I've seen some people complain about this being plastic, but I don't see why it matters. It's sturdy enough, fits my Singer perfectly and hasn't had any damage after at least a half-dozen uses so far. I couldn't find an invisible zipper foot for my machine from any of my local stores, so finding this here was a life-saver!
Showing posts with label sewing machine repair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewing machine repair. Show all posts
Panasonic Genius 1250 Watt Sensor Microwave w/Inverter Technology
List Price: $179.99
Sale Price: $162.35
Today's Bonus: 10% Off
After having my first microwave for about 18 years, it finally died and I did a lot of research before deciding to buy this Panasonic. Having Amazon gift certificates, free shipping and a $25 kitchen and housewares discount influenced my decision and I have to say it was a great buy. I'm very pleased with the evenness with which it cooks and defrosts.
I upgraded from a mid-size 650-watt oven to this full-size 1250-watt oven. I have to remind myself sometimes that everything needs less time to cook. However, there are a lot of pre-programmed features in this unit that make it easier. For example, there is a sensor cook button that selects the time and power level for different kinds of foods depending on how many times you tap the button. Types of food include baked potatoes, frozen pizza, frozen entrees, fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables and omelettes. I made a baked potato last night that was cooked perfectly. There is also a separate popcorn button (you can select from 3 different bag sizes) that also worked perfectly. A More/Less button lets you add or subtract time to the sensor and popcorn settings.
There are a number of different functions you can select or turn on and off. Some of the functions include language (English, French or Spanish), a choice of pounds or kilos, child lock, reminder beep (I turned that off because unlike my old oven which beeped every minute, this one beeps every 15 seconds which was annoying) and menu action which when turned on guides you through each step of cooking. There is also a demo mode which is meant for retail displays but you can see how everything works without actually cooking anything.
Some other useful features are delayed start where you can use the timer to set the oven to start cooking at a later time and a keep warm setting if you won't be taking your food out of the oven immediately. A Quick Min button lets you select 1-9 minutes simply by tapping the button the appropriate number of times.
If you purchase this, I would suggest going through the owner's manual a couple of times. I went through it once before I used the oven. A couple of days later I went through it again and discovered that I had overlooked some shortcuts.
The only down side for me with this oven is losing some more counter space in a small kitchen. Keep that in mind if you don't already have a full-size oven.
UPDATE: It is now 2010 and I realized I have been using this oven for 3 1/2 years and I still love it! I do a lot of actual cooking in it too, not just reheating, popcorn, etc.
(25) 4.5mm Split Rings Sterling Silver Charm Parts 24 gauge 37001
These little rings are much more secure for sterling silver charms than the slip rings that come with the charms. I exchanged all my charms slip rings for these split rings and am very happy. The only reason I didn't give a 5 star is that they are a little difficult to get back into the right shape if you slightly pull them apart, which on many thicker charms is the only way to get them threaded. But still, with patience, it can be done, and the charms look great on these.
Black Glue Stick 10"
I ordered this under the impression it was (10) black glue sticks. Part of what led me to believe this was the 10 in the product title, and the item description:
"These all-purpose hot melt glue sticks dry black and can be used in either high, low, or dual temperature glue guns. They are perfect for paper, cardboard, wood, and even bonding components to crossover boards. It works well on most porous and non-porous materials. Made in the U.S.A."
Note the words "glue sticks" in the first sentence, indicating there are multiples. However, upon receiving it, I discovered it was a single 10" stick. I also did not like the fact they placed a large bar code sticker on the stick that is difficult to remove without it coming off in pieces or leaving adhesive residue behind. These pieces have to be removed or they will end up on the item you are gluing.
The glue adheres well. Since it is for low or high temp guns, it has a low melting point. Overall, it is a good stick as long as you are aware it is one stick and don't mind spending several minutes trying to remove the bar code sticker.
I would highly recommend the seller add a quote to the product title (10") and change the description to 'stick' rather than 'sticks' so it is not so misleading.
"These all-purpose hot melt glue sticks dry black and can be used in either high, low, or dual temperature glue guns. They are perfect for paper, cardboard, wood, and even bonding components to crossover boards. It works well on most porous and non-porous materials. Made in the U.S.A."
Note the words "glue sticks" in the first sentence, indicating there are multiples. However, upon receiving it, I discovered it was a single 10" stick. I also did not like the fact they placed a large bar code sticker on the stick that is difficult to remove without it coming off in pieces or leaving adhesive residue behind. These pieces have to be removed or they will end up on the item you are gluing.
The glue adheres well. Since it is for low or high temp guns, it has a low melting point. Overall, it is a good stick as long as you are aware it is one stick and don't mind spending several minutes trying to remove the bar code sticker.
