Giveaway: Beginner Serging Craftsy Class

So there were a few of you in the comments from my last post on my serger that mentioned that you had a serger/overlocker and were frightened to death of it. Believe me, I was the exact same way when I purchased my serger, though I have to admit that I was so overjoyed when I got it I immediately went home and spent several hours learning how to thread it. My serger purchase also came with a free class for using my serger, so I signed up for the class and was so happy that I went and learned a few tricks for my serger and serging in general. So when Amy Alan of Really Handmade contacted me and asked if I wanted to giveaway a free access pass to her class on serging to one of my readers, well, how could I say no?

Do y’all know Amy? If you don’t, can I suggest that you head on over to her blog and take a gander at this amazing plaid Anise Jacket. I don’t think I need to tell you, but planning and sewing a plaid jacket is not an easy venture, but just look at the plaid matching on this lovely. It’s truly amazing – would you just take a look at the plaid line-up along the sleeve. Sigh….so gorgeous. I’m a sucker for plaids and I love this jacket. Amy is an amazing seamstress. Additionally, Amy teaches the class on Beginner Serging on Craftsy! So for those of you who are ready to take your serging to the next level or even are frightened to death of using your serger, you need to go check out Amy’s class. Or you could just win the class here! Yay!

So for a chance to win a free access pass to Beginner Serging on Craftsy, all you have to do is leave a comment. Wouldn’t hurt if you left a comment on the kind of serger you have and how long you’ve had it either. And that’s it! I’ll be leaving this giveaway open til Monday (May 27) and then from there I’ll announce a winner, picked at random. OK, friends enter away!

Gaenor - Thank you (and Amy) for the giveaway! I have a Brother 929D which my Mum sourced for me from a local tailor who had closed down last summer. I have probably used it twice, and was really useful both times, but it still doesn’t come naturally to me.

Johanna - I’m just about to buy an overlocker from Janome. Either the 8002 or the 644 but haven’t decided yet. I ordered some books from the library and was going to sign up for the craftsy class once I got my serger. So looking forward to it. Thanks for your posts in regards to this topic.

KarenR - I’ve inherited a Bernette 334D that I would love to learn how to really use (beyond just basic seam finishing)

Brigitte - Hello.. I have a Singer 14sh754 and find it a nightmare to thread up.. recently tried it on silk organza and just could not get the tension correct.. end result was not very pretty.. would love to win this giveaway. Only recently discovered your blog but am loving it..

Becky - Thank you and Amy for your thoughtfulness. I have a Babylock, that I purchased used a few months ago. I have figured out how to thread it (kinda!), but have not used it on a garment yet.

Karen - Hello, I bought one of the first sergers made, I think, in the 80s with the intent of making sewing for my children easier. The children are now grown, and I still use my server, but just for edge finishing. I know that there is more that this machine can do, and would like to learn more.
s more.

melanie - I have a Janome 990D serger, I’ve had it for about 6-8 months but I haven’t used it because I took out the thread and now I can’t rethread it.
I’ve tried a few times but always can’t manage to do it properly.
Thanks so much for the chance …

Frances - What a fun giveaway! I have an Elna 664 that was a gift from my parents this January. I’m still getting to know it (urgh, threading), but so far I really love it. Finishing seams is a breeze!

Sarah O - I got a Brother 1034 D that I’ve successfully managed to thread (only took 3 tries) and used on a skirt without much fuss but I’m a little intimidated by doing more than straight lines with it and feel like there’s some waster potential there.

Laurie - My Dad got me a used Omega serger many years ago and it’s still going strong. It has a different plate which is used for some other purpose but what is it?!? This class might solve the mystery!
Thanks for this Sunni.

Lise - I don’t have a serger (yet) because I’m pretty new to sewing knits. But I’m rapidly approaching the decision to buy one. Meanwhile, the studio where I take sewing classes does have a serger and I would like to learn before I buy. Thanks for this post series – good stuff!

jadestar - i have a brother 1034d that i bought at the beginning of the year. i love it but would love to learn more about using it.

Kessem - I have a Sovina that I bought like 6 months ago but it was used when I got it. I imagine it’s 10 years old!

Shar - I received a Brother 1034d as a gift just two weeks ago so your posts have been great for me. Thank you!

Tatiana - I bought a Brother 1034D a few months ago, but just had time to learn how to use it last weekend. I made a knit skirt and a knit dolman sleeve top in one day, and I was thrilled! The serger was easy to thread, and easy to find the tension. The only problem that I found was when I had to serge the curved sleeve of the top… not easy at all… In fact, I finished with a whole on the fabric, but it was fixable… ufff… I think I really need a class to improve my serger skills, ha!

Samina - I’ve got an ancient Elna serger but it’s been decades since I’ve used it & I could really use a how to. That class has been on my list of ones to take, so I’d love to have it & not pay for it! Thanks to you both for offering a chance at that.

Maider - I have a Solid Overlockr 900 from Jata. I have sewn a couple of garments with it but I can´t understand the instructions very well, and I should improve my skills…thanks for the giveaway!

Carmi - I would love to brush up on my serger skills. I don’t take it out and use it enough but I’m wanting to make some men’s T’s and some knit T’s for myself.

Kate - This is sooo great!

I got my serger a couple of month ago as a present. It’s a rebuild Janome now sold as W6 N 454d . While I did manage to re-thread it (took me – ehm – three hours and a Janome-youtube-video) I’ve only used to keep seams from fraying and managed to do a rolled hem once. Haven’t managed to figure out the rest yet. Especially what the different stitches with 3 or 4 threads are there for.

lisa - Everyone tells me I need a serger but I never knew how to get started.

This is great

Jennifer - I purchased a used simple inexpensive singer from s friend who upgraded to see if I would even use it. My serger and I continue to have a love hate relatiohship. I am always working with it to get it to perform properly. I think I mught actually use it more if it was as easy to use as my sewing machine. Thanks for the cr

Lexie - This would be awesome. I inherited my grandmother’s sewing machine and her serger. She taught me how to sew when I was younger, but we never did get to the serger. I haven’t even attempted to use it, seeing as I don’t have the user manual. I still use her sewing machine today.

Dottie doodle - I’ve had a janome 9200d for about months. Love it, but still clueless when things don’t look right!

Candice - What a lovely idea, this giveaway! I bought a Babylock Evolve about 5 years ago, took the one free class offered and didn’t touch it again until last summer. I have this irrational fear I am going to cut my fingers off ;-)

Thank you for this opportunity.

:-)

Sewing Princess - I have a Bernina 800DL. I’ve had it for a couple of years. I’d love to learn new tricks
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VictoriaR - Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. I could use some serger help!

Julie - I’ve had a Whyte Superlock 2900 for, oh… 7 years now. And I still have no cue how to work it properly. Shame…

Jeanne - Wow! Would love to take this serger class…as all the classes on Craftsy seem to be absolutely fantastic! I’v finally tackled the threading-with much prayer before and during, but would love to hear what Amy has to say about using it (Bernina 1300)it to its’ full potential. Thanks for the opportunity!

Michelle - I have had a Janome serger for about 4 years and hardly use it. A class would be marvelous! Perhaps if I learned more about it, it would be used I stead of sitting there collecting dust.

