and Barb commented did I miss a post where you got a serger? If so, how do you like it?
So the post I didn't make a few weeks ago must be made. I decided to get a serger. I looked at them for a long time. I couldn't see a real reason to get one. Then I saw a show where a lady made several items in a flash with her serger. "I need one of those!" I thought.
A few weeks went by, I shopped eBay and the internet. I saw sergers for thousands of dollars. I read horror stories of impossible to thread machines. I read praises of the serger. I got my income tax refund and made a decision. Amazon had the best price on an inexpensive serger that got mostly good review on the internet.
I have re-threaded it several times. Mostly I don't cuss when I do it..but sometimes the blue words fall from my lips (sorry, but it is true-- hey it happens)
The serger finishes edges nicely.
It trims the edges as it goes for a very clean finish, plus the edge is covered so you don't get ravels.
but this is one of my favorite things:
This is a rolled edge. Think of a washcloth or a napkin or a nice scarf...yeah, that kind of edge. I did a picture where I did it with a metallic thread, but I couldn't get a good picture for you. Trust me it is coool!
You can use decorative threads in the loopers and get some interesting finished edges.
I haven't tried the flatlock stitch yet. It is a decorative stitch that has possibilities. (it looks like a ladder - you could thread a ribbon thru it to pretty up something.)
UPDATE: The Follow Nick giveaway is still in progress. You still have time to enter. I am thinking the cut off date will be May 19th...but I have to consult with the Carver. The prizes are pretty cool. FABRIC (and I know you all love fabric!) a cast version of a GolfBall Critter, (a great piece of art even if you don't play golf!) and some of my Art Printed Notecards. ( you can see the fabrics HERE )
21 comments:
You put me to shame, I have had my serger for over a year and have not tried all those stitches yet...I just have a finished edged stitch and stick with that....shame on me. I love your serger and glad that you are happy with it as well.
It is great that they have it color coded for you so you see what thread does what. It makes it easier for making adjustments. Enjoy!
When I was much, much younger, and clothes were still manufactured in the US, I worked in a sewing factory for a short time. The one thing I really learned about was a serger and how to thread it. So when they became available for the home sewer, I bought one and used it a lot making clothes for my kids. I can't honestly remember the last time I used it.
Why Gene, I'm thinking you love your new toy...good for you. I had a Singer Serger years ago...had a love/hate relationship with it over thread issues....it's great that you have already labeled where and which order the threads go. Good luck.
Oh how nice that you got your serger you will love it for sure. A quick way to thread your machine is lift the presser foot that releases the tension in the disks, then snip the spool near the thread guide at the top of machine take the new spool and tie a reef knot you know right over left and under and left over right and under. Now carefully pull the threads through, make sure that knot is tight. I do it all the time and even goes through the needles too. I have a recipe for fancy thread in the loopers that I will put on my blog in a few days. HTH have fun.
Tee hee busted!! Glad you like it!!
I have had my serger for 19 years and it is still going. I love that baby (but I also do quite a bit of garment construction) AND I have a great time-saving tip for you for threading! Instead of pulling out the old color and re-threading with a new color (or spool), cut your old threads off at the spool. Put the new colors on the thread holder and tie them to the old lines of thread (just use a simple knot at the end, like you would when tying a threaded needle with two strands of thread). Turn your tensions to zero (make sure you write down or mark where to turn them back up to), pull the threads through (you will have to unthread the needles, but that is a quick re-thread). Trim the threads back to about 5", thread your needles and you're good to go.
P.S. I saw that Bunny beat me to it. Well, that's what I get when I open my big mouth. My machine does not release the tension when I lift the presser foot (like I said, it is 19 years old), so her tip is even better -- no fiddling with the tension afterwards. You'll love having a serger! I know I am so glad I have mine.
Hi Gene
You got the same serger as I got! :) I was like you and did research , but you can research all you want and you won't know for sure until you get to SEW some Threads! LOL
Thanks to Lynne's tips I had decided that I wanted a machine that would sew decorative threads and I wanted one that you could take the base off to work on sleeves or neckbands and I wanted a differential to help work all types of fabrics - O and I wanted one that you could use regular needles in.
Mine came from E-bay too and the only problem I have had is when I unwrapped it I could hear a little tickling sound and when I got to looking a little silver piece that looks like a triangle was laying in my lap. Since there are no Brother dealers near me I have saved it in my magnetic needle holder ? But everything works great - so I don't know what it is???
Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.
Can't wait to see what you do with this!
I'm so glad you are happy with your serger. And, WOWEEE, your quilt looks beautiful! Kind of subtle for you, but really nice!
Bunny is right on changing the thread without "rethreading" the entire thing! That is the BEST tip in the world for serger owners! Love my serger, but it lives in the closet since we've moved. When you need it, it is a GREAT thing to have! Talk about quick finishes, fleece blankets...wonderful!
Love your new puppy, enjoy!
I told ya', I wouldn't want to live without mine. At our house, it does some projects, not all. But with so many machines (let's just say more than 5) you tend to use each for favored jobs. We don't sew a garment gift bag or pillowcase without the serger. Enjoy it, Gene!
pokey
sergers are great things! they make sewing seams fast and easy...good for you....
Hi Gene:
Love your serger. I'm going to get one so I can make those little purses.
I posted for your giveaway on the original post, became a follower of Nick, and blogged about it. It's been very interesting.
You lucky duck you!
Yours looks much easier than mine. I have to get tweezers and open the bottom and move it all around and do all kinds of things and cussing and about 3 hours later it is threaded!!!! I need to use it more. I cant wait to see all the "pretties" you make with it. One talented person!
I'm glad you are doing well with this. My old one still sits in the box in the closet...packed up from when we moved here over 6 years ago....and I didn't use it a lot back there, either. It sounds like they are a lot more user-friendly now!!!
You were totally holding out on us! How can you NOT blog the acquisition of a serger! silly man :)
Glad you got one, and are having a good time with it. They are such time savers. Looks like yours is simple, like mine. have fun.
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