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About Spilyay tymoo. (Warm Springs, Or.) 1976-current | View Entire Issue (March 13, 1987)
Spilyav Tvimoo Wakm si'iu,(;s, ohicon J776I March 13, 1987 I Sewers can do minor machine repairs You're ready to start on a new spring project, and suddenly you're confronted with a reluctant sewing machine. Don't panic! Check a few common problem areas before seeking pi ofes sional help. Approximately 70 percent of sewing machine repairs .arc minor adjustments you can handle yourself. Most problems fall within one of three areas: noise, stitch quality and movement and or power noise. A squeak usually results from lack of oil. Use sewing machine oil, not an all purpose oil. Because of its constant movement and high speed, the bobbin area requires more lubrication than other parts. Check your manual for specific oiling points on your machine. Check for an obstruction which could be caused by thread, lint or a foreign object. Thread can be trapped around the spool holder or tension mechanism, caught in a thread guide or wrapped around the hand wheel mechanism. It can also become jammed in the bobbin area causing threads to wrap around each other. Lint can build up slowly, eventual ly forming felt. Clean all visible fuzz. Look under the needle plate, around the feed dogs and in the bobbin area. Foreign objects, such as pins or needle tips from accidental breakage, can also lodge in these areas. Do not sew over pins. The meeting of needle and pin will usually cause disaster! Any obstructuion lodged in a moving part will also cause a noisy machine. While trying to remove obstructions, don't compound the problem by jabbing around with metal seam ripper or scissors. Use air, brush or skewers to loosen debris and remove all plates and brackets for easy cleaning access. An odd noise can also indicate a broken or cracked part. In this instance, take the machine toa repair shop. Ask to have defective parts returned to you; this assures you they were replaced. This is a law in some areas. A variety of stitching problems can create puckered or loose stitches, skip, fail to form a stitch, make wiggly and uneven stitches or not move the fabric at all. Whenever the stitch is irregular, most home-sewers assume it's the tension and reach for that knob or, more often, throw up their hands in despair. The real explanation ol the problem is usually mucn simpler. Puckering is usually caused by the needle, thread or a combination of the two. Could be damaged in a spot you can't see. Insert a new needle; it's much cheaper than a repair call. Poor quality thread can also cause seam puckering. If the thread is slubby, it will leed 'unevenly through the needle and cause stitch ing inconsistencies. If it's too clastic, it will stretch under tension and then pull after it's sewn, creating puckers. If the thread is too large for the eye of the needle, it cannot feed evenly through the machine. To avoid thread-related problems, buy the best quality thread you can and choose the proper needle size. Puckering can also be caused by a defective bobbin. It's imperative to use the bobbin size and shape designed for your machine. Because even a II6" variance can cause several problems. Look for cracks, rough spots or rust and dispose of any defective ones. If your tension seems too loose, check the threading path, and make sure the thread is passing through the tension mechanism correctly. Skipped stitches occur when the machine does not form a complete stitch with each up-and-down move ment of the needle.. This is usually caused by an improper needle choice or incorrect insertion. Skipping occurs more frequently on knit fabrics than woven fabrics. A ball point needle should be used on knits to avoid skipped stitches. Needles designed especially for stretch fabrics are available from several companies. Tightly woven fabrics, such as heavy waterproof nylon, canvas or denim, require a very sharp pointed needle to prevent skipped stitches. These are often referred to as jeans or denim needles. Genuine leather or suede requires a wedge or chisel pointed needle lor even stitch lormation. Imitation suedes, however, should be handled as knits. Poorly formed, jagged stitches can be caused by insufficient pressure from the presser foot ora burr on a the throat plate or presser foot. Most machines have a mechanism for regulating the pressure the foot exerts on the fabric. Check your manual for a dial or screw-release machanism. Experiment with various pressure settings until the fabric feeds evenly and straight. A burr, or any rough spot can catch and snag fabric as it travels through the machine, causing the fabric to twist and jerk. F eel the throat plate, the bobbin area and especially the bottom of the presser loot. II you find rough spots, smooth them by rubbing with a piece of crocus cloth (an extra-fine sandpa per available at hardware stores). Alter you've checked the obv ious reasons lor poor stitch quality and haven't found a problem, adjust the tension knob. Tension is not nearly as difficult to adjust as most home-sewers believe. A general guide is if the knots of top thread show on the bottom side of the fabric the upper tension is too loose and vice versa. I bread tension tightens w hen the knob is turned to the right (toa higher number) and loosens to the left (toa lower number). The bobbin case set screw follows the same principles, right for tight, left for loose. w OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE Eralna Palmer Soctotaiy Jonl David Proqiam ide Arlene Bolleau Extens'on Intern Mollle Manh Extension Agent Clay Penhollow Extension Agent The Warm Springs Extension Service provides equal access to all Its activities and programs. Communication is essential to families In todays fast-paced world it is more important than ever that fami lies communicate well. Much has been written about how to say what you mean, but the rules are often lost in day-to-day interactions. Adequate communication is essen tial in maintaining satisfying fam ily relations. 