Katerina - I love Craftsy! Go glad you give us this opportunity by this giveaway and your free class too :)

Steffie - My mother-in-law gave me her mother’s old serger, which is a very, very heavy Singer. I’ve had it for about three years now and have yet to actually use it… because it very much intimidates me. I LOVE Craftsy and would LOVE this class!!
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carlalissa - Hello thank you for your kind giveaway.
I have a Singer 14ET754, bought it a month ago and scared to death to use it. Thank you for such kind giveaway! (crossing my fingers)

Kristin - I’ve been eyeing the Brother 1034D but I haven’t bought it yet because I’m terrified it’ll just sit and taunt me because I don’t know how to use it. A class would be perfect – and somehow it’s something I never even thought of!
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cristina - Oh my God how I need this class!! :-)
I´ve got a TOYOTA!

Sarah - I have a Brother 1034 D that, due to also having two kids under 4, I have never used! I would love to find an hour or two to finally break that sucker open and learn to use it.

lynl - I would love to take the Beginner Serging Class-thank you!! I have a Babylock Enlighten. It’s great that I don’t have to worry about tensions and the threading is amazing. But I still need to know what I am doing ;) Good luck to me!

Charlene - Thanks for the giveaway. I have a Singer 14SH654. I’ve had it for 3 years; however, I’ve only used it a couple of times. I would really like to start using it more so this class would be very helpful.

jen - OMG, I too, am afraid of my serger! I have a Huskylock 905, and woul LOVE to learn how to use it. Glad to see I’m not alone; I think we need to create a Serger Support Group! ;)

Sonia - I’ve had a Huskylock 905 for about 6 months and have used it 2 or 3 times, but I still haven’t figured out how to do anything fancy on it. Just (marginally) able to adjust thread tensions! Thanks!

Megan - Well, I have the Brother 1034D, and I’ve had it for almost 2 years. I have to admit that I haven’t used it for anything but seam finishing on simple fabrics. I’ve completely mangled the rolled hem and I’m too afraid to try knits yet. I need this class! Especially since I’m about to start sewing a complete nursery suite for my sister’s new baby.

Laura D - I’ve had a Husqvarna Viking 200s for almost two years now. And I’m still figuring it out!
Laura D recently posted..Pattern Review: Elle’s Princess Twirl Dress

Sara - Thanks for the giveaway. I have had a four-thread Brother overlocker for years and it has seldom been used; I’m just too terrified.

Mrs. Smith - I have a Brother 1034D. I spent a weekend peddling my craft items to have the money to pay for it. I made it. I bought the serger – Yay!

On April 18th.

I have yet to thread it. I have yet to plug the power adapter into it. I am afraid of it!!!

I would love to have the class!!

Jean - I ordered my Juki MO654DE about a month ago from Allbrands. I can thread it, but there are some tension issues and serging on a bias edge isn’t beautiful. I need to take a class. Thanks for offering this to a lucky sewist!

Suzanne - Babylock imagine, got it on ebay.

Becky - I love my serger, I use it all the time – but only ever for finishing seams or sewing knits!

Mrs. Lyons - I have a Brother 1034, I bought it about five months ago. I’ve used it a bit and keep reminding myself that this machine has a learning curve, just like when first learning how to use a sewing machine! I’d love to take this class, there are still a lot of things I don’t understand. :)

Sabturbo - Hello ! I just love craftsy and I’ve known your blog through your Craftsy course. I’d love to do more classes (just finished Sewing Studio).

My serger is a used Singer probably from the ’80s. I use it mostly to finish edges, I’ve tried knits but to no avail so far. I would love to improve !

MacStabby - Ooh, ooh! Pick me, pick me! I’m currently sans serger, but I will be buying one very shortly after I move!
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Jolien - Love that jacket!

But I’m currently looking into sergers, want to gift myself one soonish (since I don’t think I’ll get one) and some help on getting to know them would really help! Awesome giveaway, thanks for that. (:

Ashley Akers - I need this class so badly! I am currently borrowing my mom’s serger. It is a Janome HF134D. The tension settings make no sense to me. I finally got everything threaded and working properly, but I’m not sure how lol. There is so much to learn and I would love to take this class.

Suzie - Thanks for the fab giveaway!
I got a Brother serger last October as a birthday present, and although I have used it a fair bit – there is still so much more I need to learn about how to get the most out of it! Would love to win this class!
Suzie recently posted..The Case Of The Missing Blogger

Diane @ Vintage Zest - No serger yet, but my birthday is in two weeks, and I have a sneaking suspicion about what I’m going to get… :)
Diane @ Vintage Zest recently posted..(Cute as a) Button Organization

Debbie - I am in the process of deciding what serger to buy, and I can’t wait!!!!

Marina - I’ve been wanting to buy a serger for ages (I’m thinking of one of the lower-end Jukis) but haven’t yet as I’m afraid I won’t know where to start. I’d love to take this class to give me the confidence to take the plunge!
Thanks!

Alicia F. - I have a intro level Baby Lock. I couldn’t sew without it!

Sassy T - I don’t have a serger but desperately want one and even have the money saved for one. Am jsut frightened of purchasing something without knowing much about using them. I have had a little dabble in a sewing class but still clueless. I have seen this class on Craftsy and added to my wishlist as soon as it was announced. I would be jumping up and down on my bed if I won.
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llamalpacalama - Hello Sunni, thank you for the giveaway!
I have an older baby lock bl3-407 and have not used it yet b/c it’s a mystery to me. But, I would just love to understand it. A little direction would open a whole happy world for me!

Jane - I’ve been eyeing up that craftsy course after being very impressed with others I’ve done. I’ve a janome that I really should use a lot more than I do. Thanks.
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Sandra Woerner - I don’t own a serger yet, because I am afraid I won’t know how to use one. I definitely want one and it is on my list, so being able to know how to use it would be a great help in my decision as to which one to buy.

Stephanie H - I have a Brother 1034D and would love to learn more about using it to its full potential!

Katie - I have recently purchased a new serger, Janome 1110DX. I retired my 25 plus year Babylock. At the same time, I picked up the Janome Coverstitchpro. I’m looking forward to using both machines!

Erin || Sewbon.com - I don’t have a serger… YET! But it’s on my list to get this year! I would love a recommendation on which one to get!

Thanks for hosting this awesome giveaway! :)
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Amanda - I have a Janome 1200D that serges and does coverstitch and I love it, although I really need to learn more than the basic 3-thread overlock! I would love to take the Craftsy class!

Elizabeth C - I was just given a BabyLock serger by a friend who had it in her closet for 10 years and just never used it! I haven’t used it yet and would LOVE to take this class!

Alexandria - I have a brother that I bought a few months ago. Grew up using a baby lock but I still only use it to finish edges.

Kerry - I have a Brother 1034D which I love but I know it is capable of more than just serging jersey and seam edges
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Gill - I’ve had my Riccar for over 20 years and I’m still scared of it!

Deby at So Sew Easy - Oh oh – yes please! I actually don’t yet own a serger, but I really wanted to take this course to see what it can do, and what features to look out for when making my choice. Plus its something that I think I need to learn how to use before I sit down and start messing it all up by trial and error.
I REALLY hope I win. Thanks so much for offering the giveaway. Deb

Mary Ann Vanlandingham - I have a Toyota serger for over 15 years. I have used it only about 5 times. It still in good shape and works well. I would really love to take the class because I have started sewing my clothes.

Lu - This class would save me from tearing my hair out! I bought a babylock prestige 750DS a few months ago (sold in the US as a euro-pro 534dx). I’ve tried several times to use it with very, very limited success! The thread breaks every few minutes, leading to aforementioned hair-tearing! Help!

