Sewing Blog

New Class Starting in May 2012

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:49:03 +0000

Join our new Patchwork & Quilting For Beginners Class, In just four weeks you can Learn the Fundamentals of Patchwork and Quilting. Starting 1st May this exciting new course is ran once a week on Tuesday for just two hours per sesion.

We aim to give you an understanding of Patchwork & Quilting, learn the importance of an accurate seam allowance. Appreciate the prep by carefully measuring and cutting, basic geometric shapes making them easy to piece together. Precise joining by the most part with a quarter inch foot makes for a patchwork that lies flat without puckers, Why not dabble in free motion, Practice your Applique skills and learn many many more skills in such a short time. Steal hints and tips from an experience Quilter with many years of teaching experience.

"What is really nice to see is that many of the class members start with very little or no experience, yet after a few sessions seem to get the quilting bug and create some beautiful quilts for themselves, family and friends."

For more information and or to book your place call us directly on 0191 25 25 825 or email enquiries@singermachine.co.uk

20% OFF all sewing machine thread until 15th April

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:44:18 +0000

Over the next few day we are showing off some of the most advanced sewing and embroidery machines available for the domestic home user, we will be at the Pins and Needles show from March 29th-31st. On offer are some great show only deals and we expect to help lots of customers select the correct sewing, quilting or embroidery machine to suit their needs.

For this reason and to help all our new and present customer get the most of of their new sewing machine - all sewing thread is down reduced by 20% until April 15th.
20% OFF SEWING THREAD

Your personal voucher code is: pnshow
Use this code in the shopping cart during checkout for 20% off thread. Ends April 15th.

You can find - 100% cotton quilting threads, many types of embroidery threads with sheen or without plus general sewing machine thread by Gutterman in various size spools... plus 100% Silk threads, Coats Cotton, Overlocking, Bobbin Fill and more in the sewing accessory section of our website.

Happy stitching.

It has arrived the NEW £109 Pfaff sewing machine - Pfaff Elements 1050s

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:02:11 +0000

After waiting for months, our shipment of this fantastic little sewing machine has arrived.... not that it's small. We know the NEW Pfaff 1050s will be a top seller. It's a full size Pfaff sewing machine with Pfaff quality at a super price.

Our warehouse is overflowing and thats great news....as at this moment we can offer the Pfaff 1050s at a reduced introductory price of £109...... meaning you SAVE £20. Shortly it will be going up to the regular price of £129 (thats a saving of over 15%)

Looking to buy a new sewing machine for Christmas as a gift......we can recommend the Pfaff elements 1050s for beginners to intermediate sewers..... plus its so easy to use, its ideal for children (with parental supervision) It has s a good combination of stitches for home use, with strength for home decor stitching projects, dressmaking or craft stitching.

Plus.....as a bonus for orders placed through this website or by calling...
TELESALES: 0845 4309824

We are very proud of the service we provide and our customer reviews

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 21:28:43 +0000

Why not visit a new section of our website..! we have lots of informative information that our customer have been telling us about the products we sell. Over the part few years our customer have been rating our products and they tell us... we'll read them yourself... we have over 600 customer reviews, so if your looking to purchase a new sewing machine, overlocker, steam press or embroidery software, or just want to find more about what our customers are saying about us.. follow the links below.

Sewing Machine
Reviews

Overlocker
Reviews

Steam Press
Reviews

Embroidery Software
Reviews

Customer
Testimonials

I am new to sewing machines (being a knitter all my life) but went on a course sewing a tote bag and was hooked. I learnt on a Janome and was advised not to buy the most basic or the most complicated but somewhere in the middle. This seems to fit the bill and more. You can use the machine without the foot pedal and the automatic needle threader is a dream as my eyes are not quite what they were!....

It can do it all from thin to bulky. I read some bad reviews on it and I cant find any thing what so ever wrong with this machine.I am an experienced seamstress,having worked for 34 years sewing.I love all the features on it, especially the needle threader.For the price you cant beat it. Maybe someone that was a beginner and didnt take time to watch the video or read the book posted those reviews,but for me I love this machine......

