Show Sewing Machine Requires Skill U H you have that lets get busy with the sewing machine bug it may also be time to take a look at your sewing practices and your machine to get the most out of the time you spend sewing notes Ora Fay Oviatt county home agent AS YOU sew remember to put the needle needie down in the mat mat- material erial first followed by the pres pres- pres presser ser foot The needle holds the material just where you want to sew and you start in the right place To lock the stitches be certain to back stitch as you start the seam If your sewing machine isn't equipped to stitch backward raise the presser foot slightly and run the needle up and down four or five times to form a knot After completing a seam raise the needle by turning the hand wheel with your hand un un- until tIl the needle needie is up and the take take- up l lever ver at the top Then lift the presser foot As you remove the fabric be sure the top thread is between the toes of the presser foot Pull the fabric out and back at atthe atthe the left side of the needle and cut the threads WHEN YOU ARE ready to stitch again place the fabric fabri under the pressure foot leaving the threads out under the foot at the left side so the beginning of the next seam will not tan g gie I To enjoy sewing you need to sit at the sewing machine so you can see well and keep from getting tired Bring your stool soI I or chair right up close to the machine This places you dir in front of the machine and you can place your feet I side by side under the machine Sit tall when you sew rest your arms where you are able to most easily guide your fab fab- ric but not lean on the machine Spread the fabric out on the leaf of the machine and hold the bulk of it in your lap ThIs prevents the fabric from being strained on the edges you are stitching In this position your sewing will be easier and will go much faster Mrs Oviatt said |