Emily - I was recently given a serger by my mother in law, who left it collecting dust in a closet for 15 years. (I couldn’t believe it either!) I’m still learning how to use it, and I can never seem to get the tension and settings quite right. I would love to take this class and learn more.

Erika - I have a brother 1034d serger and really love it. It was a gift from my late boyfriend about 3 years ago, which makes it extra special. I do know how to thread it and use it often to finish seams but I don’t really know what else it can do.

Kristin - I have the brother 1034d. I really like it, but I know I have tons to learn. I get very confused anytime I need to actually adjust anything, which thankfully isn’t too often.

Maddie - I’ve never had success with a home serger and because of that, I use the industrial sergers at work. But it’s a hassle to finish my seams during my lunch hour, which is why I have been saving my pretty pennies to buy a new machine. I haven’t purchased a new one yet (I currently have an old baby lock) but winning this contest would push me to finally buy it and learn more about about sewing. And yes, there’s even serging involved in bra making!

johanna@projects by me - I have a Brother 1034d too. I’ve had it since last summer (it was a birthday gift). I’m able to sew withit and change the threads but that’s about it. I love the nice finish it makes though. :)
johanna@projects by me recently posted..Slender pencil trousers from Burdastyle x 2

Clio - My serger is a Brother 5234 which I bought because of how easy it is to thread (for a serger). I’ve had it for 2 years but know how to do little other than finish seams and rethread it. Sigh. Thanks for the giveaway!

Kellie S. - I have a Brother 1034D. I would love to take my serging to the next level. I know nothing beyond basic serging.

Jill J - I have a Bernina 700 that Ivreceived free when I bought my Bernina 950 last year. I have used it quite a bit but don’t know if I’m really using it effectively. Craftsy is a fantastic site, by the way, and I am currently enrolled in two other courses there.

Sally - I have a Toyota SL3304 that my Dad bought my for christmas (couldn’t believe it – he usually just buys me a dvd!)
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Jerilyn - I have an Elna. I haven’t used it since my son was born, so I have had it for more than eighteen years. It should be serviced, I am sure the oils have gummed up by now.

Tessa - I have a Singer Quanumlock 5-thread that I’ve really only used two different stitches on, and never ever the coverstitch that was a selling point for me. It’s been 5 years now! Maybe I need a class… *wink, wink*.
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Jenny W H - I’ve been eyeing this class on craftsy so I’m so glad to have found this giveaway! I don’t have a serger just yet but I was thinking this class would hopefully give me a better idea and help my research for finding the serger that’s just right for me. Crossing my fingers!

Tiffany - Hi Sunni! I’m actually planning to buy a serger soon (belated Christmas gift from my mom I’m finally cashing in haha). :)

This class would be a great introduction!

Thanks!
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Marge - I do not have a serger, but I have been debating for a while about getting one. I think the class would make up my mind for me.

Jo - What an awesome giveaway! I have a really old Brother 760D which I purchased 2nd hand and I have no idea what I am doing with it but I a, proud of myself for figuring out how to thread the darn thing.

Beth B. - I received a Brother 1034D on Mother’s Day and would LOVE to win this class!

Donel - I’ve got an old hobby lock that I inherited from my mother. It serges beautifully on most anything, which is a good thing because I’ve had it for almost 2 years and have never adjusted a dial or had to rethread it (I just tie off the thread onto a new spool). I can thread, clean and tear apart my sewing machine like a pro, but for some reason I have a complete mental block when it comes to sergers. A class would be great!

Iryna - I got Brother 1034d for mother’s day. I was super excited about it and learned to thread it right away. Still I have so many questions: like what is the correct tension (i don’t have anything to compare with) and what is it supposed to look like? What to do with all those dials? Why some people put 5 tension on left and right needle, but 7 on the rest of threads and so on :) I checked out a book on sergers from local library. But this class sounds so much better than a book! Thank you!

vintageattempt - I have a serger that was given to me. I haven’t done anything with it at all though, it is very intimidating looking! I don’t know the model I have, though I figure it is just a cheap one.
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Maria - I bought a serger last year and have only used it a couple of times. I’m almost regretting buying it ($500!) but your article has made me think I should investigate a little more. I would love to win the Craftsy Class as I know this would definitely help.

G - I just got an old juki-300 that’s been sitting in a corner for weeks because I’m intimidated. Tha class would be a blessing!

louize - I don’t have a serger yet, but there is not a day that goes by when I don’t think about getting one… I think a better understanding of their full potential would push me from want to need, as at the minute I don’t know anyone who has one to help me go the final step!
louize recently posted..back on track, slowly…

LeeAnn - I have a 30 year old Elna serger I picked up an an estate auction. I knew the previous owner and she used it successfully for years sewing doll cloths. I am however completely intimidated by it. It’s such a bear to thread! It has been serviced and I did attend a local beginner serger class but the class was HUGE (30ppl!!!) and was not worth my money because I left frustrated and didn’t learn a thing. I haven’t touched my machine since. It’s mocks me every time I go into my sewing room.

Reader Request: My Serger

So after my last post on my Janome Coverpro Coverstitch machine, I had a few of you ask what serger I own. So I thought, “hey! I need to do a post on sergers and the one I have.” It’s actually sad that I didn’t do a post about it when I got it, but I had some guilt issues that I’m totally over now. Anyway, let’s talk sergers, shall we?

I am of the opinion that everyone should just go get a serger. Yup. I lived without one for way too long and I was completely in the dark as to how much they cost and how much they really are worth to a garment sewer. Sergers just make life easier and believe me when I tell you, I am not kidding. Since I’m a Thread’s Insider (seriously, just go get a membership now!) I have access to all of Louise Cutting’s Industry Insider Technique videos – this is totally worth the membership by the way, Louise is a GENIUS! I love her! Anyway, I remember in one of the videos she says something to the effect of how great and easy it is to use a serger and how no sewer should really be without one because the days of finishing seam allowances without one are over. I agree 1,000,000%! I finish seam allowances with my serger nearly 100% of the time now (occasionally I’ll do a french seam on linings, but otherwise, I’m a serger girl).

So let’s talk about what I was never able to seem to find out before I just went out and bought my serger a few years back. You can get a decent serger for fairly inexpensive these days. Mine was a whopping $275. Yup. You can drop your jaw too if you’ve been thinking that sergers will cost you an arm and a leg and you have to give up your firstborn for one. You can and should be able to purchase a decent serger for something in the $300 – $500 range. My sewing machine was considerably more than that, so when I found out that sergers weren’t all that expensive I kept wondering why I had waited so long.

Then I went out and purchased the Babylock Lauren. It’s the entry level Babylock serger. Now, I’m not going to say that this is the serger for you, but I’m happy with it. It finishes my seam allowances like a champ. Sometimes we have small issues going over bulky areas, but for the most part its fine. Its actually one of the easier ones to thread and I say that having threaded many sergers for students and threaded the ones at Yellow Bird Fabrics a few times. It has a pretty good narrow hem on it that I use from time to time to finish a lining hem. It’s got four threads, differential feed and you know, that’s pretty much it. With sergers you can get crazy and spend money on a really really nice one (like the Babylocks that thread themselves….sigh….) but the end game is pretty much the same – it finishes your seam allowances so that you can spend your time perfecting other sewing techniques. And when it comes to seam allowances, a serger really really does save you time. The daunting task of finishing seam allowances all of a sudden is not daunting anymore. It reduces time spent doing that to like 1/4 of the time you would spend finishing those silly seam allowances. In fact, I remember the times before I had a serger and I would wander around in a fog just thinking about how long it was going to take me to finish the seam allowances on any garment. Now I don’t even think about it. I just do it and its done.