For over a year I reviewed several top brand name sewing machines with the goal of purchasing the best machine I could with a budget. In that review I read internet sewing blogs,sewing magazines,brochures,spoke with dealers and professionals regarding the best machines. I personally used each machine with different kinds of fabric to review the quality of stitching produced by each brand. I made a journal of the results....

PLUS ABOUT 597 OTHER REVIEWS TO READ..!

New Sewing Quilting and Knitting Classes Starting September

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 09:36:33 +0000

Join in this September for FUN sewing quilting and knitting classes.

Our workshops, clubs and courses are open to any age from beginners to expert.
New Classes - Starting September 2011

Sewing Techniques:

Tuesdays 10am - 12pm

5 week course - £40.00

Teen Sewing Class:

Wednesdays 4.15pm - 5.15pm

(term time only)

Different projects every month!

Knitting Club:

Thursdays 10am - 12pm

Starting 8th September -£6 per week

Patchwork and Quilting:

Wednesdays 1pm - 3pm & 6pm - 8pm

Fridays 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm

For beginners and expert quilters alike!

For more information or to sign up for any of the classes, please call us on:

0191 2525825 or pop in to:

Singer Sewing Centre, Whitley Road, Whitley Bay , NE26 2SY

Discount coupon for Elna SewFun Sewing Machine

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:15:01 +0000

Nows your change to grab a bargain... use the discount coupon below to enable you to purchase the Elna Sew Fun sewing machine for the discount coupon price of only £99.00.

Its easy..
Step 1. Surf to the Elna Sewfun sewing machine webpage and make a purchase.

Step 2. Print out the discount coupon below and send it to us at...
Sewing Machine Sales
219 Whitley Road
Whitley Bay
Tyne and Wear
NE26 3SY

Step 3. When we receive the coupon, we will refund and difference between the pirce you paid and the coupon price of £99.00

Offer runs from June 18th to July 31st 2011

Testing the new Pfaff Ambition range of computer sewing machines

Mon, 09 May 2011 14:44:46 +0000

After a full day testing two brand new Pfaff computer sewing machines, we can report back to our sales team with a smile of our faces... what a change it is to have such quality, reliability and full computer control at such a reasonable price. Plus both the new Pfaff Ambition 1.0 and its bigger brother the Pfaff Ambition 1.5 have the IDT (Pfaff's dual feed system), so from the start these machines are going to be winners with quilters, dressmakers and home decor crafters. Both have lettering and built in memory, the Ambition 1.5 having 195 stitches with 4 alphabets..!

A sneak peak at the machines below and you'll see the large sewing area of 20cm, no not a large as the Pfaff expression range but still much larger that many other sewing machines on the market at this price level. So be quick and grab a great deal.. just give us a call.. we're upto speed on the Pfaff ambition line already and more than willing to answer any questions.

Pfaff Ambition 1.0

Pfaff Ambition 1.5

Both machines also include the smooth running rotary top loading bobbin system.

Man rescues his Pfaff sewing machine after monsoon

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:01:27 +0000

Hello Everyone. This is such a great story we had to share it with you.

Every image tells a story, but it's rather special to hear it from the photographer himself, Steve. Photo-journalist and Magnum Photographer Steve McCurry shares the amazing story behind his iconic photograph.

Thanks to Charlotte Eder for the link and Phaidon.com

Kristian

A True Sewing Enthusiast

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:24:24 +0000

Some people love to sew, somtimes sewing becomes part of your every day life, yet some people take sewing to an extream, just like our dedicated staff..!

I thought you may like to see how dedicated this girl is about her sewing machine..., with a sewing machine tattoo..!

Later as i looked further into sewing tattoo's i found some other very very enthusiast people showing their love for stitching and in a very difference way. One chap was a band member in a rock group and when his manager asked him to rent some backup singers... he rented a bunch of sewing machines..!
Anyhow here are the sewing tattoos.

Beautiful Baby Quilt by Jean Jones

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:05:36 +0000

Last week I visited The Singer Sewing Centre in Whitley Bay, and had a wonderful surprise! Anne, their Patchwork and Quilting teacher was running a workshop upstairs and Jean Jones was there as well. Why is this interesting I hear you ask? Well, they both bought a Janome Horizon at the Test Drive event I ran at the Centre last year! So I popped into the sewing classroom to say hello.

