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Jeannette Antry

Jeannette Antry

My sewing story began over 30 years ago when I took my first sewing class...
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    • The Coverstitch: Extreme Machines
    for Extreme Sewing

    October 3, 2015



    If you are wondering about the all the hype of this latest machine to become available and affordable to the average home sewer this post is for you. I purchased the Janome CoverPro 1000 CPX less than two years ago.
    CoverPro 1000 CPX Image

    I have not had the pleasure of sewing on any other coverstitch machines to compare this one to. Except for the coverstitch on my Huskylock 936. After a trying period of epic failure to get this stitch working correctly on my serger I looked for other options. My local dealer had a trial model CoverPro 9000 so I gave it a try. I was astounded at the ease of use. It really is as easy to use and sew on as it looks. I knew then I had to have one.

    Fabrics stores have heard our call, they are buying knits in all patterns, colors and types available to them. We now can sew stylish and great fitting stretch wear. As a Bra-making instructor and swimsuit designer my goal is to offer any and all information to make sewing with these fun and worthy fabrics exciting and easier.

    This machine has optional accessories that make hemming and finishing garments a breeze. coverpro seam gauge image And binding becomes a snap. This machine does a double and triple coverstitch. It sews a great single needle chain stitch which has many different uses. The tensions are simple to adjust and actually require limited to no adjustments overall.

    Hemming and finishing off the elastic in my swimwear is so much easier and faster with professional results.
    coverstitch example image
    The machine has no bobbins to wind, is simple to thread with specific thread guides and well written guide book to follow.

    If you are looking for a professional, clean, polished finish for you stretch garments give this machine a trial spin. Forgo the serger with the built in cover stitch.   I highly recommend the Janome Coverpro.

    Coming soon, Making a bra from muslin to test fit.



    Huskylock 936: My Serger Diaries

    May 28, 2015

    A few years ago I decided I needed a Cover Stitch machine. I love watching "Sewing With Martha" on PBS. She demonstrated the use of this great stitch. I turned to my Huskylock 910 hoping to find that I had overlooked this stitch and had it for the 12 years I have owned it, without knowing about it.

    Alas, it didn't come on my model of serger. Well if you have ever owned a machine and then figured out you didn't have all the bells and whistles that came with other more expensive models, you understand why I immediately started looking for that version with the Cover Stitch Martha spoke so highly of.

    The Huskylock 936 was by this time outdated and there were newer versions out. I had a great time comparing them but I wanted the 936. It had the open arm and I was familiar with the tensions and other adjustments. I was desperate for the 936. My search locally yielded nothing so I turned to the internet where I found a Factory tuned brand new, ten year old Huskylock 936. It was a blessing from heaven.

    I talked the local Husqavarna dealer into buying it from this dealer. I was elated, at least for a few years. But truly while I could get the cover stitch to work it just didn't make a good stitch no matter what I did. The serger worked great and sewing on it felt like sewing on air. Wonderful. At least until the day I hit too many buttons on the LCD display board and caused some kind of error to occur. I lost the readout and the use of the serger at the same time.

    I took it the dealer and they couldn't fix it. They said it was worthless and I should sell it for parts. I searched the internet for someone who might have a solution or know what had happened and how to fix it. That was two years ago. I decided it was time to either give it up or attempt to fix it myself. Without the parts my options were extremely limited. But somehow if only I could get inside and attempt to restart the CPU maybe it would clear itself.

    I thought it was a long shot at best as I followed the directions to take the machine apart to get to the CPU and LCD display units. I opened the components that held the ribbons and pulled them both out. Then put them back in. I plugged the machine in and beyond my dreams or expectations the screen lit up with a promising actual language I understood. It worked. I was shocked and elated. I jumped up and down and then painstakingly put it all back together.

    I am not sure if I can ever get it to do a decent Cover Stitch. I don't care since I bought a Janome CoverStitch machine this past year, which works amazingly. My Huskylock 910 is going on 13 years old and still serging.

    This is a true story. If you are looking for a serger definitely look at the Huskqavarna's. They are durable, dependable and easy to use overall.   I highly recommend them.

    Coming soon, Why I recommend the Janome Coverstitch.



    Bras: To Sew Or Not To Sew

    February 7, 2015

    Bra-Making classes, why make your own bra? Unsure if making your own bra would be worth it? If you struggle to find the a comfortable fit it certainly would be worth the effort. Making your own bra offers more than just great fit, it offers:


    • An opportunity to get to learn exactly what goes into sewing you own bras.
    • What determines good fit and how to achieve it.
    • Finding your best style and fit for your measurements and personal preferences.
    • An opportunity to customize all aspects of design and fit offered only by specialty bra makers.
    • Valuable sewing skills that are used to construct many knit and stretch garments.
    • Understanding and knowledge to sew negative ease garments using a fitted bra pattern and the experience of bra making.

    The list  of reasons for making your own bra is varied and often personal and not all are covered in this post. When you open a drawer and find five beautiful perfectly fitting bras that are custom made for you, the effort and time seems so worth it.

    Still wondering if a class would be right for you? These hard to find products are expensive to mail order.  Most of these products are not found in local fabric stores.  Pre made kits, offered in Bra Making 101, provide all great quality materials needed to make your first bra. 

    Sewing you own bra offers an opportunity to see how a bra should fit.  In Bra Making 101 both fitting sessions and the bra kits are included in the cost of the class. 

     

    Bra Making Class 2014


    February 23rd, 2014

    With the new years comes some great changes and opportunities for learning new skills and adding on to skills already learned. I am changing my classes, opening up my business for the option of a studio to host my classes. This creates some options to students out of my area.

    I am putting together some new bra kits for sale and full package deals as well. It's going to get busy at Jnettistitches. Look at the latest round of scheduled bra classes for your opportunity to join in the fun to learn how exciting it is to learn bra making.
    Last year four students took Bra-Making 101. Check out some of the fun we had.

     

     

    So deep in thought this student can't break away to look up for the shot.

    It's been quite a journey so far and I wouldn't trade a second of it. Along with bra making I offer classes for swimwear design and in the works are my Yoga top (sports bra) and yoga pants class.


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