So, when I first purchased my serger, immediately after I had done the deed and paid the money, I was reading a certain blog (which I’ll not name, but held in very high regard at the time) that went into great detail about how even though they had sergers on their premises that they were “rarely used” because they were totally into finishing their seams the old fashioned way. And it wasn’t just one blog post, it was like several blog posts where they kept mentioning that and their sort of “higher ground” for not being in the serger crowd. So then I had instant buyer’s remorse for being one of those that invested in a serger and every time I went to serge a seam I would feel instant guilt because I wasn’t doing it the “higher ground” way.

Friends, this is BOGUS! Look, I totally understand if you don’t have the money to invest in a serger right now – I empathize. Just know that there are entry level model sergers that do the job just fine, so maybe you won’t have to save up quite as much money as you were thinking. Otherwise, serging just makes life easier. Thank you – I’m a “lower ground” sewer and I’m proud to admit it!

What are your thoughts on sergers? Been saving up thinking that sergers are going to cost you thousands of dollars? Are you a “lower ground” sewer?

PendleStitches - I totally agree that a serger is a miraculous thing. And if the garments you create are the “lower ground” then I’m happy to aspire to that, thank you very much!
PendleStitches recently posted..Got the blues – Made by Ma!

didyoumakethat - I absolutely love my serger/overlocker. It’s some of the best money I’ve spent on sewing. It was a third the cost of my sewing machine and I emptied a coin jar to pay for it. Best decision I ever made.

Andrea - Currently I sit on the end of my bed to sew on a shelf – absolutely no room for another appliance! I wish someone would come up with one magical combo machine that could do it all!

Maggie - Thank you for this post! I have a serger, but rarely use it. I can totally relate with feeling a little guilty about wanting to use it and have instead pinked my seams until my finger ache! :)
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Patricia - I bought my serger in 1985, when I was expecting my second child. It’s a Singer “something” and I’m sure it cost me much more than $275.

After all this time it’s still a workhorse!

Diane @ Vintage Zest - Well, I took a serger class to see how I would like working on a serger. I’m hooked! Right now, I have it on my birthday wishlist, but it would have to be a lower end one because no one is going to give me a $1,000 present!

I’ll make do. :)
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Tiff - I’m really happy to hear about your serger story actually. I have noticed that sewing blogs tend to share similar opinions and sometimes if you deviate from that opinion you feel like you did something horribly wrong. I became really scared of sewing because I was never sure if I had altered my pattern enough, if I had made enough muslins, etc, all because that is what the sewing world says I should do right now. I often gave up on projects when something small went wrong because I felt like I did it ‘wrong’. In the end I stopped making muslins and I stopped caring, and I love sewing again. I sew for myself with my own ideals.

So i’m really glad that you made peace with your serger purchase. I like reading all opinions – some people think they don’t need sergers, some people do. I’d like to hear both!
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Irene - To be fair, I think everybody has different priorities and preferences when it comes to sewing, and if someone wants to take the extra time to finish seams/hems “the old-fashioned way” because they prefer it over the serged finish look, more power to them (though there’s no merit in getting preachy or snobby about it).

For myself, I also prefer the clean-finish look over the serged look, but how much time I’m willing to spend to make that happen depends on the quality of the fabric and how excited I am for the finished object. I’m planning out a couple dresses made from Liberty Tana Lawn and you can bet I’m going to clean finish all the seam allowances. But a quick sundress from quilting cotton probably isn’t going to get the same treatment.

Robyn - I love my serger. But, I hated the first one I purchased. It was probably just me not threading it correctly but, I never could get a consistent stitch out of it. I didn’t spend a lot of money on it and was able to sell it to someone who wanted it — even after I explained my problems with it. Anyway, I learned my lesson and invested in a better one which I had spent a lot of time reviewing and comparing. I don’t know how I lived without it for so long. It’s wonderful. I use it all the time for seam finishing and other projects as well.
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Staci - Here! Here! To lower ground sewing! I’m a serger convert and will never go back. I too used to dread the thought of finishing seams and have on several occasions, ended up with sore and bruised fingers from hours of pinking. I absolutely love my serger and use it constantly. Besides using it for finishing all my garments, I can’t imagine sewing knits without one.

My recent Tiramisu and Pavlova (Cake Patterns) were completed almost exclusively with my serger. It has truly saved me hours of time and I rather like the look of all my nicely pressed and finished seams.

Thank you for posting this article Sunni! More serger love is definitely needed on the web :)

For those interested, I purchased the Brother 1034D Serger from Amazon for $265 about 14 months ago. I use it several times a week for a few hours at a time and have never had a issue with it. It does a 3 or 4 thread finish and beautifully small rolled hems. I also purchased Anglea Wolf’s class of Craftsy “Creative Serging: Beyond the Basics” and wow! what a difference its made in my serging. You would not believe how much you can do with a serger~

Happy serging everyone!

MrsSmith - OMG I wanted a serger so badly. Needed it. Did a mega craft sale of my wares and made $250 in one Saturday. Ordered the Brother 1034D and…there is sits. Covered. Unused. I am intimidated by it! :/

I sewed my behind off the minute I plugged my machine in but my serger is frightening me. I have to conquer it. Especially since my garments are coming out better and better and I DON’T want to spend all that time on seam finishes the old fashioned way. I want serged seams!!!! :)

Kathi Giumentaro - Some people are sewing snobs. There is a time and place for everything. I like French seams when they are called for and I have time to sew them. I do have a serger and would be lost without it. Jeans are a perfect example. Who the heck is not sergering the seams on jeans? You do what is right for you and the people claiming to be sewing on “higher ground” are snobs.

Cindy - I love my serger and would heartily recommend it to others. I invested in a Babylock Imagine a year ago and it was worth every penny. It is so easy to thread and change configurations (serge to hem to ruffle). I work outside the home full-time, plus have two young children. The serger has increased the amount of garments I make tremendously. Now, I’m saving up for the Babylock coverstitch machine.

Rachel - love love love my overlocker (I’m a brit!) I did make the mistake of buying a used none-branded one off ebay first, which I could never get to work properly, about a year later I got an unexpected work bonus and splurged on a Brother 4234D, worth every penny! after it arrived I spent a week in sewing isolation and ‘OVERLOCKED ALL THE THINGS’. I don’t understand some of the sewing snobbery which goes on in the blogosphere, in my opinion there is no ‘higher’ or ‘lower’ ground, you find a technique that works for your circumstances, you go with it, along the way you learn new things and re-evaluate your techniques.

Ruth - I spent a fortune on my Brother serger – over 1000 dollars because I love outside the US and EU and the distributors charge ridiculous prices for imported products. But it was worth every penny/cent/Turkish Lira. Since I bought it my speed of completion has increased so much that I simply have not bought any more RTW clothes (except undies). Everything is me-made. I love, love, love it. I notice that all the bloggers with very high output have servers too. And use them.

Ruth - Live outside the US, I meant. (And love too, of course!)

