I hope you'll all visit my new blog, "Mystery Foot Revealed" which explains what I learned about this foot--thanks to the assistance of many of you!

Thanks so much for all of your comments.

April Mohr

Yes, it's a zig-zag foot. It certainly doesn't have the variety of settings that the zig-zag stitches on today's machines have, but I suspect it was cutting-edge in its day. The needle stitches up and down without moving side to side, but the "knob" on the bottom of the foot grabs the fabric and pushes it first left and then right as the needle goes up and down, thereby causing the zip-zag to happen.

It didn't work with thin, cotton fabric because the "knob on the bottom of the foot wasn't able to grab the fabric and move the fabric back and forth. If you click on the link to my original blog (The link can be found in the first sentence above--"sewing machine foot"), you can see the knob in the photo of the underside of the foot (you can read the word "PATENT" near the knob).

When I used two layers of heavier fleece fabric, it worked just fine because the thickness of the fabric allowed the knob to grab the fabric to move it. I would never use this foot since my sewing machine does a zig-zag stitch much more easily, but it certainly was interesting to watch.

I totally agree. When I really took the time to organize all of my sewing thread spools and other supplies, it was a real eye opener. I had no idea how much I had. Just my thread alone shocked me. There were some colors that I had 6 or 7 spools of the same EXACT color, probably because I couldn't find a certain color when I needed it and just went out and bought more. I feel so much more in control of my sewing space now that it's really organized, and it actually prevents stress when I sew.

Well, I'm sold on the Walking Foot! I had heard that is was fabulous, and I think the test HedgeHouse talks about is the key to why it works so well. The trouble is that now I want a half dozen other new feet as well! There are so many feet that sound incredible. I'm already thinking about my New Year's resolution--that is after I add SEVERAL new feet to my holiday wish list. I'll resolve to try a new foot every week. It will be fun to look forward to.

Do most of you buy your feet from your sewing machine dealer, or have you discovered a great online source?

I have a rolled hem foot, but believe it or not, I've never tried it. I've done rolled hems on my serger and have never even thought of using my sewing machine. You've just inspired me to give it a try! Thanks!

Yes, I agree. An invisible zipper foot is a must if you use invisible zippers, because they make it so easy. I'm all for anything that makes sewing easier!! I haven't used the patchwork foot or walking foot. Maybe one of these days.

Go to Gatherings (in the reddish band at the top of the page), and ask the advice of the sewers who frequent that discussion board. You'll get lots of helpful opinions there.

I bought my first sewing machine in college when I couldn't tolerate not having a machine at my fingertips. My mom couldn't shop with me because school was too far away. Her only advice was to buy the best machine I could afford. She told me it would be unlikely that I would buy a new machine for many years, and she knew I didn't want to be disappointed. I didn't buy the top of the line (it had lots of fancy stitches that I didn't want), but I bought the one just under. That was in 1966, and it is still my machine of choice. I have 2 other machines now, but they are only used when my original machine is at the shop for a tune-up or repair (rarely). When it is fixed, I'm always told my machine is fabulous, and I shouldn't get rid of it. "They don't make them like that anymore!" is what I'm often told.

So, I'm passing on the same advice. Buy the best machine you can afford to buy. Look for the features you know you can't live without, and get some that you think you might like someday.

I didn't buy my second machine until my husband and I moved to a new state. The movers packed the sewing machine foot pedal in with boxes of basement stuff, so I didn't find it for a couple of years. I bought the new machine out a desperation to get me by. I didn't spend a huge amount on it, and I got what I paid for. It has some of the bells and whistles my old machine doesn't have (a removable bed for sewing sleeves), but it just doesn't sew as smoothly and evenly. You can tell it's all plastic, because it's light as a feather, while my old machine is very heavy because the inside is all metal.

Good luck! I hope you end up with a great purchase.

Thanks for the information. I'm hopiing to get more comments about the walking foot. I don't want to buy one just to have another foot that I never use, especially if it's costly.

