Ok, I finally have a more stable solution than the L brackets! I think its pretty functional. I found that putting one accessory screw in each set made it much more stable than putting both in either set of screw holes. You can adjust the angles to your preference (I have the binder coming in at an angle so that it is close to the foot when the binding emerges).

I used a piece of 1/8" thick plastic (part of the track for glass blocks, with the edges hacksawed off. My original plan was plexiglass, but hacksawing through it didn't work out all that well), drilled holes for the accessory screws, and drilled holes for the binder. The hole on the bottom was preexisting. I used screws, washers, and wingnuts on the bottom to attach the binder.

Here's what it looks like now: (I will clean up the shape and edges soon, we lent our jigsaw out...)
http://www.iceblink.org/sns/2005/coverstitch/IMG_4434.jpg

On the machine, back view (before I cleaned up the Liquid Nails and crud that was on it!)
http://www.iceblink.org/sns/2005/coverstitch/IMG_4428.jpg

On the machine, front view
http://www.iceblink.org/sns/2005/coverstitch/IMG_4429.jpg

Close up
http://www.iceblink.org/sns/2005/coverstitch/IMG_4431.jpg

Ta-Da
http://www.iceblink.org/sns/2005/coverstitch/IMG_4432.jpg

OH, that's fantastic! WTG :thumbsup: :bow:

awesome sarah!

Thank you. I was just going to ask you if you had found a better solution yet! If I end up buying this machine, would you be interested in some sort of trade (maybe embroideries or something) to make me one? LOL

One more question. If you make a mistake, is it hard to undo the coverhem?

I just tested it out today. I have mine up for sale on ebay so I might as well research if there's something better out there.

Thanks!

oh and regarding skipping stitches, the lady who I was working with at her shop - she mentioned to always make sure your needles are down when you stop the machine - that should help with any skipped stitches.

always make sure your needles are down when you stop the machine

uhh, easier said than done! I'll see if that helps, though, thank you.

We could probably work something out, sure. I should dig around and see if we have more pieces of this plastic stuff in the garage...

Undoing - hm. Maybe there's a trick out there somewhere that makes it easier, but so far, its not really fun. You have to undo both (or all three) threads, otherwise you are left with a single row of chainstitching. If your stitch length is not too close together, its doable, but I avoid it as much as possible. (Yes, I'm wearing things with funky hems because I am that lazy!)

its easy to pull out, you just have to make sure you pick the right end to pull.

Great improvisation skills on the accessory table!

with mine, as long as the tensions are right, I can take the looper thread and pull and as long as the stars are alligned properly, it will pull out in seconds, then the needle threads are just laying there.

but i noticed (and liked) that you can just pull the work away from the janome and the threads don't start undoing like they do with mine (and the brother). however I really like being able to undo it easily (when I'm lucky enough for it to work).

thanks sara:) I'll have to see what I end up with if my machine even sells :)

Ok, I guess I need to practice undoing!

yes - when I pull on the looper thread, it is the one I just finished, not the first one.

and I agree - you could be a great mechanic! not me. me and dh don't even know how to use a saw :p


its easy to pull out, you just have to make sure you pick the right end to pull.

Great improvisation skills on the accessory table!

awesome sarah!!! if you are able to, could I pay you to make me a plastic piece as well? I just got my Janome home. Can't wait to get the kids to bed so I can play! :)

Crystal - sure, no problem. Dh says that there is more of that plastic stuff in the garage, and I will get the jigsaw back on wednesday.

Oh, and I tried the pull the looper thread trick - it works!!! That was so cool!