Jean had with her, the first quilt she had made on her new Horizon, so I thought I'd share it with you. Her first Granddaughter is due soon, Elouise on 7th April, and Jean has made her this wonderful quilt she will keep forever.

Lots of use of the Horizons quilting stitches....

and a lovely mix of hand embroidery... and the grass and flowers along the bottom are stitched using the Horizon... and so are the random hearts and flowers dotted around as well.

And finally finished off with a hand embroidered quilt label, that is embellished with more Horizon quilt stitches! Well done Jean... it's fabulous!!
For more information on the sewing classes in Tyne and Wear and their Patchwork and Quilting workshops, call 0191 2525825

After School Sewing Class

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:28:05 +0000

AFTER SCHOOL SEWING CLASS.........

OUR AFTER SCHOOL SEWING CLASS IS NEARLY FINISHED ITS LATEST PROJECT AND READY TO START SOMETHING NEW

If you are interested in joining us, our class is held every Wednesday at 4.15pm until 5.15pm

Again, spaces are limited. At present we only have two spaces left in our After School Class.....so dont delay, grab that space before it goes...they dont come along very often.

For more information on projects, charges and availability, please call us on 08454309824

COME ALONG ITS FUN!

January Blues..! To tempt you to start sewing again - 20% OFF ALL THREAD

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:27:15 +0000

As a big thank you for using our website and i personally hope you had a great christmas and a happy new year.

As a temp to help you be creative and get you stitching over the next few weeks.. or a change to stock up on your thread stash..

20% OFF SEWING THREAD

Your personal voucher code is: 20OFFTHREADS
Use this code in the shopping cart during checkout for 20% off thread. Ends January 15th.

You can find - 100% cotton quilting threads, many types of embroidery threads with sheen or without plus general sewing machine thread by Gutterman in various size spools... plus 100% Silk, Coats Cotton, Overlocking, Bobbin Fill and more in the sewing accessory section of our website.

We Hosted Another Exciting Workshop

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 21:48:33 +0000

Specialist sewing machine and stockist of the Janome 7700 QCP hosted an Horizon event in their dedicated sewing class room for ladies who were considering the new Janome long arm quilting machine.... but wanted to have to good play on it first! As you can see from the smiles below... everyone had a wonderful day and some had to take the machine home with them there and then!

The North East's premier sewing machine shop runs a varied selection of workshops and regular classes, from dressmaking to patch work and quilting. Call in to our store, keep an eye on our blog pages or call the shop on 0191 2525825 for details.

Apart from Janome sewing machines, the we stocks a range of patchwork and quilting supplies, haberdashery and trimmings and various other sewing and knitting accessories... well worth a visit next time you are in the area!

What has the adult quilting class been up to over the last few months

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:23:06 +0000

It's all quiet now in the quilting class, as everone takes a well deserved break and catches up on some christmas shopping.... so I thought I'd show you some of the quilts that have been lovingly made in our workshops over the last few months. Luckily, we have a large enough preparation area to work in, as one or two of the larger quilts were massive...! and took a bit of stepping over. While chatting and carrying a cupa...! take care.!

What is really nice to see is that many of the class members start with no experience, yet after a few sessions seen to get the quilting bug and create some beautiful quilts for themselves, family and friends.

New classes start January 5th, so quickly get booked. You will be using the latest quilting machines with expert tuition...with a bit of friendly banter thrown in too.

And some of the quilt art....

What's on the Horizon... a wet day in Whitley Bay??

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:54:46 +0000

Q. What's the best way to spend a wet July day in Whitley Bay??

A. A wonderful sewing workshop on the new Janome Horizon long arm quilting machine at The Singer Sewing Centre, Whitley Road!

Quilter's and dressmakers alike love the new Janome Horizon sewing machine! Quilters love the 11" sewing area, convertable straight stitch needle plate and a huge selection of great quilting stitches.....dressmakers love the full range of utility stitches, a huge selection of buttonholes, knee lift, and extension table... and what about the seven levels of foot pressure? Or built in thread cutters... or how about the extra long free arm??

