JUKI Posts, JUKI Spotlight

National Account Spotlight: Creating with Grome’s Sewing Center

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Join us in meeting Hannah, daughter of Cyndi Grome, one of the operators of Grome’s Sewing Center located in Austin, Texas!

Keeping San Antonio in Stitches Since 1950 Grome’s Sewing Center is so passionate about helping sewists like you create their dream projects! At Grome’s Sewing Center, they want their customers to come in and feel welcomed to find the right machine for their needs, browse their machine accessories, choose your notions, and pick the perfect fabric for your designs. Follow along below as Hannah shares everything you should know before visiting!

Follow along below for the transcript version of our interview with Hanna from Grome’s Sewing Center.

Hi everyone I’m Hannah from Grome’s Sewing Machine Company in both San Antonio and Universal City Texas. Welcome!

Grome’s Sewing Machine Company is a family-owned and operated business that’s been running since 1950. My great great grandfather, Isador Grome, started Grome’s Sewing Machine Company with his son Lou Grome and then Lou brought in Richard my grandfather, and then my grandfather brought in my mom and my mom took over the business, brought in her sister Irma, and now I’m the fifth generation here at Grome’s Sewing Machine Company working here alongside my mother Cindy Grome.

What JUKI machines can a customer find at Grome’s Sewing Machine Company?

You can find a lot of great JUKI machines and accessories here at Grome’s Sewing Machine Company. We have your favorite quilting machines, like your J350, we even have the infamous TL series, which is great for bag makers and Quilters alike. We have the J150, the DX4000, DX3000 F600, so if there’s any JUKI machine that you need for your sewing needs you can come to Grome’s and you’ll know that you’ll be able to find exactly what you need. And our sales staff can help you fit into just the perfect machine for you.

We have a wide array of JUKI accessories like the JUKI quilting rulers, as well as all of the JUKI feet, and we have the extension tables, we have the thread stands, so whatever accessory that you’re looking for Grome’s has it.

What are the benefits of being a Grome’s customer?

Purchasing from Grome’s has a great amount of benefits. Not only do we service your JUKI machines here in our store with certified technicians, and technicians who’ve gone to many dealer trainings and technician trainings to know how to work your machine inside and out; we also do in-person classes. So when you purchase your machine from us we can sit down with you, make sure you know how to thread your machine, wind a bobbin, and we have classes where you can learn how to use all the decorative functions of your machine as well. It’s a really great deal!

What can customers expect to find while shopping at Grome’s?

As you can see behind me we have a beautiful selection of fabrics in-house. We also have all of your quilting, sewing, and embroidery notions. We have everything that you need to finish your products. We have all of the amazing threads that you’re going to want, we have quilting threads, embroidery threads, general sewing threads, stretch cover lock threads, serger threads, everything you can think of.

We have kits that we make here in-house as well for all of your fun projects. If you want like a three-yard fabric project we got it. If you want patterns, we got it. You want books? We got it. You want anything special order? Shoot! Give us a call, we can find it for you and try to order it. So Grome’s, we got so much and we’ve been doing this like I said for 73 years so if you’re talking about something you can rest assured we know what you’re looking for and we can help you find it.

What makes Grome’s unique?

One of the best and most unique things about Grome’s Sewing Machine Company is that we are a family business that has been passed down generation through generation. We know the ins and outs of sewing machines all the way back from when my great grandfather brought the first zigzag sewing machine to the San Antonio area from Europe. So when it comes to knowledge base we’ve got my mom, I don’t know how she does it, but she can just pull up parts out of her head like a crazy person! But she’s amazing and we have the family support and knowledge base to help you figure out if you’re having issues with your machine, we can walk you through it, we can help you solve problems, we have techniques that we’ve known because we all work together here. You know I may be the fifth generation, the youngest here, but I always bring a fun and new modern twist to maybe some of the more contemporary things that my mom brings to our table. So we’re a fun family here that has a knowledge base that just kind of blends together and helps to help you create all your beautiful projects on your JUKI machines.

Does Grome’s have a message for future customers?

Grome’s is a great place in our community to come together and sew with each other, create projects, find all of the items that you need to create your amazing beautiful designs and ideas. We are always having great classes, with great instructors and we have events all throughout the year that we just keep scheduling and scheduling and scheduling and it’s a lot of fun. We do our best to try to get the entire community involved with the multiple events that we have throughout the year. We’re always running you know sales and having just a fun time together. I mean that’s what the sewing industry is about, it’s an art, we like to have fun and create.

