allow it to hold its own as one of the most high quality GPS systems available. The unit is equipped with wireless capabilities, making it possible for you to talk on the cell phone while driving. There are two front speakers positioned on the unit so that you can hear the person you are conversing with easily.

The Nuvi 880 also offers you excellent voice recognition capabilities. This hands-free function is the best option when you are zipping along congested highways and in cities where you have to put all of your attention on your route. The FM radio transmitter is also a standard feature and you can get real time traffic updates if you request them.

Traffic news flashes are spoken using your speaker system so if you are enjoying an MP3 on your Garmin Nuvi 880, the music will be interrupted so you can understand the instructions. This ensures that you will not forget your turn and that new driving directins will always be at your disposal.

The Garmin Nuvi 880 Automotive GPS Navigator also offers simple-to-follow directions by referring to the street names instead of the distance you must travel. The voice system is hassle-free to use and comprehend, especially since the one thing you must do is input the final stop and your beginning point to get started.

Charging Your Nuvi 880

You Nuvi 880 is easy to take off so that you can carry it with you. The battery will stay charged even without an outside power source for as much as five hours. To charge your Nuvi 880 you can plug it into a cigarette lighter adaptor, your USB cable, or a standard wall socket adaptor.

Adding Maps

The Garmin Nuvi 880 GPS Navigation System is prepared with maps of North America ready for use but you can get additional maps when you want to by downloading the ones you want from the Garmin Nuvi website. If you are traveling to a hitherto unknown country then you might also need to purchase a travel guide for the location you are visiting. The travel guide can make it easy to discover cool things to do in the country and help you discover motels, gasoline and other necessary things.

You can save your popular restaurants and ships in the navigator, too. This makes it possible for you to get your favorite things in a new place.

Finding Parking

If you are always misplacing your vehicle after you have parked, you will really appreciate the feature that keeps track of your parking spot. This benefit is part and parcel of your Garmin 880.

About the Author:

Joseph Aaron writes for an online project helping consumers make educated purchase decisions on GPS Navigation Systems. Amongst the highest rated GPS units recommended on his website is the Garmin Nuvi 880 GPS Navigation System.

Fast Food Recipes for Home

By Nicole Dean

Feeding a family is a big job. Kids want to have food on the table three times a day, seven days a week. Mom knows she needs a bunch of emergency recipes that can easily be created in minutes. When you're running late, and time's running out, you want meals that Dad can put together, too. Here are some fast meal ideas that you'll love.

Dive In: What kid doesn't like to dunk their food. Clean and slice some carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, celery, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and zucchini and lay them out on a platter with some ranch style dressing. I've seen the most dedicated vegetable-hater dig right into these vegetables when they can dip them.

Sandwich Art: When creating a sandwich, start with some innovative bread, like waffles, pancakes, English muffins, rolls, hamburger buns, or bagels. Then create your masterpiece by adding jam, meat slices, pickles, peanut butter, vegetables, eggs, cheese, or anything that looks like it might like to join your sandwich.

Never Fail Noodles: Every pantry should have an assortment of noodles at the ready. When dinner plans are unsure, noodles will be there to pull off a family-friendly meal in a minute. Start some noodles boiling and search the kitchen for goodies to add. Try adding some leftover vegetables to your hot noodles and topping with cheese. If you have a can of chicken broth you can make a quick soup with noodles and some celery and onion. A skillet dish with some hot, cooked noodles, pasta sauce stirred in, and topped with cottage cheese makes a great mock lasagna.

Roll 'Em: Tortillas make a great go-to meal when you're running out of time for dinner planning. If you have any leftover meat, chicken, fish, or vegetables, black beans, pinto beans, or cheese, you've got the makings for a very fast burrito. The ingredients are endless; as endless as your leftovers!

Heavenly Spuds: I believe potatoes are a meal almost by themselves. Of course, adding all the toppings make potatoes a fabulous meal in just minutes. You can microwave a potato in about 4 or 5 minutes. Now top your hot potato with anything you like. Try any meat or veggies that you have leftover, put a little shredded cheddar, Monterrey Jack, mozzarella on top and you have a full meal. You may even want to add a little crunch with sunflower seeds or even some chopped peanuts.

Soup's On: If you have some chicken broth, you have soup. Pour the broth in a big pot, throw in whatever veggies you have leftover from the last few nights, maybe a can of diced tomatoes, and soup's on! If you have any noodles, rice, canned beans, all the better. Simmer for a few minutes and you have dinner.

End Your Day With A Good Start: Breakfast is more fun at night! A big bowl of cereal, with fruit, English muffin, and a glass of juice will make everyone comfy cozy. Fry up a batch of bacon and eggs with pancakes and watch your family dig right in. Night time is a great time to have a hearty breakfast.

When dinnertime is rushed and your creativity goes out the window, come back to these ideas and your family will have a meal in minutes.

About the Author:

Nicole Dean is the mostly-sane mom behind ShowMomtheMoney.com - a fun and informative site to help moms achieve success working from home. She welcomes you to learn more ways to save money in her Frugal Moms section. Be sure to sign up for her free tutorial for work at home moms.

