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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.
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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.
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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.
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Culture and Heritage 4-H Ctuh member A Ifredine Smith learns crochet
ing technique.