We would be so honored if you would come to visit us here at Grome’s or even shop with us online. We are doing so much to grow our business here in the next few years and we would love for you to join our journey and we hope to see you soon. On our social media pages we have our Facebook at Grome’s Sewing Machine or Instagram at Grome’s Sewing. We have our YouTube at Grome’s Sewing and we’re always just trying to do our best to put out so much content for you because this is what it’s all about, is serving you all and creating your JUKI projects with your JUKI machines and helping you to create even more beautiful designs, ideas, quilts, and project garments and all of such. So we look forward to seeing you soon visiting us at Grome’s Sewing Machine Company, thank you!

To learn more about Grome’s Sewing Center, visit their website here! Thank you for joining us today in getting to know Hannah from Grome’s Sewing Center. We hope you get a chance to visit the next time you’re in the area!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GromesSewingMachine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gromessewing/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@gromessewing

Website: https://www.gromes.com/

JUKI Posts, Tips, Triple T: Tips, Tricks, and Training

JUKI Tip: Double Fold Bias – Sewing Corners

by sewinwithjuki1 Comment on JUKI Tip: Double Fold Bias – Sewing Corners

On this JUKI tip, we use the Double Fold Bias Binder and show you how to sew corners with this accessory and create a fun sewing experience!

Follow along below for a rundown of what Alba covers on today’s JUKI Tip!

Hello all my JUKI friends, my name is Alba and welcome to another tips and tricks with JUKI! Today I am talking about the double-fold bias binder and I have one in front of me, and I wanted to show you the components of this. I did another video previously on how to load the fabric and just tips with getting it to run smoothly, but today I’m going to be showing you how to use it with quilts and doing those mitered corners.

I wanted to show you the binder itself so that you could get a little bit familiar with this tool. First, it comes with the foot that’s very short allowing you to really get a nice top stitch onto that, and also two thumb screws. Now this pivots and opens up and this section here with that wide opening is where you would put your thumb screws, to screw it right into the bed of the machine.

Now there’s also a set of screws right by where you feed your bias, and this allows you to move closer and further away from your foot, depending on the machine, depending on the material that you’re using, and likewise, that big screw allows you to move left and right to get this positioned perfectly.

Now with this I feed my bias in, and I just pushed that fabric that I got it all the way into there, and I have it being held by my needle right now. So as I am sewing this I want to make sure that I’m holding my quilt right into that corner and as I’m coming to a stop I want my needle to be right at the edge of the fabric. You will see where my needle is, and where my fabric is, I went right to the edge; and I am touching my scissor button and what I will be doing is releasing enough of that bias and I want to give that a little finger press. I am going to move this fabric closer to me and you want to make sure that you have enough to be able to work with. What I am going to be doing, again with that finger press, I am going to open this up and kind of force that bias.

This will allow me to pull that tape back through, and a long silk pin would come in really handy for just holding that in place. In fact, I am going to put a pin into that corner to hold it; I have that nice miter, and I’m going to put my pin right in there and I am going to bring that fabric all the way towards me.

I am going to position this right underneath the foot so that my needle catches that very corner. Now with my stiletto, I’m using tweezers here, I’m making sure that my fabric is tucked all the way in, and I am going to sew. You would do this on all four of your Corners.

Now you can see that beautiful corner that I’ve just completed, and I want you to see how beautifully that is top stitched right at the edge and it catches the front and the back beautifully, and I’m just gonna allow you to get a really close look at that.

Now at that corner, I did add a PIN to secure, you could also add some fusible web tape, that quarter-inch fusible web tape, and press that first inch and force that miter in place. But, with the bias binder, that double-fold bias binder, gives you the ability not only to do curves but to do those beautifully mitered corners.

How beautiful is that for your quilts, your crafting projects, everything that you could imagine. I really like to do this when I’m sewing garments and I am not lining like a jacket. I would do this on my inside seams and those are called Hong Kong scenes and it just gives a beautiful professional look to that garment.

Thank you for coming and sharing your time with me, what do you want to see next on JUKI tips? Lets us know down below!

JUKI Posts

Let’s Talk Threads

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When creating a project, there are three key things you need to match for the right stitch. You want to have the correct needle, thread, and fabric mixed together to get that high-quality look you want in your projects.