Designer Jewelry Patterns - Now And Then

By Ernst Ralborg

The history of mankind has undergone a series of changes and upheavals in the past. These changes and events have totally transformed the face of human history. It is also quite interesting to know the way these changes reflect themselves in the patterns of the modern designer jewelry.

For instance, it is a well-known fact that the jewelry designers have always tried to depict the dropping of the atom bomb in the shape of starbursts and multiple sprays of diamonds. Overall, it is quite accurate to say that the modern day jewelry is reflective of the events that in some way or the other have helped shape our destiny.

Time of Use

Experts on the subject also indicate that the time of the day you wear your jewelry in can also make a difference to the other aspects. For those jewelry lovers who are interested to wear gold ornaments in the daytime, the modern designer jewelry range has a lot to offer. These include Florentine and mesh finishes, foxtail chains and the like. Talking of the significance of history in shaping the jewelry patterns, it is a famous fact that a delicate-looking string of cultured pearls was the trademark signature style of the rich and famous throughout all of the fifties.

Moving On

Meanwhile, the sixties witnessed a dramatic change in the patterns of the modern designer jewelry. The likes of the hybrid jewelry items gained immense popularity and women started accepting unconventional pieces made of silver, gemstones and geode crystals, moving on from the typical diamonds, gold and platinum for wedding and engagement rings.

The seventies saw a yet another metamorphosis in the designer jewelry patterns for women. With the dawn of feminism and women's movement, the fashion jewelry for women took on a new face altogether. The materials used changed to interesting and innovative metals like wood, ivory, rock crystals and coral.

Meanwhile, with the arrival of eighties and early nineties, when people gained more affluence, the style of jewelry further moved on to the glamorous and glitzy styles. It was from this moment that a new trend was started which goes on even till date. Modern designer jewelry seems to be made from hybrid as well as non-precious metals, while new techniques are being extensively used in order to design multicolored diamonds and pearl jewelry. Another popular addition to the series is the Precious Metal Clay or PMC, which is being widely used along with gemstones, making the modern designs all the more unique.

About the Author:

Ernst Ralborg often creates informative papers on subjects similar to tiffany engagement ring. On his site you might see his contributions on tiffany engagement ring and tiffany engagement rings.

Lake Minnetonka Cruise - Do You Want To Know More About It?

By Mark Peet

Minnesota has more lakes than any other state. Lake Minnetonka is one of the most beautiful and it can by yours for your next event. Wayzata Bay Charters have now created the Lake Minnetonka Cruises for your next group gathering. If you are planning a wedding, bar mitzvah, corporate event, company party or any other gathering, this Private Lake Cruise will blow their socks off. Something that will stay in their memories for a long time to come.

In fact, probably something they will never forget. If you plan your group gathering around Lake Minnetonka, you won't regret it. In fact your guests will remember this and discuss it for years to come. Wouldn't that be worth checking out this amazing private lake cruise?

Which ever theme you chose will surely please your guests. Most events get stuck at some restaurant or country club. Oh sure, the patio was beautiful and the view of the golf course was nice, but just think of it, a private cruise around the beautiful natural surroundings of Lake Minnetonka. I mean you're not sitting around, standing around, you are cruising around. The views are breath taking.

Lake Minnetonka is one of the largest lakes in Minnesota; don't miss your chance to see over 125 miles of beautiful shoreline, homes, boating and of course nature on your private Lake Minnetonka cruise. Visit the website of Wayzata Bay Charters today and imagine planning your next gathering of special people cruising around Lake Minnetonka.

With the wide selection of themes to choose from, the hardest part of putting this event together will be the choosing. Let me give you an idea. The Hawaiian Cruise with Hawaiian leis to all your guests upon arrival, souvenir pineapple glass with a Hawaiian pineapple rum drink and Hawaiian music during the cruise. Or you might prefer the Pirate Theme with pirate hats and eye patches to your guests, welcome rum punch and the cruise crew in authentic pirate costumes. Other activities to choose from are Karaoke, Casino, Dance Band, or DJ. Wayzata Bay Charter will help you plan your event to the last ice cube.

Many groups chose one of the All in One Packages. The Cocktail Cruise - this package includes a 2 hour Lake Minnetonka Cruise, Tortilla Chips and Salsa, Unlimited Soft drinks, Beer & Wine. Or the Fiesta Cruise which includes a 2 hour Cruise, Tortilla Chips & Salsa, Build your own Taco Bar, Unlimited Soft drinks, Beer, Wine & Margaritas. The dinner cruise offers a 3 hour Cruise of Lake Minnetonka, Choice of Champagne Chicken Dinner, Walleye Fillet Dinner or BBQ Rib Dinner. All dinners come with House Salad, Mixed Vegetables, Potato, and Rolls & Butter. Full Unlimited Bar. Visit the Lake Minnetonka Cruises website to find the choices for you next catered affair.