Jane - I love my serger, in fact I love it so much I bought second one. They are both entry level Janomes, cheap and simple, but do the job. Threading them is not that difficult, it can look daunting the first time you try it but once you get to know your way around it it’s very straight forward.

Lauren - I have one of them fancy self-threading sergers (the Babylock Imagine, to be specific). And yup, it cost me almost as much as my sewing machine (which is a pretty nice Bernina… aka not cheap haha). I know not everyone can justify spending $1000+ on a machine that basically only finishes seams and sews knits, but let me tell you… that self-threading mechanism was worth EVERY penny. I had the standard/inexpensive sergers in the past – and I’ve used them even up until now, as every time my friends buy one they ask me to show them how to use it – and it’s just so much easier to let the machine do the threading itself. The automatic tension is the real star, though. Also, I’m lazy and I could afford it at the time of purchase :B

At any rate, I totally agree with you – sergers are fabulous and I think every sewist should have one, or at least have the opportunity to sew on one so they can decide for themselves if that’s something they need in their sewing space. And people who poo-poo on serged seam finishes? BOO GO AWAY, YOU WILL PRY MY SERGED EDGES OUT OF MY COLD DEAD HANDS. Party poopers!
Lauren recently posted..Me Made May ’13 – Week 3 Round-Up

Jane - I love my overlocker too. I’m sure I could be doing a lot more with it but it finishes my seams perfectly and that’s good enough for me! x

To Mrssmith, I have the same model as you and mine also stayed in its box for months because I was too intimidated by it. Then I watched this video and it all made sense: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ohtf7H_gyc
I can’t recommend it highly enough – go on, don’t be scared!!

Barb Barna - I have owned a serger since the eighties. I am on my second serger and I don’t know what I would do without it. I use it for finishing seams, making loads of knitwear and many a new mom has recieving blankets that I have finished with the serger.
It is well and good if you can finish your seams by hand or with bias tape or any of the couture methods, but I don’t have time. I would still be on the first item, LOL.
Keep calm and Serge on!!
Barb from Canada

Kelly - I am just starting to think about looking for a serger, either entry level or second hand. I’m mostly happy about finishing seams with zigzag/pinking combination, though I know a serger would look way more professional, but the real reason is I’d like to get some better results sewing knits. Thanks for reiterating that they don’t have to be too expensive!
Kelly recently posted..Me-Made-May Week 3

Cherie - I also have a serger. It is the Brother 1034. I love it! I put aside money every month to save for it. When I had saved enough money, I was so excited to purchase it. It has made a difference in my sewing. Now I am thinking about saving for a coverstitch!

Nikki H. - I have an old 3-thread serger at home, some kind of Japanese brand (I’m pretty sure it’s Toyota.) How much I paid for it– $0. My mom’s friend found it at a garage sale for $10, most likely by someone who thought it was broken or couldn’t figure out how to thread it. It’s not perfect– it tends to be finicky when starting a seam, it doesn’t cut the fabric, it just has a little guide on the side, and it took me awhile (and much frustration) to figure out that if the needle is ever-so-slightly cocked at an angle it will not sew at all. Id say its about medium difficulty to thread– tweezers are required but they have a well-labeled diagram right on the machine to show you where everything goes. But you know what, it gets the job done and I’m really glad to have it for as long as I can keep the thing running.
This post is very pertinent because I’m working on a garment that I was racking my brain trying to figure out how I’d finish the seams without resorting to my serger (the whole “traditional techniques are better” mantra making me feel guilty) but then finally I realized serging was the best I could do and said screw it and I serged it. And now I don’t feel so bad about it!

CarmencitaB - Put me in the cave with the rest of you! I serge and I don’t care what anybody thinks.
I had a bout of “Couture Police Fright” recently whilst considering serging fine lace and I did and I was right because in the end your are the one making your design decisions, it’s your sewing project and it should be finished the way you want. As I did say in the accompanying blog post, if Vuitton can coverstitch an entire collection, I can do what I want.
I did splurge and buy a Baby Lock Enlighten and I too didn’t blog about it at first because it’s an insane amount of hard earned cash, but like Ladybird, it’s Baby Love for me too.
CarmencitaB recently posted..How To Hem a Full Skirt Without Help

LM - Thank you so much for this post! So, so much! not just for the serger review but for addressing “the guilt”. I have been admiring the beautiful work of a few bloggers who don’t own a serger and don’t regard it too highly at all…and i haven’t bought one because i thought that if they can do that kind of work without one, I should be able to do it, too, right? well nooo, i don’t have their experience and/or their time and i don’t like my seam finishes. I have now decided that I want a serger but i am almost tempted to splurge on a higher end one because I was raised with the mentality to “buy the very best and take care of it so it lasts for a lifetime” …and the whole threading thing scares me sooo bad. glad to read all the other comments, it is so helpful to hear all the different experiences/opinions.

Mary K - I have a Babylock that is at least 15 years old and I am intimidated by it, too. I really need to take classes on using this specific model (my local sewing store only offers classes on the Bernina).

When I took it in to be serviced, the repair guy said the reason it was skipping was because of the low quality of my threads. So, if you’re having problems with your serger, try different brands of threads and consider spending way more on the thread than you might usually do—it may make all the difference in the world! It worked for me. (My WalMart brand thread cones were thoroughly dissed!)

maddie - I totally agree, a serger is necessary in this day and age. Whoever said that sergers are not needs is BOGUS (I’m going to use your word)

crystalpleats - Thanks for sharing. I have a serger I want to learn to use better. And you are more and more convincing me to get the Threads subscription every time you mention it! Thank you for being a reasonable voice regarding quicker methods. There is probably no reason to make sewing harder and longer than it needs to be.

Lori - I love my serger, always use it when I can for finishing seams and with knits constructing my entire garment. I like to make garments, many of them and the serger lets me do that quickly with great results. I bought a separate coverstitch machine a few years back and love it, too.
Lori recently posted..A Little Onsie with Cars

Alex - Ain’t it the truth? There is a kind of snobbery against projects that have been serged. That snobbery started to creep into my mind and I batted it way over the left field fence. My first serger was a teenee, tynee Singer Tiny Serger I got 15 years ago. It’s like a toy. I still us it along side my Brother 1034D Serger. Both serve an important purpose. The Singer Tiny Serger for small, delicate serging and the Brother Serger for heavy duty, fast serging. I’m glad to have both.

krystina - SO silly when people poo poo sergers, they save so much time! I felt guilty about buying one too, so I bought a used Singer for 90 bucks. I even felt guilty about that, but then one day I took it in for a tune up and the guy at the shop was geeking out over how much I paid for it. Let me tell you, I am so happy with the thing and how much time it saves me that I’m considering buying myself a fancy one a few years down the road!

Dinah - I am in the machine-quilting business and think of this serger vs. “higher ground” old-fashioned seam finishing very much like what I have run into with the hand quilting vs. machine quilting saga. I do machine quilting.. it’s faster and beautiful. There are traditionalists who say that it’s “cheating” to machine quilt and our grandmothers are rolling over in their graves in disappointment. Not me! IF my grandmother had had a machine that would have quilted, you can bet your bottom dollar she would have used it! Yes, there are times that doing a quilt by hand, or finishing seams the traditional way can be useful, but really times change and technology improves and I am all for it! I have 2 sergers. A basic model and a 5-thread one that has the cover-stitch capability. Love, love, love them.