When you create with the wrong thread, you might notice skipped stitches, thread breakage, and issues with stitching. But how are you supposed to know which thread to work with? Today we will cover the more popular types of thread options and which fabrics and projects you want to use them in. We’ll also explain how to read the thread spools and the different weight options you can pick from.

The Sewing Thread Types

Let’s start by covering the different types of thread options out there for sewists and quilt creators. Depending on your project and fabric, you’ll want to choose a thread that can handle stretch, for example, if you’re working on a t-shirt sleeve or something like wash-away thread, which embroidery creators love. Let’s go over a few basic options.

  • All-Purpose Thread: usually available in cotton, polyester, or cotton and polyester blends, this thread material is suitable for most projects! You’ll find that this thread type is true to its name and can be used in home décor, garments, and more.
  • Cotton Thread: this thread usually allows for a minimal stretch and can deteriorate over time when left in the sun. It has an almost matte appearance and is flexible.
  • Polyester Thread: this is versatile for your project needs! Good choice for most sewing projects. This thread is strong, heat and mildew resistant, and in many colors. This thread also has a wax or silicone finish, which means the thread can slip easily through the fabric when stitching.
  • Silk Thread:  a strong thread; this one is very smooth and usually has a shiny quality on the material.
  • Top Stitching Thread: durable and thick, this thread is meant to create strong and bold stitches on your projects that are intended to be seen. For example, the topstitching on your jeans.
  • Heavy-Duty Thread: a polyester thread, the heavy-duty thread is not suitable for most projects as it can break fabric, but it is a heavyweight and durable thread that can handle a lot of wear and tear for outdoor projects or interior furniture.

Now spools come in different lengths besides the thread type, so confirm how much you’ll need before purchasing. Some creators can get by with a spool of thread with anywhere from 600-1,420 yds, while others may choose to work with a cone with anywhere between 2500-3,280 yds. Buying in bulk if you’re an avid creator can save you costs!

You can find the weight of a thread by reading the numbers on your spool! You’ll notice numbers like 30 wt., 40 wt., and 50 wt. being used refers to the length of thread found in a certain quantity of weight. For example, 30 wt. means 30,000 meters of thread weighs 1,000 grams. The weight of your thread can affect how your project might pucker or the fabric might react to the stitch. Keep in mind the lower the number, the heavier the thread weight.

Also, some spools will tell you what needle to use with that thread! Just check on the sticker, either placed inside or under your spool.

Check out our blog here to learn more about which needle to use.

Combining Thread and Fabric

Now that you know the different thread options available, you’ll need to decide which thread type best fits your project. Depending on the fabrics you’re using and the wear and tear you expect your project to experience, you’ll want to find a thread type that can handle the stitching. Below we’ve covered a few popular combinations we can recommend for your project creations.

Garment Creators: if you’re a garment creator who works with common fabrics such as cotton, linen, and polyester, you have a few options that will allow you to create quality stitching. All-purpose thread is available in various thread types, so you can choose polyester, cotton, or a combo. If you’re creating garment pieces with a lot of stretch, like a neckline, polyester would be your best choice, thanks to the strength of the thread. Cotton or combination type is a good choice if you’re stitching a flowier project like a skirt.

If you’re creating jeans or a heavy material look, you’ll want to look into topstitching and heavy-duty threads. Remember that a garment like jeans usually experiences a lot of wear and tear from constant movement. The last thing you’d want is a tear in your stitching! These thread types will add a longer-lasting quality to your projects and allow you to safely stretch your seams without fear of breakage.

A final tip when choosing thread is to bring a piece of your project fabric when shopping! This way, you can match the thread to your fabric, or if multi-colored, the dominant color of your fabric, and create a seamless stitch.

Home Décor Creators: Polyester and heavy-duty thread are your best friend for home décor projects! Polyester allows for heat exposure, is water and mildew resistant in case your projects get wet outdoors or inside, and comes in many colors so you can find the right match for your designs. You can also find a UV-treated version if your project gets a lot of sun.

Heavy-duty thread is ideal if you plan on adding any topstitching or designs to your project as this material is long-lasting and has a heavy-duty strength that can handle constant movement, like a pillow being stretched, or heavy usage, like an outdoor cushion being used.

You can also check out lesser-known thread types like nylon, which is one of the strongest synthetic threads you can find today, or Monofilament, which is a thread that looks similar to a fishing line but can be used on projects like canvas projects or outdoor upholstery like cushions.