Wayzata Bay Charters offers 2, 3 or 4 hour cruises and their 53 foot 3 level Lake Cruiser can hold up to 80 people. Serving the entire Minneapolis area, they are located in Excelsior, Minnesota just a 20 minute drive from downtown Minneapolis and 30 minutes from downtown St. Paul.

About the Author:

Mark Peet is the proprietor of Wayzata Bay Charters and dealing with lake cruises, cruises on Minnetonka lake, and many more. Enjoy scenic Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota aboard a 53 foot 3 level charter cruiser that hosts 80 guests, great for wedding reception cruises. For all the information about Minnetonka you can find at WayzataBayCharters.com

Office Furniture Still Looks Best In Wood

By Adam Peters

This article is about using wood furniture or alternatives to help save the environment.

Solid Wood Office Furniture Offers Elegance and Sophistication

In keeping up with the green house effect, the environmentalists have warned against the use of wood office furniture to allow the earth to recover and grow more wood. Many businesses have complied with this request by purchasing alternatives to wood office furniture such as wrought iron or steel office furniture. While this may be sufficient for many offices, the nicest and most elegant furniture is still solid wood office furniture. Many believe that the richer your office looks to the public, the more successful you look and, thus, will have more business.

What's So Special About Solid Wood Office Furniture

Solid Wood Office Furniture has a special effect which it brings to an office or building that no other material can compare with. If you've ever gone into a furniture store that sells wood furniture, you know what I'm talking about. The minute you walk into the building, you can smell the wood and the room just has an elegant feel to it. The same is true with an office that is furnished with wood office furniture. Solid wood furniture has an elegance, beauty and functionality that you just don't get with other types of office furniture.

One of the most important features of solid wood furniture is that it allows for exquisite detail and craftsmanship that you just can't get from other types of furniture. A mahogany executive desk or hand-detailed teak wood chair just can't compare to a steel office desk, regardless of how fancy the steel desk may be. Wood paneling is also very popular in the decor of an office. While there are many substitutes for this, none can compare in appearance.

Many types of furnishings go into the furnishing of an office. Some popular items are desks, chairs, bookshelves, multi-functional cabinets and couches. These furniture items are available in laminates, fiber, plywood, etc., but nothing can compare with solid wood furniture. Many offices that have couches for the relaxation of their clients use quality sofa slip covers as a way to protect the furniture from damage.

Some items in the office that look very attractive in wood are wood chairs and multi-functional desks. Wood chairs are comfortable and very easy to maintain, needing nothing more than washing and an occasional polishing to keep their "new" appearance. Some of the more popular woods for chairs are teak, mahogany, mango, etch. Multi-function desks are also very functional and attractive. They also coordinate with any other type of furnishings you may have, including quality sofa slip covers on your office couch.

About the Author:

Adam Peters loves writing for websites on many consumer subjects .More articles on quality sofa slip covers and furniture slipcovers at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/SofaSlipCovers.html .

Lionel HO Model Trains - How To Buy Old Lionel Trains

By Mike Jenkins

Getting in the ho model train hobby will leave you with some questions. Eg: The right way to price and purchase lionel HO model trains. Even so, you need to question, recognize and understand some basic facts.

Your line of questioning will have reconcile with the purpose of your HO model train set. Say you are planning on becoming a collector, or are you merely make a elementary layout for something to do, but are not going to get excessively involved, or is a present for a youngster?

If you are planning on becoming a collector, so your introductory doubt would be where can you gather whatsoever certain data as to the history of the Lionel trains. It would be unreliable to pay top dollar for a train set that was not reliable. Numerous vintage pieces can be very expensive.

To start with only a basic set and go from there, it might be advisable to go a prestigious hobby store ,rather one that solely deals with train sets. Most of the people that have these kinds of storehouses have a passion of trains and they have spent long times learning about them. The one bit of knowledge that you do have is you recognize that Lionel train sets have been on the market for numerous years, and are known to be worth the money you are about to invest. So likely your first question should be, which models should you start off with. You will probably want to start with a good primary set and add to it. Don't make the decision that it doesnt matter if there are add ons or not. It has been said that the train hobby is highly addictive. Which means theres a good chance you may get more than involved then you planned.

Design for the future. Inquire the experienced hobbyist selling to you if any of the ho model train sets come DCC ready. This is new to model railroading, and what it implies it that it practices digital computer technology. Say the reply is no, and so require are there sets that can be promoted and if so how much would it price. You likewise desire to recognise what is a reasonable budget to have to begin with the train serials. They may have some package deals already defined.

If you are buying a set for a child. Your demands will depend on the childs age. Say they are quite small and so you will need a Lionel train set that is going to fit in with his capabilities to run it. Once More ask the sales rep what they would recommend for that age group. He will be confident to show you train sets that would be ideal for what you are reckoning for. And Then you can select the theme that your child would like better.

About the Author:

Who else wants to learn model trains repair and restoration? Discover the easiest and step by step approach to repair, restore and service your lionel train even if you've no experience before.