Preparing my machine for sewing - adjusting the tension - 010419

I have been looking forward to trying my free sewing machine.

I needed to screw into place the thread mast and as you can see from the picture collage above I got on to the job and managed to do it - it was not easy for me.

I had bought some thread in a cone (cheaply) ages ago so at least I've that to try :

I will have to check whether there's a specific type of thread I need. I also need to stock up on needles and a couple more bobbins (any advice welcome here).

Tension :

The photo collage above shows you my attempts at getting the tension right. This is always challenging for me and it took quite a few goes and quite a bit of adjusting.

I was initially taken aback by the noise the machine makes, my husband suggested I should wear some ear protectors and look into getting a 'silencer' - I laughed a lot at that :D

The biggest breakthrough to adjust the tension came when I watched a video and noticed my threading was slightly different so I quickly went to adjust mine and presto ! : it worked so much better.

Sewing plans:

I've got another day of driving today, but I've got a lot of plans for when I come back. Thanks to my clearing and shifting of boxes I've managed to find a lot of denim left overs left by my daughters when making shorts - just look at these:

My plan is to initially make a simple pouch like this one I made some time ago with upcycled fabric.

I didn't keep my pattern but it was a circle for the base and a rectangle of fabric to go around it. This time I will add handles.

Thank you for reading.

All work by @cryptocariad