Joelle - Thanks for the serger love. I’ve never felt shame for our love for each other, my serger and I. I inherited him from my grandmother, and honestly had oogled him since the day she got first brought him home. Granted, he may be a distinguished gentleman from the early 90′s, but he still had his vhs instructional video, color coded manual, and tool kit. We’ve known each other long enough now that I know his threading tricks. Occasionally, I think about trading up for a newer model, but he works, and I can’t justify ending our friendship until the bitter end. I just can’t imagine sewing without a serger.

Lewis - I’m sort of in between on this one.

I own a Brother 1034D too and I almost never use it. Each time it takes me like 30+ minutes to get it set up and adjust all the tensions etc when in most cases i could have felled or frenched a seam in much less time.

I think the source of the serger snobbery comes from RTW garments/fashion industry types. If you are looking at a RTW garment with no serging it is generally perceived to be higher quality since serging saves time/money in production. If you go to a high end store it is hard to find much serging. Now go to Old Navy or H&M and every seam in there is serged.

For home sewing I agree its more about making yourself happy with each project. If serging a seam makes you happy about your project then go for it! That’s what its all about right?

louize - I have been dreaming of a serger for ever, but have never managed to save enough for one/convince myself I really need one when times are tough, so thank you for this, I think I need to reassess my finances and see if I can pull a few euro together to treat myself, as it clearly is justified! I am not a high ground sewer, I make stuff for myself, to make me happy, and neater edges might make me even happier :)
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Jane - I love this post! I bought my overlocker for my 21st birthday and it is still going strong over 15 years later. It was a bottom of the line Bernette but still holds its price. I am looking to upgrade as I want a few more features (self threading is a must) but I couldn’t imagine sewing without one these days.

Tasia - I am surprised to hear that anyone would ‘serger-shame’ anyone! Who cares how you finish the inside of your seams? Sewing is all about doing what works for you. If you’re crunched for time, serging is where it’s at. Even if you aren’t crunched for time but like serging, do it! Life is too short to worry about how you’re finishing your seams and if the imaginary sewing gods are going to strike you down for not choosing the most labour intensive method. I’ll post about other seam finishes not because I hate sergers, but because not everyone has one and/or has the space and money to buy one, and I don’t want beginners to feel that they have to rush out and buy all the things just to learn to sew.

That being said, I love my serger! It’s a fancy, self-threading machine that I bought back in my early twenties, when I was much more irresponsible with money and didn’t sew anywhere as much as I do now. Now I’m glad I did as it was a great investment purchase. I don’t like threading my serger, so much that I used to serge with whatever colour was in there rather than change it. So for lazy me, a self-threading function was genius! Probably not everyone is as lazy as I used to be though. :)

So I suppose I am a lower-ground sewer too? If loving my serger is wrong I don’t want to be right!
Tasia recently posted..Introducing the next pattern…the Tofino Pants!

Lynn - I LOVE my serger. Honestly, I’m still a little afraid of it, but really, it’s either serging my seams.. or no finishing at all. I’m amazed by how much cleaner it is inside.
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SKP - When I worked in a costume shop and had access to sergers, I was converted. Good to know that home models are affordable, in case someday I have space to store one.

lisa g - couldn’t do without my serger! i divide my sewing life into “pre-serger” and “post-serger” because it made that much of a difference to me. i see the serger shaming occasionally and it’s nice to see you preaching that serging is not a lesser finish. i like slower hand finishes as much as the next person, but it’s just not realistic to do it all the time.
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SewingElle - I love my overlocker too (British English in Australia!).

I was a bit worried to hear May Martin, one of the judges on the great British sewing bee say that overlocking edges before sewing the garment together could stretch the fabric. She was talking about a loose weave woven Sandra was making into a jacket, just the sort of fabric you would be tempted to overlock as soon as you cut it out, because it frays a lot. The collar on Sandras jacket was a bit out of shape.

Anyone else hear May say this and agree with her? I’ve not noticed stretching when I’ve done this myself , but I haven’t overlocked a really loose weave woven before that wasn’t already underlined.
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Barbara J - I don’t have a serger … yet. But I’ve been using the overlocking stitch on my sewing machine. It’s not as pretty as a serger of course. All I need to do is change my foot and it’s a bonus when my thread colour already matches the fabric!
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K-Line - Lord, I love my serger (and I did pay a bomb for it). I’d have been just as happy to pay less. Alas, the one I really wanted (which really does work as well as they say) cost a fortune. But, since your last post, now I’m all into get a cover stitch machine. Do those come at ground level prices?? Or does one need to spend a lot to get a decent one, given how “niche” they are?
K-Line recently posted..The Summer Series: Five in Five, Take 3 (aka the knit top that warrants a muslin)

Melanie - Wow, that’s a lot of overlocker-love! I prefer vintage style and to me, serging just spoils the effect you are trying to emulate. Home sewers have only had access to domestic sergers since, what, the 60s? That’s a couple of hundred years in which we coped without them. So, I’m happy with my pinking shears, and the odd french seam or zigzag edge when necessary. I went to a beginner sewing class a few years ago and the teacher was telling the students about overlockers – these were people who were just beginning and hardly knew yet if sewing was for them. So the fact that she didn’t even offer pinking shears as a quick and cheap alternative irked me. You don’t always need a super-sophisticated machine to do something. Its like chopping an onion in a blender when a knife does the same job. And isn’t it a massive waste of thread?
That said, I don’t sew with knits…and clearly I’m in the wrong forum to be dissing overlocking…so live and let live I say…

milena - I have the same entry-level Brother serger everyone has (1034D) and I’m still learning how to use it. It’s hard to get the tension right! But I love having nicely finished seams, and even having to fight the machine a bit it saves me time.

And if you live in a large city, cruise Craigslist for a few weeks before you give up and pay retail– I found mine for $50 in pretty OK condition (a bit scratched up, but working well) and I see them listed for ~$100 all the time. I’d say $50-$100 to experiment with a machine is well worth it for those of us pinching our pennies.

Kay - I bought a Juki decades ago and still use it today. It’s a bit complicated so I only use two of the four threads and don’t adjust anything — I just change the thread to match my fabric. Even my son uses it when he hems his own trousers!

KathleenS - I have one, which I use occasionally. My main question is does everyone colour match thread? And if so, how do you justify the cost or how do you make it cost less? I have grey, cream and brown cones of overlocker thread which is fine, but if I wanted to match the colour I’d have to buy ordinary thread (x4) which would get used up so quickly.

Becky - I love my serger! After I got it was really the first time I started to have any success in sewing knits, and I use it on a lot of things now. I didn’t use it on my wedding dress that I made recently, since I was purposely doing that as a more couture project, but it made me pretty happy when I sewed some things since and got to use it to finish all of the seams! So much faster! (Mine’s an entry-level Babylock, too.)
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Sandra - I personally have never bought an overlocker, but reclaimed my mother’s a few years ago. I recently took it to be serviced and it does the job it needs too of finishing my edges – it just doesn’t like fine fabrics. I have been tossing as to whether it is worth the investment to upgrade but I figure why spend money when what you have (despite the age) does the job! The design decision is all mine and I would rather overlock (just about found myself typing serge!!) than have messy seams. If I am using an interlining I have found that I still overlock my edges and then tack them down with a coverstitch, because that is what I like. So moral of the story, each to their own :-)
Sandra recently posted..Finally, THE Lace Dress

corinne - I waited a long time before I bought my first serger. It was a mid-range Janome 634 D, have had it for 20 years, works like a dear. I still use it. A couple years ago I went for the big dog Bernina. What an amazing machine! It is also a cover stitch machine. (I have not used that function yet, sadly, way too much work to set up!!) So the take-away here is buy the serger. Prices now are more reasonable. Buy a separate cover-stitch machine. While the new machine does an absolutely perfect stitch, every time, way too much money to include the cover-stitch function. I am also a Threads Insider. Sunni is right. A great platform for information and tutorials. Go there, I think it only costs $12.95 per year.