Quilters: For piecing, we recommend using cotton. Since cotton fabric is a common choice for quilting and is a soft material, using this thread type will keep you away from heavier threads that might affect the seam allowance or cause bunching. In our JUKI studio, we use Aurifil, a 50-weight thread! 

For embroidery, applique, and free-motion quilting, we can recommend nylon, metallic threads, or rayon! When you add free-motion quilt designs to your projects, these threads will show beautifully. Have fun and enjoy the colors available in these thread options, and use them to create mesmerizing designs on your next quilt!

You can, of course, use cotton and polyester here as well! A fun fact to remember is that cotton for free motion quilting will show more on your projects because of the available thread weight options. With a polyester thread, you can create a size as small as 100 wt, helping your thread almost hide into the quilt instead of standing out with the design.

We hope this helps you find the right thread for your next project and begin creating! What do you want to learn about next? Let us know down below!

2023 Promotions, JUKI Posts, Save with JUKI

New School Year, New Sewing Project!

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on New School Year, New Sewing Project!

Get ready for the new school year with JUKI this August! We are thrilled to introduce our latest additions to the JUKI family: the HZL-HT740 and HZL-HT710 computerized sewing machines. We also can’t forget a great class serger, the sleek and efficient MO-80CB.

Attend your favorite classes with the perfect companions – these light and compact machines are ready to make sewing a breeze. The HZL-HT740 and HZL-HT710 offer cutting-edge technology, ease of use, and a wide range of stitching options to unleash your creativity. Pair them with the MO-80CB serger to achieve flawless finishes and professional-quality results on all your sewing projects. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to upgrade your sewing experience – seize the chance to enjoy the new year and embark on your sewing journey with confidence!

JUKI Posts, JUKI Spotlight

National Account Spotlight: Introducing Premier Stitching!

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on National Account Spotlight: Introducing Premier Stitching!

Join us in meeting Faith, one of the operators of Premier Stitching located in Bryan, Texas!

As one of the largest sewing machine dealers in America, and with 25 years of business under their belt, Premier Stitching offers most major brands like your favorite JUKI, and a large selection of tools, notions, accessories, and fabrics for your project plans. They offer repair services, online ordering and shipping, one on one teaching and so much more! Watch below as Faith covers everything you need to know before visiting their shop.

Follow along below for the transcript version of our interview with Faith, one of the operators of Premier Stitching.

Hi, I’m Faith, and I work at Premier Stitching. We are a sewing and quilting shop here in Bryan, Texas, and we were primarily online before, but back in January, we just opened our brick-and-mortar store!

So history started with my grandpa in the 70s. He owned Singer stores, and in 87′ he decided to open his own store and run the kinds of machines he sold and who he could sell to. So then, in 99′ when my dad was working with him, they decided to start the online business, and it was called SewVacDriect, and just back in January, we actually changed our name to Premier Stitching because we stopped selling vacuums a while ago, and people would you know, ask us for vacuums all the time but we wanted to focus on the Premier Products that we sell, the quality, the customer service, and everything. We just wanted to make our name what we’re focused on.

What JUKI Machines can customers find at Premier Stitching?

So we do sell almost all the JUKI machines. In our store, we do sell all of the home machines, and online, we do have all the home machines, as well as the industrial machines, available. So if you want an industrial machine or information, you would need to go on our website, and you could call us for information. For home machines, also on our website or in our store. Accessories, we have all the accessories at our store and available on our website.

What can customers expect while shopping at Premier Stitching?

Shopping at Premier Stitching, you can expect excellent in-house customer service, on-site authorized repair technicians, a wide range of classes, and you can always trust that we will do our best to get you what you need and at the best price.

What classes are provided at Premier Stitching?

We created a class specifically for homeschool students so that they can learn how to sew, and we have one semester for beginners and we also offer a semester class for intermediate. We also have beginner sewing classes for adults and children, as well we also do summer camps for adults and children. We also have a multitude of other classes available and the calendar is on our website.

How can customers contact Premier Stitching?

If you’re ever in Bryan, stop by. We have a multitude of items that are exclusively available in our store; such as fabric, threads and notions. If you want to get in touch with us, you can visit us at our store in Bryan, located at 700 South Bryan Avenue or you can give us a call at 800-229-889 or visit us on our website, http://www.premierestitching.com.

To learn more about Premier Stitching, visit their website here! Thank you for joining us today in getting to know Faith, one of the operators of Premier Stitching. We hope you get a chance to visit the next time you’re in the area!