1 hat's why it's impor tant to continuously guard against lazy responses like a reply of "un huh, "a grunt, or silence no reply at all. It's a common observation that as marriage continues over the years many partners appear to talk less and less to one another. Some cou ples believe conversation isn't always necessary because a kind of "mari tal telepathy" develops after 10 or 15 years. A long dinner conversa tion might be: "Did you. . .?"asks the husband. "Yes," answers the wife. "Marital telepathy"or"mind read ing skills" do not develop during marriage. Spouses can understand each others' unspoken thoughts about as well as a parent can read a teenagers' mind. Studies have failed to prove that family members can understand one another or anticipate another's responses just becuase they live together. Understanding is commu nicated with real words and gestures. There are many reasons for the apparent demise of meaningful com munication. It may be desire. Not everyone has the same desire to talk. Security in talking freely about feelings and daydreams may be threatened by a parent or partner's ridicule or unfavorable reply. Rather than risking destruction of their self-esteem family members clam up, watch TV, work, or play some where else. All writings on family commun ication emphasize talking things over and airing problems. Don't let grievances fester, the books on family communications say. Some things are better left unsaid. Usually the first few moments of a conversation state the facts and from then on it becomes repetitious or drags in items outside the issue. If people could only remember that one person can't change another's mind or actions. You are the only one who can change your mind or decide what actions you will take. You are not likely to change another person's mind through pressure or nagging or put-downs. A person may give up and give in, but a reversal in thinking or behaving occurs only when, in silence, the arguments are thought about and a different decision is made. A constant review of dissatisfactions makes people expend all their brain power defending their own positions. Good selectivity in knowing when to talk and when to shut-up helps you express yourself clearly at an appropriate time, llavingdoneth.it. you can only wait and hope lor the changes you desire in the other person. A wife whines daily at the dinner table about no carpeting upstairs. Her husband makes jokes about having never worn a matched pair of socks since he married. Hus bands and wives, or parents who continue to communicate dissatis faction, will never brina about changes in their partner's or child ren's thinking or actions. I hey only damage relationships and feelings of self-w orth. The old adage "catch them doing something well" may help bring about change slowly, but it's a good approach and one that works out much more happily. Maybe you can limit conversation about grievances to a monthly discussion and not use disappointments and frustrations for continuous attacks on another's self-esteem. Consider all aspects of disabilities Children who have a brother or sister with a disability have many questions about their siblings and they experience many mixed emo tions; for example, embarrassment, anger, pride, worry and jealousy. The degree to which these feel- Ch ose re p a irm en c are fully Not everyone has the time and talent to take on home repairs. Those who fall into the not-enough-time category, may want to con tract for work such as exterior painting, roofing, or other spring household repairs. However, contracting for work and getting satisfactory results can be a trying experience, even with a reputable repairman. Try to select a repairman or con tractor whose work you know. Examine previous work done by the contractor and talk with home owners who have employed the contractor and talk with homeowners who have employed the contrac tor. You also can consult an archi tect, businessman or the Better Business Bureau Chamber of Com merce in your area for additional references. Seek at least three bids before you choose a contractor. A written agreement that clearly states in detail what you expect'and the amount of money agreed upon for payment should be included. Although the agreement will vary slightly depending on the repair, it should include the exact location and extent of the repair and whether the repair involves new construction. Materials to be used, including their colors and their cost should be specified. If paint is used, the number of coats to be applied should be noted. In addition, the statement should sav that work will conform to local and state building codes. A separate agreement between the contractor and owner should describe material, labor, equipment, completion date, payment schedule and who cleans up the mess after the job. Make sure that the extent to which the repairman or contractor will assume responsibility for damage to your property, or that of your neighbors, is clear in writing. The agreement should also clarify that liens may not be placed against the job for failure of the contractor or repairman to pay for materials, labor or equipment. The contract should state cash price, including any down payment, the unpaid balance, the amount financed and the total number of payments. This lets you know the cost of the financing, above the cost of the work. As work begins, check progress, but stay out of the workmen s way. Interference can cause delays, affect quality, or cause disagreements and added costs. If you have questions refer to your contract to see if the subject was covered. Finally, when the job is com pleted, inspect the project with the repairman and make sure you are satisfied that the job has been done as originally agreed upon. ings characterize the situation are determined by: 1 . The nature and degree of the disability whether their brother sister is mobile, restricted to his her totally dependent, improving or terminal. 