Tanya - I am one of those people who prefer couture techniques and finish most of my garments with French seams. I had been planning on buying a Janome serger when I was gifted a brother just last week. My MIL snowed me how to use it this past weekend and I truly see it as being a time save. I will use it for knits and finishing seems on casual clothes, and save my French seams and bias tape for my silks and special clothes.

Ann Belcham - I have a Husqvarna 936 and love it. It is a top end machine and I can do 3/4/5 thread serging and cover stitch. I haven’t done the 5 thread or cover stitch yet but plan on it. I made piping using the serger and that was interesting.

Though I will never stop using my serger as it is perfect for finishing seams, I plan on making a shirt for DH without using the serger at all. Just for the fun of it.

I have to say, don’t be afraid of a serger. Play with it and, if possible, get a couple of lessons on how to use it. I took a two day course and learned a lot.

Ashley - I feel like I wrote this post! I love my serger, I hated seam-allowance finishing before it, and it really is dead useful and easy!
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VictoriaR - Thanks for the serger info, I toy with the idea of buying one. I have a serger that I inherited from my sister-in-law. It doesn’t have differential feed, but it finishes seams just fine and I use it often. The thing bout seam finishing is that I used to not do it at all! I have been sewing for years (learned in the late 60s) and I never finished seams on anything except the fanciest or raveliest fabrics. Never. I think the need for finishing all seams is over-rated. It is nice to do, but not necessary. I guess that puts me in the lower than low-ground camp on seam finishing!

Foster - I forked over money for a Bernina. I wish now I had bought a cheaper brand because I couldn’t afford to take the Bernina serging classes. I also think a lower priced model would have finished the seams just as well.

Sarah - I’m of mixed feelings about sergers (although not morally, psht, just personally). Years ago one was gifted to me, and it gave me nothing but trouble. Eventually it was so infuriating with tension problems and wavey stitching and everything that I passed it on, and have never regretted it. However, I think it was rather low end, and maybe a better brand would handle more nicely. Since I have started working with knits more frequently it sometimes seems like a good idea to give them another try, especially if I got one with coverstitch functionality, but my sewing machine WILL work for these things. And while there is certainly nothing wrong with serging raw edges, I genuinly enjoy using seam binding (that’s weird, isn’t it? I just love the lines of pretty colours inside of my clothing, and find it very satisfying to make everthing smooth and clean).

Eirini - I am relatively new to sewing (1 1/2 years) and recently I started sewing with knits. I don’t own a serger, although I found myself browsing over serger models at Amazon and other sites (mostly low-end). I am not sure whether it is a true need justified by the level my sewing (both from a quantity and a quality point of view) or just a supurflouous “luxury” item that will not even be used so often. So, yes, there is some guilt issue here! Mostly I finish my seams with a zig-zag stitch and I occasionally use a fancier method for more “special” garments. This discussion is very informative, it makes me reconsider my reservations about getting one. Thank you for this posting.

silvia - I too love my serger and wouldn’t sew without it. But I don’t make historically accurate or vintage clothes. I make stuff I like to wear. It’s a choice whether you need/want a serger. I bought mine in the mid 90s while at FIT and it still works great today (Bernette 04D I think) so I’ve got my money’s worth.

LunaLoo - I love my serger, it’s a Juki and on the low end scheme of things. But I’ll be darn if I can figure out how to thread the stretchy wooly threads that are so cool. Do you have any tips or suggestions?

eronoe - Since I am a pro-seemstres I always use the serger! Straight stitch and serger are usualy the only two machines used on woven fabrics (exept for specialls like buttonwholers and trensing). For stretch its sergers and flatlock/coverstitch machines.

I inow some people think it’s cheating, that pro’s go the easy way but acctualy the modern zigzag came AFTER the industrealisation of garmentmakeing. In other words, it’s a myth. Only amature homesewers have ever zigzaged their hems! HAH! ;)

The old fashion pro way of doing it is by french seem or handmade heming, there are ways of heming on straight stitch machines also but it only works on a few fabrictypes.

Frederic Kondracki - great serger I have very similar one, and I can’t say anything bad about it :)
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ClippedCurves - Finishing seams properly is just sewing snobbery! An overlocker (my family wouldn’t know what a serger was, they barely understand an overlocker!) is top of my present wish list for my just around the corner big birthday. I can’t wait.

LinB - Many of us aspire to sew garments that are as good as, or better than, ready-to-wear. Why, then, would we not want to use a serger to finish seams? Why would you not choose the most efficient, tidy way to keep your garment from raveling itself into nothing in the wash? Pinking is fine, binding is fine, zig-zagging is fine, turning under is fine, French seams are fine, felled seams are fine, raw edges can be fine. Not every application is right for every garment.

If you construct all your clothing completely by hand, then it is indeed “proper” to finish all your seam edges by hand.

If you use a sewing machine to construct your clothing, you should not be averse to the use of a serger in the construction of your clothing. If your objection to serging is that it is not a “traditional” seam finish, get over it. The dividing line for whether clothing was more likely to have been hand-sewn or machine sewn is 1860. Overlocking seam edges is NOT a particularly modern method of finishing seams — the first commercially-available merrow machine (overlocker, serger) came into wide use in the 1870s. (I learned on a Merrow brand merrower, tra la, before the term “serger” or “overlocker” became common. It lived in a college costume shop, and it was monstrous huge. Home versions are positively dainty in comparison.)

Caroline - I’ve taken a beginner serger course and have been trying to use my serger as much as I can to finish garments. However, my greatest challenge is not operating the serger itself, but figuring out how to serge all my seams. Serge before sewing? When I do this, I have trouble keeping the proper seam allowances (probably because I am not the straightest at serging!), plus my serger seems to reject single layer fabric. Serge together after? This seems to be okay on some stuff where the bulk doesn’t impact but I’m sure it isn’t the right path for all materials, even though my serger prefers it! Serge each on its own after? Again, the single layer issue, plus sometimes weird shapes (like I have a pocket in a skirt right now where the pocket layers were sewn to skirt front and back and THEN the pocket assembled – no idea how to finish that curve. Or around zippers. Etc. Have you ever considered doing a tutorial on how to finish a garment by serging? I for one would be your captive audience :) Thanks for the great post!

Lucky Me

Happy Summer Everyone! Ok, well maybe not all of you are experiencing summer like I am (its already hot and tottie here!) but Happy Summer anyway. I know its been pretty silent around here. I’ve been pretty bogged down with other things and blogging got pushed to the side for a bit. The shop has been hopping (yay!) and I’ve been teaching quite a bit and crazy enough I’ve been sewing a crap load too. Just haven’t had time to say much about it. Sometimes that’s the way things get around here and that’s good, but I start missing out on showing you fun techniques and sewing projects and all that jazz.

