{"id":2419,"date":"2022-05-04T14:45:02","date_gmt":"2022-05-04T18:45:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/?p=2419"},"modified":"2023-02-03T10:36:51","modified_gmt":"2023-02-03T15:36:51","slug":"diy-cosplay-costume-ultrafeed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/hobby\/diy-cosplay-costume-ultrafeed\/","title":{"rendered":"Boldly Sewing: Adjusting an LSZ for Home Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

In episodes of the classic sci-fi show Star Trek<\/em>, landing parties exploring uncharted planets needed three pieces of equipment: a communicator to contact the crew still on the Enterprise starship, a phaser for defense and a multiuse device called a tricorder. Self-proclaimed Trekkie and Sailrite\u00ae customer Adrienne Killey would add one more crucial piece of equipment to that list \u2014 a Sailrite\u00ae Ultrafeed\u00ae LSZ Sewing Machine.<\/p>\n

Adrienne purchased an Ultrafeed LSZ in early 2021. A little over a year later, she set a goal to make custom Star Trek <\/em>cosplay outfits in time for a convention in early 2022 \u2014 but she had to overcome some challenges with her machine first. Luckily, her experience sewing began long before she purchased an Ultrafeed.<\/p>\n

Adrienne started out sewing d\u00e9cor items and clothes on a home sewing machine that her mother gave her in 2002. Her mother\u2019s other gift to her \u2014 the love of sewing \u2014 came during Adrienne\u2019s childhood. She grew up seeing her mother sewing nearly every weekend. \u201cIn watching her, I learned how helpful knowing a skill like sewing could be,\u201d Adrienne said. \u201cSewing gave her, and now me, an outlet for creativity.\u201d<\/p>\n

She has sewed a variety of projects, including clothing, a quilted wall hanging and crossbody water bottle caddies. Her home machine was fine for those projects \u2014 but when Adrienne set her sights on a more ambitious DIY, she realized she needed a more powerful machine to match.<\/p>\n

Discovering the Ultrafeed LSZ<\/strong><\/h2>\n

During the 2020 boating season, Adrienne and her family were able to spend some time on their Four Winns Vista 268 cruiser powerboat. That\u2019s when Adrienne decided that the boat\u2019s existing canvas enclosure needed an upgrade to fit her family\u2019s preferences.<\/p>\n

\u201cA full set of canvas with Strataglass\u2122 came with the boat. When anchored, we would hang towels from the bimini to provide shade, but that blocked the view. That was the inspiration to create new canvases on both the starboard and port sides that would provide shade, but also allow air to move through the boat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing that her domestic sewing machine wouldn\u2019t be able to handle marine-grade material, Adrienne and her husband began shopping for a heavy-duty machine. Their search was quick and easy. The couple had seen the Ultrafeed in several sailing videos they\u2019d watched on YouTube \u2014 and when they did more research on the machine, they liked what they saw.<\/p>\n

The machine\u2019s sturdy construction and zigzag stitch capability were definite pluses. But Sailrite\u2019s vast library of free educational content was the biggest draw for Adrienne.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also liked that Sailrite produces very detailed how-to videos to share sewing knowledge and advice,\u201d Adrienne said about choosing a Sailrite machine. \u201cThe huge number of videos gave me the sense that Sailrite is not only a manufacturer of sewing machines, but they also care enough about their customers to try to give them all the information they need to have a positive project outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

As it turned out, the videos became even more important as Adrienne began using her Ultrafeed.<\/p>\n

\"sewing
It took some practice, but now Adrienne is a pro at sewing home projects on her Ultrafeed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When the LSZ arrived, Adrienne tried a test project to see what the machine could do. Unfortunately, it didn\u2019t turn out how she hoped \u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cMy first project on my Sailrite was a tank-style dress using cotton jersey fabric. I watched the \u2018Home Sewing with a Sailrite Ultrafeed S<\/a><\/span><\/strong>ewing Machine\u2019<\/a><\/span><\/strong> video and read the Guidebook. When I sat down to my LSZ for the first time, I assumed I didn\u2019t need to check or adjust the timing because the machine was brand-new directly from Sailrite, and they set the timing before sending it out the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adrienne was right that her Ultrafeed was perfectly timed. The problem was that the machine wasn\u2019t timed for the light home fabric she picked out for her dress.<\/p>\n

You see, Sailrite\u2019s expert technicians tune and tension LSZ machines to sew thick marine-grade fabrics right out of the box. That\u2019s because most people who buy an LSZ sew for their boats, and they need the machine to be ready for sailcloth, marine canvas and vinyl right away. The Ultrafeed can easily handle thinner home fabrics and thread after some adjustments \u2014 but Adrienne\u2019s machine wasn\u2019t adjusted yet, so she couldn\u2019t finish the dress.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe problems I had with that project were newbie user error and not an incompatibility of the stretchy fabric and the machine,\u201d Adrienne said. \u201cFor the first couple of projects, I treated the machine as I would my [home sewing machine] and only adjusted the [upper thread] tension.\u201d<\/p>\n

It would take a few more tweaks to complete a home sewing project. But for the moment, Adrienne turned her attention to the reason she bought an Ultrafeed in the first place: the canvas enclosure for the family\u2019s powerboat. Before getting started, Adrienne dove into the how-to videos on Sailrite\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe videos on the Sailrite YouTube channel have been an indispensable resource for me,\u201d she told us. \u201cFor example, when I made my canvases, I watched \u2018How to Make an Enclosure Aft Curtain,\u2019 \u2018Double Sided Tape for Sewing – Seamstick Basting Tape for Canvas,\u2019 and many others related to making canvases before I even bought the materials. I often referenced the videos throughout my project.\u201d<\/p>\n