2. The time of onset birth or later. 3. Whether the child is older or younger. 4. The quality of the relationship between the siblings close, com petitive, very dependent. 5. The necessary financial adjust ment sacrifices the family must make does the disability govern housing, vacations, meals, parents' work? 6. The disposition of the child with the disability demanding, plea sant. Adjustment A sibling's adjustment to his her brother sister with a disability can be reflected by their behavior. ' No symptoms mean that his her needs are being met. Negative feelings and attitudes are expressed when the child is unhappy, e.g. feigning illness to get attention or doing poorly in school. Being overly solicitous of the sibling with a disability may be saying "I really do love my brother" or "If I pay alot of atten tion to my sister, maybe mom and dad will appreciate me more"or"it gets boring, but this what I'm sup posed to do." In general the pattern of adjust ment is for the sibling to seem more involved on some days than others and to appear as if the parents can handle things and that there is no point in getting upset. Inform siblings of disability Beef tips for March Maintain adequate nutrition for those cows calving last as well as those cows which are lactating. Continue calf watch. Order vaccination supplies and implants. Prepare for the breeding season by having enough bulls available, by having bulls semen tested, and vaccinating for vibriosis at least 30 days prior to the start of the breed ing season. Consider parasite control mea sures for lice. Continue, to supply adequate amounts of mineral and vitamins including selenium. Be prepared tor magnesium defi ciencies or "grass staggers" in the early spring when grass first begins to grow rapidly. Quilting class set in March There will be a "Quilt In A Day" workshop held Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Mon day, March 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. Contact the Extension Office to sign up. f I ; . " f : t. , "" ' "-tfl ;; ' -fX ' - ! I : i:j , ' i" r " iay j , . -.,. m i 1 - . - -, - ' Ronnie Palmer constructs a Karate suite during 4-H Sen ing Club meeting. 1 . Siblings need information about the disability their brother or sister has. They are probably interested in what caused the disability, how they should explain it to friend sothers who ask questions, what their responsibility will be to their brother sister when they grow up. Answers to their questions should be age appropriate. Additionally, families should keep the lines of communication about the d isability open, so a child doesn't feel uncomfortable about asking questions and talking about the disability. It is preferable to have information about the disability provided casually repeated and elaborated upon as the child grows older, rather than one, long, serious, sit-down talk. 2. Try to set aside time to really listen sensitvely to what the non disabled child's thoughts and con cerns are. This will promote future sharing with the parents whether it is something positive or troubling. 3. If the child expresses negative feelings don't be harsh. Expect some envy from the sibling for all the attention the child with the dis ability receives. 4. Remind them that all kids, disabled or not, can be moody and say things that they regret. 5. Encourage siblings to be as tolerant of their brother sister with a disability as they are with their friends. 6. Point out the benefits of hav ing a sibling with a disability they will learn about the disability; they will learn compassion; they will learn to team up with parents on behalf of their brother sister; they will become aware of the impor tance of humor, unselfishness and loyalty; they will learn to support the parents w hen the parents become discouraged; and it will bring about maturity in everyone. 7. Get your child involved in an informal support group just for siblings who have a brothersister w ith a disability. If one is not avail able, help to start one. These groups provide an excellent opportunity to meet other youth and share common experiences. 8. Relatives can play an impor tant role by doing something spe cial, on a regular basis, with the non-disabled sibling going to a movie or shopping, etc. This elimi nates siblings feeling resentful hen so much of the family's emotional and financial resources are spent on the child with the disability. 9. As siblings get older and start thinking about marriage and hav ing a family, they may wonder if their own children will have a dis ability. If a disability is transmit ted genetically and the sibling starts worrying about this, heshe is old enough to find out from a genetic councelor whether their worries are warranted. 10. The strongest single factor affecting a sibling's acceptance of a disability is the parents'and grand parents' reaction to the disability. Parents and grandparents model for the children in the lamily the love, acceptance and expectations they have for the child with a disability. Resources used for this issue: Arent, Ruth P. Stress and your child, A parent's guide to symp toms, strategies and benefits. Engle wood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1984. Meyere, Donald J. and Patricia F. Vadasy. Living with a brother or sister with special needs: A book forsibs. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press, 1985. . O ' , 1 VT- ; ... J 7- f a 1 J i T - , , . . -V.-V.J ... v-v .. . -.... f , --:,.:. f , l V - v tax I; t. . v , -, ( LJ." V ' ' ' T. - Culture and Heritage 4-H Ctuh member A Ifredine Smith learns crochet ing technique.