I would highly recommend the seller add a quote to the product title (10") and change the description to 'stick' rather than 'sticks' so it is not so misleading.
HP Universal Heavyweight Coated Paper (24 Inches x 100 Feet Roll)
List Price: $28.35
Sale Price: $25.37
Today's Bonus: 11% Off
This is a good general-use paper at a good price. It is a noticeable upgrade from your normal $14/roll plotter paper. It is quite useful for proof prints and produces a quite acceptable "cheap-o" print that needs to look decent.
I plan on getting a few more rolls at this price.
Klein 2100-7 Electrician's Scissors - Stripping Notches
List Price: $20.06
Sale Price: $14.96
Today's Bonus: 25% Off
heavy duty electricians scissors, what more do you need to know? i use these to cut cable (cat5, cat6, 25 pair, etc) and they are working great. still as sharp as they were on day 1.
*edit 4/12/2011
they are still going strong nearly a year and a half later. still very sharp, pretty much like they were on day 1. i would give a couple more stars but theyre already maxed out!
i made the mistake of cutting some stuff that was wrapped in tape and now they are sticky and hard to open every once in a while but i think a little rubbing alcohol or WD40 should take care of that problem.
Westcott Wooden Meter Stick, 39 1/2"
It's meters on one side and inches on the other. It did help my grandchildren visualize the concept of metric measurement and also english. Well worth it to help them understand and I get a yard stick to boot.
Janome JEM Platinum 720 Sewing Machine
List Price: $649.00
Sale Price: $449.00
Today's Bonus: 31% Off
.
We've had the very similar Janome Jem Platinum 760 for about 7 years, after using an economy grade Singer for 20 years.
I was not sold on the idea of paying 4x for a lot of bells and whistles. But it turns out to be completely worth it. Especially the 99.99% trouble-free operation.
PROs:
* Trouble free no mess-ups in the middle of a project!
* Automatic Needle Up or Down each time you stop
Nice Zig-Zag + straight stitch combinations
Needle Threader built in
LED light
CONs:
* Expensive
The Janome web site has some detailed info in the "brochure" and owner manuals for each model. The 760 seems to be identical to the 720 except for 40 additional stitch patterns that we've never used, and the hard shell cover is optional on the 720.
The hard shell cover is kind of a hassle. Your thread spool is in the way whenever you place or remove the cover. A box made from heavy cardboard might be better than the hard shell cover for transport & storage.
~~~ Comments & questions welcome ~~~
FloraCraft Floral Accessories Acrylic Water Kit
I have used this numerous times for casting items in molds (silicone molds work best). It is epoxy resin, so in addition to being used to simulate water in a vase with silk flowers, it can be used in casting forms, and can be colored with oil paints, mica colors (beautiful), iron oxide pigments, bronze powders, etc. The main secret to success in getting it to harden properly is to STIR IT LONG ENOUGH before pouring it into your vase or form. I think stirring time in the instructions is two minutes. MAKE SURE you stir for the full instructed time (use a timer if you have one) and then give it an extra minute or two to be sure. Otherwise, you will end up wasting your money with a sticky mess. The resin and catalyst HAVE to be mixed thoroughly in order for the resin to harden. If you follow this procedure, success is pretty much a sure thing. Great product and good price if you need only a small amount of resin. I have had a lot of fun with this product.
Brother ES2000 77 Stitch Function Computerized Free Arm Sewing
List Price: $299.00
Sale Price: $139.99
Today's Bonus: 53% Off
This machine is very similar to the popular CS 6000 that's sold both here in Amazon and in Walmart. In fact they both use the same manual. The difference between the 2 are: CS6000 has an start/stop button so you can operate the machine w/o foot pedal, quilting accessories such as walking foot and larger table extension, needle up/down button, faster bobbin winding, 2 speeds, a hard cover and some extra fancy stitches. I don't care about these missing features. I sewed my own cloth cover using left over fabric. To me this little machine has all the functionality that I ever wanted from a sewing machine. All the utility stitches are there sewing buttons and button holes (1-step), zippers, elastic, overlock, zig zag, satin, blah blah blah everything you need to sew a dress or a pillow case, plus more. If you quilt a lot buy the CS6000 one. Threading is super easy because the direction is printed right on the machine. The automatic needle threader is very helpful. I use it every time. My only complaint is that the thread tends to slip out of the needle hole unless I leave a very long "tail". This happened w/ CS6000 too when I tried it at a friend's house. With both models you can specify if the needle is left up or down when sewing stops. Both needs no oiling (probably mostly plastic parts?) I haven't sewed very heavy fabric yet. The LED light is very dim but cool. You definitely need a real lamp nearby. You can leave the machine on for a long time because the light uses very little energy. If you do turn it off, all the custom stitch settings will be lost (no memory). So far I am very happy with this machine.