Is there a specialty foot that you like and use more than others?

ssaamm36--I suggest you post your question on Gatherings on this website (found in the reddish band at the top of the page). Sewers from around the world visit Gatherings, and you might find someone who can give you some great suggestions.

Hi Gossjean,

I work at Threads, and I received an email from someone who asked about your blog entry. I'll let her know I contacted you. You may contact her directly via email if you want to, but you are under no obligation to do so. The "uai.com.br" in her email address tells me she's not from the US, but I'm not sure where it is from. I'm not certain I know what her question is. Her email follows mine.

Thanks.
April Mohr, Threads Editorial Department

Dear Threads

I want know the name book a issue March 5th, 2009 Gossjean, member; about Counterchange Smocking on Gingham!
"Used a vintage apron pattern that I purchased off Ebay previously to design the smocking waist."

Please, what name book?
E-mail: marisabueno@uai.com.br

Thank You!

Marisa Bueno.

FirstName: Marisa Bueno
Email: marisabueno@uai.com.br

Thanks for all of your comments. I must admit writing this blog article was one of the most exciting projects I've been involved with at Threads because I truly am a "Dancing With the Stars" addict! My husband and I hardly ever watch TV, except maybe the evening news, but I don't miss "DWTS"! He leaves the room. I just love watching the growth of the celebrities as dancers, especially those who start out with no dancing experience. When the show nears the last week, the celebrities really look as good as the pros.

But I have to say, as much as I love to watch the dancing, last night (Monday) I couldn't stop "examining" the costumes in a new way. I wished we had a big-screen TV. I'm still totally mind boggled. Prior to working with Randall Christensen, in my wildest dreams I never would have guessed the costumes were all made from scratch each week. Their sewing room must be organized like a well-oiled machine in order to pull it off!

By the way, just in case you wondered, Christensen does NOT create the garments for Samantha Harris, Tom Bergeron, or the judges. He strictly concentrates on the dancers' costumes. I guess that's more than enough to work on!

Thanks again for your comments.

April Mohr, Threads Editorial Assistant

Yes, you're right about the presser foot, of course. I've added that to the blog post. You're also correct about taking good care of your sewing machine. So many people I've talked to over the years have NEVER even read their machine manual to see if they're supposed to oil or lubricate their machine and have never done a thing.

I bought my machine in 1966. It was not the top of the line at the time, but the next one down. I've tried newer machines (and even bought one when we moved and my foot pedal was lost for a while), but nothing can compare to that machine. I take good care of it following the guidelines spelled out in my machine handbook. Unfortunately, I have had to have service a couple of times when parts broke, but each time it is serviced, the repairman tells me what a good machine I have--a real keeper! I agree!

Hi Meirra,
Threads has done a number of great articles about the tools that we think are essential. If you don't have access to the issue, you may purchase it from our customer service department. You can reach our customer service department by phone--800.477.8727 (toll free from all US locations and many international locations) or 203-426-8171 (from any location); on the web--www.threadsmagazine.com; or via e-mai--thservice@taunton.com. I'll list some of the Threads articles below.

Essential sewing tools, #120, pp. 16-22
A pin for every purpose, #120, 24-28
Rotary cutters and mats, #122, pp. 46-48
Tools for making patterns, #94, pp. 68-71
Tools for taking measurements, #111, pp. 40-45
Pressing tools, #62, 40-43
On sewing rooms, #44, pp. 54-59
On small sewing rooms, #45, pp.37-39
Streamline your sewing space, #119, pp. 40-45
Tools for tight places, #140, pp. 49-53

In addition, SewStylish magazine's spring 2007 issue has an entire section devoted to the things you need to get started (also available through our customer service department).

I hope this information is helpful to you in getting started, and I wish you the best as you follow your dream!

April Mohr
Threads, SewStylish, and CraftStylish.com
Administrative Assistant