Okay, so here's a little confession: My serger scares me a little bit. Sure, I've had it for three years and use it semi-regularly. But really, the only things I use it for? Finishing garment seams, the occasional rolled hem for pants and skirts, and making cloth diapers (which, alone, has made it 'worthwhile' for me, by the way). And each time I use it? I do so with half-closed eyes, and crossing my fingers that all goes well. That the tension won't get all wonky on me - or that I won't have to re-thread the needle (wicked scary). I do have a couple of serger book, which seem helpful in describing the machine, but not in applying its use to a design I'd actually wear. So I was pretty psyched this spring to check out the new book SEW U HOME STRETCH: The Built By Wendy Guide to Sewing Knit Fabrics by Wendy Mullin. It's been out for a few months now, so you might have caught some reviews (here, here, and here to name a few...and oh my - Melissa made the hoodie, which combines zipper and jersey, which pretty much makes her a goddess in my book). I should mention, also, that this book includes instructions on how to sew knits with a regular sewing machine!
So, I've been spending a lot of time with the book since it arrived. You know, reading about tension and other important serger-like things, and getting a little less scared by the page. I love how this book (like her first book) are organized - and the instructions just so clear. This weekend, I finally dove in with the "Tee with Rolled Hem Edge," and some thrifted jersey. And you know, it wasn't that scary. And in the end? I have a tee shirt. A simple, basic, stretchy-over-the-belly (an important detail), comfy tee shirt. It gave me a little bit of confidence to at least think about trying the dress in the book. I'm even thinking about changing the thread color - just for fun. I know, I know...I'm getting a little carried away.
The publisher Little, Brown has sent me TWO giveaway copies of Sew U Home Stretch. If you're interested, leave a comment in this post, and I'll use the random number generator to draw a winner on Wednesday morning, 8am(ish) my time. And because I like my grandmothers advice of making people sing for their supper (she really did), I'd love to hear your serger tip, tale, or drama in the comments. Or, you can just say hi. That works, too.
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Well, I had no idea how many of us were intimidated by those little machines! Thanks for all the lovely tips, tales, and hello's yesterday. Now, let's all go read some serger books and manuals and conquer those fears. ;)
We have two winners, Lindsey and Leah! Congratulations, and thanks to everyone for playing!
I love my serger (a Baby Lock), but it does scare me to use it sometimes. It's so fast, there are TWO needles, and then there's the blade!! I like that I can lock it if necessary. Threading it is easy enough, but my biggest trauma lately is that the left needle keeps breaking (three since I bought it in February). But oh, do I love it for making clothing and the first time I sewed with knits? Well, you can see my reaction to it here:
http://willowluna.wordpress.com/2008/02/10/a-whole-new-world/
Anyway, this book is on my wishlist, so I'd love a copy of it. Thanks for sharing your serger trepidation, it made me feel better about my own!
I love my serger, but am nowhere near using it to it's potential. Maybe someday.
Posted by: Leah | June 17, 2008 at 10:24 AM
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