Utility Organizer (Fine Arts)
When I'm traveling, I don't need a lot of storage space because I don't take every single paint or brush that I own. This is really the perfect size for what I need. None of my long brushes fit, but the essentials do. Worth the couple bucks.
Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine
List Price: $299.00
Sale Price: $249.00
Today's Bonus: 17% Off
I used to have a used Top of Line sewing machine and it was fabulous, sewed great, but cost lots of money (even used). Like everyone nowadays budget is a huge concern and it turned out I really don't have as much time to sew as I thought I would. Hubby, kids, etc...all taking my time. :) So I decided to sell my Top of Line machine and purchased this machine instead.
Let me say, this machine has been fabulous. It arrived brand new with all the accessories. The buttonhole foot was in the little drawer that is underneath the machine. This machine has been nothing but a joy to use. It has a great looking straight stitch and for the budget conscious it was a fraction of the cost of my used TOL machine. I do have Amazon prime and spent the extra $3.99 to get it next day and it arrived the next day. Perfect.
This machine is NOT computerized which did take a bit of getting used to for me, and the absolute ONLY thing I really miss is that on some computerized models, the needle can stop always up or always down. People always tout this as a "beginner" machine, but I'm not sure why a really excellent seamstress couldn't/wouldn't use one of these. Maybe my application is different than most. But I find that even on the TOL machine I didn't really use all the extra stitches that much. Then again at this point in my life my projects have to be relatively quick and simple...or they don't get finished.
This machine even has overcasting stitches so you can finish your raw edges and avoid raveling. I LOVE the bobbin on these machines. Has the see through cover and you can see how much thread you have left. Anyway, absolutely no regrets here. It's a nice solid machine, heavy enough so it doesn't bounce around while sewing and the presser foot lifts extra high to allow for thick fabrics to go underneath.
Magcraft NSN0586 1/2-Inch by 1/7-Inch by 1/8-Inch Rare Earth
List Price: $14.99
Sale Price: $13.82
Today's Bonus: 8% Off
You can have weak (magnetically) and durable magnets or strong and brittle magnets. These are the latter of the two. To get an idea of how strong these magnets are, I was doing a little test with them. I put one of these small magnets (only half inch in diameter) on the table and held another one vertically above it. I kept lowering the magnet until it was about 3" above the one on the table when it jumped of the table and smashed into the upper one. After doing this twice, both magnets split in half from the stress. To compensate for their brittleness, you can coat the magnets in 2 part epoxy resin without losing much magnetism. Overall great magnets!
HP Matte Litho-Realistic Paper (24 Inches x 100 Feet)
List Price: $91.35
Sale Price: $54.95
Today's Bonus: 40% Off
Hewlett Packard includes this paper among their Fine Art Printing Materials. I purchased the paper to try as an alternative to Epson's Enhanced Matte paper. The Hewlett Packard paper holds more ink without "cockling" and holds sharper detail. Color fidelity is excellent. There are several small issues that would be nice to know in advance. 1) at 270 grams, my HP large format printer could not cut the paper. I had to pre-cut and use as sheets. 2)the inks combined with the emulsion produce a "rotting vegetation" smell (not too noticeable until you exit and re-enter the room) 3) heat lamination requires additional time to produce a secure bond 4) the paper holds a very tight curl but responds well to de-rolling. All things considered, I will be re-ordering this paper.
Daylight Ultra Slim Magnifying Lamp
List Price: $239.99
Sale Price: $150.92
Today's Bonus: 37% Off
the lamp itself is fine but when ordering, be sure and read the fine print. the picture of the product shows the large base which is what i wanted so that the lamp can be moved around. i failed to read all of the description which indicates that the base is not included. i plan to order the base but wish advertisers would point out what they are selling rather than give an erroneous picture.
Cricut Cartridge Boys Will Be Boys
List Price: $69.99
Sale Price: $23.99
Today's Bonus: 66% Off
I LOVE my Cricut. I use it for card making and simple projects with my son's. Maybe it's just me but I feel it's difficult to find cricut cartridges for boys that aren't related to sports only. I LOVE this Boys Will Be Boys cartridge because it has some items related to sports but it has other boy items as well. Recently my son's and I cut out the robot and fishing items. We had a blast! I can't wait to use it again.
Morbern® Marine Vinyl Charcoal Indoor Outdoor Vinyl Fabric
The product received was not what I ordered and it came in half the amount I requested. Given that the family member I ordered it for needed it immediately, there was no time to attempt a return, so he used the product that was sent for as much of the chair as he could cover. He was pleased with the quality of the product we DID receive and it was sent in the time frame promised. However, the company's lack of attention to detail cost us both financially and in the quality of our project.