Today's workshop was a chance for the ladies to test the machine, we even tested to see if it would fit a large quilt in the sewing area... and guess what... it did!...

Some of the ladies fell in love with the Horizon .. they just had to place an order there and then!

If you had joined one of our Test Drives on the Janome Horizon during the wet summer weather... well for ladies who are thinking of buying our new machine, and everyone had a great time playing with the new stitches, and trying out all the wonderful features of this long arm quilting machine.

The Singer Shop @ Whitley Bay, runs regular sewing and quilting class, and stocks everything you'll need for your projects, including the full range of Janome sewing, embroidery and overlock machines...

AFTER SCHOOL SEWING CLASS

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:40:00 +0000

'After School Sewing Class'.......

This class is for girls or boys who are interested in learning how to use a sewing machine or developing further sewing techniques.

Maybe you are already a whizz with the sewing machine at school and just want to learn a bit more......then come along to our class. First class starting on Wednesday 15th September 2010, 4.15pm until 5.15pm.

NEW CLASS...Starting SEPTEMBER 2010

For more information call in to Singer, 217-219 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2SY or call 08454309824.

NB. This class is immensley popular and there are only a few places left. To reserve one of the few remaining spaces, please contact us as above ASAP. Dont delay......the class will be full very soon!!

CRAFT CLASS - Make a fantastic Denim Door Organisor

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:18:58 +0000

NEW.......New......NEW......New......NEW......New......

CRAFT CLASS......Would you like to make a Funky Denim Door Organisor........

SORRY THIS CLASS IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

Come along and join one of our craft classes and make a beautiful Denim Door Organisor. Keen sewers and beginners alike will enjoy this fun class. Use of all the latest sewing machines in our fully equip classroom. For more information, please call us on 08454309824 or call into store at 217-219 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2SY

Class Dates: Saturday 24th July 2010

10.00am - 12.30pm

SORRY THIS CLASS IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

WATCH OUT FOR FUTURE CRAFT CLASSES HERE.............. MAKE SURE YOU CONTACT US EARLY TO BOOK YOUR PLACE AS CLASSES FILL UP VERY QUICKLY.

Dawn Cameron Dick lecture

Sat, 22 May 2010 07:51:12 +0000

Just to say a big thank you to Dawn who recently called in and gave tips and advice to about 20 of our dedicated quilters who wanted to learn a little more about machine needles, quilting threads and invisible machine applique.

Who is Dawn Cameron-Dick ?
Dawn Cameron-Dick is a self-taught quilter who has been making quilts for over the world for 30 years. She has been a quilting teacher and lecturer for the last 26 years and was voted Runner-up UK Teacher of the Year in 1999.

A very traditional quilter, Dawn uses modern products to produce her "signature" technique, Invisible Machine Applique, which is done on a sewing machine, but produces perfect hand-done-looking applique.

During the lecture Dawn told us,... " I've been fortunate enough to have been invited to teach in the US, UK (where I now call home), Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Holland, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Ireland and Italy."
she said,... "I am always more than ready to pack up a go anywhere students want to have fun and learn. My aim is to make my classes as enjoyable as I can and still give each and every student individual attention and support."

What did we learn about ?

The main emphasis was on Mettler Threads. Mettler is a Swiss company dedicated to making excellent quality threads. Made with Long Stable Egyptian Cotton that has been mercerised and is ideal for both machine and hand quilting alike.

The thread for you ........................

How about

Quilting Thread 40/3 Cotton.... is a slightly bolder thread for hand and machine quilting which gives superb defination to your stitches. Becase this thread is perfectly balanced there are fewer problems when hand stitching. An 80/90 quilting needle is best to use in your machine with this thread

and

Silk Finish 50/3 Cotton..... perfect for machine quilting or decorative stitching. Silk Finish Multi 50/3 Cottonis available in subtle shades again ideal for machine quilting.