The videos helped Adrienne get comfortable with the new machine, and she completed the enclosure in time for the 2021 boating season:<\/p>\n

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Although the Killey family is still new to boating, having purchased their Four Winns Vista in 2018, they find great joy in the hobby. \u201cWe enjoy the serenity on the water and the time to spend as a family,\u201d Adrienne said. \u201cWhen we\u2019re on the boat, we\u2019re exploring, swimming, relaxing, having fun and making memories. We find the time on the water to be rejuvenating.\u201d<\/p>\n

The family likes taking weekly dinner cruises and weekend excursions on Lake Michigan. This summer, they hope to cruise some different waterways in their home state of Wisconsin.<\/p>\n

Voyages of the Ultrafeed LSZ<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Adrienne\u2019s success with the canvaswork gave her the confidence to try another complex DIY: cosplay costumes that she, her daughter and her dad could wear to a Star Trek <\/em>convention. It would be her second attempt at a home sewing project on her Ultrafeed, and she was determined to make the most of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter some initial home sewing disappointments, I learned I cannot be timid about making adjustments to my LSZ,\u201d Adrienne said. \u201cWhen I decided I wanted to create the Star Trek<\/em> cosplay costumes, I deliberately used the project as a way to really get to know my LSZ and figure out how to adjust the machine correctly for home sewing. I just knew that it could handle it and my challenges in the past were user error, not the machine.\u201d<\/p>\n

To do that, Adrienne rewatched the Ultrafeed home sewing video, as well as a video on machine timing. She also checked the Guidebook again. Armed with this research, she tried several adjustments on her machine.<\/p>\n

In addition to installing a #10 home sewing needle, \u201cI also adjusted the upper tension, bobbin tension and pressure-regulating thumbscrew appropriately for light fabric and thread,\u201d Adrienne told us. She then went above and beyond what\u2019s required for sewing home fabric by tweaking the shuttle gib hook\u2019s rotation and position \u2014 in other words, adjusting the machine\u2019s timing.<\/p>\n

The adjustments were a complete success! Adrienne and her family had a great time showing off their finished cosplay uniforms at the Star Trek: Mission Chicago convention in April 2022.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe uniforms came out great,\u201d Adrienne said. We couldn\u2019t agree more:<\/p>\n

\"Kayla,<\/p>\n

Adrienne\u2019s daughter, Kayla, wore a replica of Ensign Mariner\u2019s uniform from the new animated show, Star Trek: Lower Decks<\/em>. Her dad, George, dressed in a Captain\u2019s uniform from Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan<\/em>. And Adrienne herself went in a stylized version of the uniforms worn by members of a covert organization called Section 31, which has appeared in multiple Star Trek <\/em>shows and novels.<\/p>\n

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The Mission Continues<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Now that Adrienne has boldly sewn where few have sewn before, what\u2019s next for her? We\u2019re happy to share that she has plans to remake a beloved backpack purse using marine vinyl from Sailrite.<\/p>\n

Adrienne also told us that she hasn\u2019t forgotten about the tank dress project, and she plans to take another stab at it soon. Since she first tried that project, she\u2019s learned so much about adjusting her machine for home sewing.<\/p>\n

\u201cLearning how to properly master the LSZ is a journey. Making adjustments to the entire machine is necessary at the beginning of a project \u2014 and maybe even during the project.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy journey has taught me to always have a screwdriver nearby; to not skip making timing adjustments; to be patient when dialing in the right tension and timing; and to have scrap fabric handy during the adjustment process. Taking the time in the beginning to properly adjust the LSZ for every aspect of the project will save you from seam ripping later.\u201d<\/p>\n

We wrapped up our interview by asking Adrienne if she had any words of wisdom for other new or prospective LSZ owners. Here\u2019s what she said:<\/p>\n

\u201cI love my LSZ, and I look forward to completing more projects on it. For those considering purchasing an LSZ, it is a very versatile machine and well worth the cost. For new owners, read through the manual and watch all the videos in the \u2018Sailrite Ultrafeed Set-Up, Use & Maintenance\u2019 playlist<\/a> <\/span><\/strong>on the Sailrite YouTube channel. Also, before starting a project, search for and watch any videos on the Sailrite YouTube channel that are similar or related to the project you\u2019re starting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful advice, Adrienne! We wish you success in all your future projects on your Ultrafeed, and we can\u2019t wait to see what you make next. Sew on and prosper!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Who We Are<\/h3>\n

Sailrite is your one-stop DIY shop! We are a passionate crew of do-it-yourselfers who strive to equip you with the supplies and how-to knowledge you need to tackle your next project. Do you want to learn upholstery, leatherwork, canvaswork, hobby sewing, bag making or more? We have the fabric, tools, hardware, sewing machines and notions you need to master any DIY. And even if you’ve never sewn before, our tutorials and how-to videos are designed for beginners and experienced crafters alike.<\/p>\n

Start your DIY journey today: www.sailrite.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In episodes of the classic sci-fi show Star Trek, landing parties exploring uncharted planets needed three pieces of equipment: a communicator to contact the crew still on the Enterprise starship, a phaser for defense and a multiuse device called a tricorder. Self-proclaimed Trekkie and Sailrite\u00ae customer Adrienne Killey would add one more crucial piece of … Continue reading Boldly Sewing: Adjusting an LSZ for Home Projects<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2453,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[13],"tags":[29,64,65,46,32,26,20,37,70],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Generations-cosplay.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/padSoq-D1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1510,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/home\/sewing-upholstery-ultrafeed\/","url_meta":{"origin":2419,"position":0},"title":"Sewing Upholstery With the Ultrafeed\u00ae","date":"June 29, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"All DIYers, whether they're a sewer, woodworker, crafter or other, have the same thing in common. 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