Back to the Seventies

I decided to make another shirt from the seventies since I like the last one I made so much.  This Simplicity 6249 from 1974 is a unisex pull-over top. I am using a lightweight broadcloth material I had in my stash.

Simplicty 6249

I decided to try on the pattern to check for size and length.  I ended up only adding an inch in length.

Original Length

One Inch Added

 I am sewing this with my Singer 626.  I picked it up at the thrift store for a few dollars. This model does have neoprene gears.  Some have metal.  I am certain the gears were replaced because they are opaque.  Not black like the few gear bits I found in the bottom of the case. Also, I don't think it was used much at all after the gears were changed, because they and the whole machine look like new.  So it should last a long time.

This machine has just a few decorative stitches, and does not use cams.  The wind-in-place bobbin works great.  Some machines with this feature have problems, but on this machine it works easy.

You have to love the color!

Singer 626 Touch and Sew

 Back to the shirt.

I was confused when sewing the pocket, because the instructions did not state it was a faux-flap.  I kept trying to figure out where the flap was at in the picture.  Finally, I figured it out.  All I have to do now is sew a button on it to finish.

Faux-Flap Pocket

Since the decorative stitching looked great on my previous shirt, I decided to put my Singer 626 to work.  As seen on the pocket and collar.

Decorative Stitching on Collar

Progress!

 

Next Comes Sleeves.

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Groovy 70s Shirt

This was supposed to be a pajama top, but after I began making it, I decided that indeed it would make a great shirt.  I used Simplicity 6436 from 1974.  It is interesting it is shown as a uni-sex pattern.  I think the belt would be a little over the top for me.  So, no belt.

I added two inches to the sleeves and body length.  Otherwise, besides the decorative stitching with my White 571, I followed the pattern instructions.  I serged the seams.   If I made this again, I would probably use flat-fell or french seams.  A quick project called for quick methods of assembly.  After all, this was supposed to be a pajama top.

White 571

Decorative Stitch Selections

Groovy!

Max likes my collar

I am glad I have a huge quantity of this fabric.   It is comfy and looks great.  This was a great thrift store find.

Now I am not sure if I will go back to pajama tops.  The crafting urge is hitting me.  Some appliqué, some embroidery, or whatever hits me.


Thanks for stopping.

Treat me nice!

Remember in my last post I mentioned a Bernina I made my shorts with?  Now that the fiasco is over, I will tell you about it.

My pair of shorts was made with a Bernina 1011.  I had this machine only a few days.  It was purchased on ebay.  When it arrived the spool pins were broken off, the power knob was sheared off, the stretch-stitch/feed dog knob was smashed and bent. It was rusty inside and some corrosion on the bottom.  All the knobs would not turn due to corrosion.

Shorts made with Bernina 1011

Bernina 1011 on ebay

 I was able to get it going.   I turned the cog for the power and lights to "on" with pliers, so it would be "on" when plugged in like old machines. I oiled and cleaned it up.  The reverse didn't work and the feed dogs rubbed the needle plate.  I adjusted the feed dogs and was able to get the reverse working. The stretch-stitches still needed some adjustment, but it purred and sewed  nice like a Bernina should. I was going to keep it because I felt I had found an excellent deal for $125, even with the shipping-damage.

Sheared power button

Broken spool-pin

Smashed knob

Bent knob shaft

Bernina as received

Packing material

Then as they say, "All Hell broke Loose".
Joe had me email the seller to tell them in the future to package things better. I also sent pictures of the packaging and the damage.  I didn't ask for money back or anything.

I was pummeled with numerous emails calling me a scammer and a liar.  I was threatened with I should "hide".  And other threats.  The seller said to turn it over to UPS and they would win because the packaging was strong.

So I turned it over to ebay and UPS because of their attitude. Then I received emails from the seller saying the money was taken out of their Paypal and they were out of business because of me.

I had never opened a case on ebay.  I did not know the funds would be seized immediately, but I guess it makes sense.   Then more threatening emails.  Plus, they said they closed their bank and Paypal account so I would get nothing. I am glad these people are in Mississippi and I am in California.

Guess what?  Ebay refunded all my money.  UPS took the machine and returned it to them in the same box and packing it was sent to me.  I  would hate to see what it looks like after another trip across the U.S. in that poor packaging.

Moral of the story.  Treat me nice and I will treat you nice.  If this seller would have simply said I am sorry, I would have probably let it go.  If they had offered $20 to replace one spool-pin, I would have let it go. Their attack on me is what caused them to get their smashed Bernina back and my money back to me.

I miss my Bernina 1011 even though I only had it a few days.  It definitely had a better home with me.  I feel sorry for it.

Did I do right?

Now I am making a 70s shirt which should be "Groovy"!

Thanks for stopping.