I finally solved my sewing machine problem. All the tuning info, good advice and tension adjusting info got me close to my goal, but ultimately, I was trying to do heavy duty sewing with a consumer machine. My consumer machines were heavy duty, heavy cast iron beauties from the past but when facing 8 to 10 layers of canvas or denim (belt loops on waist bands), they just couldn't cut it.

I've always had a hankering for making stuff and since I started wearing kilts, it just seemed natural to make my own. I've been kilted full time for 3 and a half years and I don't see that changing anytime soon, so, I decided to get a serious machine. After many weeks of perusing Craigslist and eBay, I found one on Craigslist being sold at a local sewing machine shop, the only one locally that deals with industrial machines. After seeking Wizardly guidance from our very own Curmudgeon I bought it.

I'm posting this now because I just finished my first kilt with it and let me tell you, this thing truly sews through anything.

It's a Pfaff Model 118 Industrial Zig Zag. It's not as heavy duty as Steve's 138-6s, but it works fine for me. I was told it was about 20 to 25 years old and has very little wear.

Once I deliver the kilt to an appreciative friend, I will get kilt pictures, but for now, here's my new toy -




Dale