Fine Embroidery 60/2 Cotton.....comes in 152 colours perfect for quilting and hand applique. Ideal for bobbin for use as a bobbin thread

and

Poly Sheen and Poly Sheen Multi - Trilobal Polyester - in 350 colours. This thread has a 50% higher tear resistance -so no more broken threads! A colourfast thread even under extreme stress such as chlorine, bleach, friction and washing and ironong. Best used with a size 90 embroideery needle in your machine.

Or maybe

Metallic - Available in 200 and 400 metre spools. Great for creative and decorative stitching. Use a size 90 embroidery needle on your machine and Fine Embroidety cotton in your bobbin.

Pfaffs new 5d Embroidery Software soon to be available

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:09:32 +0000

Get the latest news on the new 5D embroidery system as soon as it becomes available, (NOW IN STOCK) building on the success of 4D embroidery software, 5D brings you a new dimension of exciting features including intelligent tool tips, multicolor gradient fills, realistic metallic and multi-color thread views, and the ability to create lettering and watch it “snap” around your selected design.

As a sneek preview, we can tell you a little, but we''ll have to wait a little longer to get our hands on the newest Pfaff 5d Embroidery System.

What operating system do I need?
In order to run 5D Embroidery Software, you need Windows® 7, Vista, or XP.

If I have 4D system, do I have to learn everything new for 5D system?
Not at all! The 5D system adds many new and exciting features. However 4D system users will find themselves very comfortable with navigating through the program. What you know today will make your 5D system experience even easier and its easy to to get upto date using the 4D to 5D Upgrade which includes DVD, all manuals with holder, mouse mat, dongle name tag and bonus designs on CD.

What file formats does it read?
Bernina (.art), Brother/Babylock/Bernina PEC (.pec), Brother/Babylock/Bernina PES (.pes), Compucon/Singer PSW (.xxx), Husqvarna (.hus), Husqvarna Viking (.dhv, .shv), Husqvarna Viking/Pfaff (.vip), Husqvarna Viking/Pfaff (.vp3), Janome (.jef and .sew), Melco Expanded (.exp), Pfaff (.pcs), Tajima (.dst) or Toyota (.10O).

What file formats does it write?
Brother/Babylock/Bernina PEC (.pec), Brother/Babylock/Bernina PES (.pes), Compucon/Singer PSW (.xxx), Husqvarna (.hus), Husqvarna Viking/Pfaff (.vip), Husqvarna Viking/Pfaff (.vp3), Janome (.jef and .sew), Melco Expanded (.exp), Pfaff (.pcs), Tajima (.dst) or Toyota (.10O).

Can I create my own embroidery design from a vector image?
You may use many vector images. You may also use regular bitmap art as well.

How many fonts are included?
5D includes 119 pre-digitized fonts. With 5D Quick Font, you can change most True Type and Open Type fonts from your computer to stitches. So your font choices are almost limitless!

Can I edit my designs in real time?
With 5D Embroidery Extra (or 5D Suite), you can change your design color, edit stitches, adjust placement, add lettering, and more on your project background. In 5D Design Creator (available in 5D™ Suite only), see your design transform in front of your eyes. Adjust the object outline and watch the stitches reform.

Can I make my own fonts?
You may create your own fonts with the Quick Font Wizard (included in 5D Embroidery, 5D Embroidery Extra, 5D Suite) that lets you use True Type and Open Type fonts from your computer. The 5D Font Digitizing (available only in 5D Suite) lets you start from scratch and digitize your own specialty font.

Can I make cross stitch designs?
Yes you can! The 5D Cross Stitcher is included in the 5D Suite or is available as a stand alone module for those who have 5D Embroidery or 5D Embroidery Extra.

Take a sneek peak at the NEW quilting machine by Janome available May 2010..!

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 10:08:45 +0000

LATEST NEWS:

Just a few days ago, we were invited to view the new Horizon up close and personal for the very first time. We tried out the new features and took the machine through its paces. During April, we'll participate in high-level training sessions across the country. Then... on MAY 1st, with the machines in-stock and available in our Whitley Bay store, we'll be ready to show you everything the Janome MC 7700 QCP Horizon can do.

Stat tuned to view and test the new quilting machine from May 1st in our store or why not find out for yourself and purchase one at the introductory price..! Want to see more of the Janome Memory Craft 7700QCP...!