In addition to all the craziness that’s been going on around here, I decided to purchase a coverstitch machine. I’ve had my eye on procuring one for quite some time and I was finally able to treat myself to one and goodness gracious, let me tell you – I’m a convert. If you are unaware, this machine’s main function is for hemming knitwear. It does that whole double needle thing with what looks like a serged edge on the other side. It does more than just hemming, but yes, this is the sole purpose for why I really wanted one.

I had my eye on the Brother coverstitch machine – I was totally swayed by Elizabeth’s love for her coverstitch – and the Janome Coverpro. After reading Andrea’s take on the Janome, I opted to go for this little machine. The free arm and “Wow, it actually looks like a sewing machine, look at all that room on the right hand side of the machine” thing is what finally sealed the deal. I purchased the lower end newer version of the one Andrea has (the 900CPX rather than the 1000CP) and I’m totally thrilled with it. Mine is only capable of a double needle function (the Janome 1000CP and CPX have a triple needle function, but after much thought I didn’t really think this was something I would use) and I’m not able to move the needle for narrower or wider needle widths. I’m totally fine with this.

I decided not to go into a full-on review of this machine since I think Andrea did a first rate job of that here and if you were ever interested in purchasing a coverstitch machine, you should definitely hop on over to her blog and have a gander at what she has to say. Like Andrea, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money for one of the higher end models, but I still feel like I got a great deal for the money I did spend.

Additionally, I would like to state that I think coverstitch machines are a good investment only if you a) work with knits quite a bit and b) are completely dissatisfied with the hemming methods that your sewing machine can do. The more and more that I’ve come to work with knits, the more and more dissatisfied I was becoming with the hemming methods that work around not having a coverstitch, ie: twin needle hemming (mine always tunnels something awful and I always end up breaking the bobbin thread when I put the garment on, uggh!), blind hem stitching (one that I’ve become more attached to, but was still somewhat dissatisfied with) and finally self fabric or rib knit bands (my favorite of the three, but this method doesn’t translate to every style very well). I think its also worth stating that this machine doesn’t just magically work and not everything you do turns out perfectly. Like any other machine, it takes some getting used to and you’ll still have to invest in a few extra pieces for it to be able to do certain things better. Also, there are sergers out there that have a coverstitch function. I thought about going this route too, but ultimately, I LOATHE entirely changing settings and feet and needle plates and blah blah blah on my serger as it is and would rather smother myself with a pillow just have a separate coverstitch machine – though I know that not everyone feels this way so just do your homework if you ever plan to invest in one (PS ~ from what I’ve read, coverstitch machines are MUCH easier to thread than sergers, my own coverstitch being a complete cinch to thread).

Thoughts on coverstitch machines? Thoughts on hemming methods for knitwear?

Jenny - I am SO happy you posted this. I love working with knits (I can do wrap dresses in my sleep now) but I DREAD the hemming part. But I love the finished look. I tried with my serger but it still didn’t quite give me the finished look that I want. From your photos above, I know I MUST get a coverstitch machine. I’m going to Andrea’s blog now!

joelle - Thanks for sharing this information! I’ve toyed with the idea of a coverstitch for a while now, but it is still an investment that is in “someday it would be nice” territory. Last night was the first night though that I wished I had a second sewing machine,so I wouldn’t have to change out between my single needle and double needle! I have learned that with my machine, in order to have a nice double needle stitch, the bobbin tension needs to be loosened, which involves taking apart the bobbin case. Not hard, but a pain when having to switch between the two 3 times for a t-shirt, especially since it involves using tools. I don’t know if that would be an easier process on a newer machine, but I will definitely be doing a little research! Thanks!

Lise - I was afraid of sewing knits, but I’m really enjoying it now, after a few tries. The double needle hem seems to work ok for me, although you still need to trim the fabric closely afterwards. This post on the coverstitch machine is quite useful. I’m keeping it in mind for a potential future purchase. Thanks!

Peter - Joelle, if you’re going to do this often, it might be easier to purchase and extra bobbin case that is exclusively for your knit projects, set at exactly the tension you want it. It would make the process much easier!

Angela M. - I also bought a coverstitch not too long ago, for exactly the same reasons. You listed them exactly! I’m still learning to use it well, but I know it will be fantastic for all the knits I like to sew.

Dee - Thanks.. Very informative. At this point, I do not work much with knits but will keep this stored away in memory for when need it. Thanks, Dee

Diane @ Vintage Zest - I REALLY want a serger with a coverstitch function (because I can’t afford both right now). However, I would definitely love to have one of each. :) It just looks sooo beautifully finished, and yes I live in knits!
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LM - Thank you for the details! i think i should get one even just so i can re-hem the pile of store bought Ts that have broken hems…uuugh! What serger do you have? do you like it? I love knits but sewing them with my sewing machine is not pretty so i am trying to decide which should come first: the coverstitch or the serger? decisions, decisions :)
Have fun with your new toy!

Andrea - Yea! Glad you took the plunge as well. I think the Janome coverstitch is a worthy addition to the sewing room, and makes me feel more confident in what I decide to sew and more proud of the end result. Enjoy it!

Joelle - @Peter–THANKYOU! What a simple (and much cheaper) solution! My husband also might prefer/not even notice a second bobbin assembly vs. a second machine. : )

NewRibena - I also love my coverstitch machine as I often sew knits.

Lacey - Yay! Having the right tools for the job is half the battle – maybe more!

Holly - I’ve been eyeing coverstitch machines ever since I bought my serger a few years ago and was planning on buying one soon. My serger is a babylock eclipse with jet air threading and I looove it, it has given me no problems whatesoever, but I’m having a hard time deciding what brand of coverstitch machine I want. I look forward to hearing more about how this machine works for you!

maddie - Lucky you! Is it Christmas time? Christmas in June, well, May actually. Ha!

Thanks for the opinion about buying a separate coverstitch machine (rather than a serger that can coverstitch). I don’t need either machines right now (I’m sewing mostly bras and undies) but if I ever do, that will be a handy tip.

lisa g - can’t wait until i can get my grubby little mitts on one of these! enjoy!
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Debbie - Love, love, love my coverstitch. I’ve had one about 4 years now and you’d have to pry it out of my cold dead hands to get it away from me!

Alaskapsych - I am still trying to get brave enough to get a serger. But the stitching on that looks fantastic!

AnaJan - Lucky you, indeed!
I don’t have a serger, and that’s one of the major items I’d like to buy in the close future. The regular machine I have does a terrible work with knits, so I have no experience sewing them, but I’d love to change that. However, if I start sewing knits with a serger, I’ll need either a new sewing machine, or a coverstitch machine to complete the knit garments, and it sounds like a lot of machinery to buy at once. So far, I’ve opted to avoid knits completely, this being a solely reason.

Betsy - Oooh, I am so jealous! This is definitely something on my splurge list. I’ve head some horror stories about coverstitch machines, so it’s nice to hear positive reviews and tried and true success.

Trisha - Oooh, what a fun new toy! I LOOOOVE sewing with knits, and I recently posted some different methods that I use to hem knits.

(If you’re interested, here’s the post: http://madebytrisha.blogspot.com/2013/04/sewing-with-knits-top-3-problems-and.html

Have you tried wooly nylon thread in the bobbin with a walking foot? I highly recommend it!
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theperfectnose - Definitely want one of these. Have had my eye on the Janome version for a while now (next b’day maybe XD). I’ve got a very good finishing stitch for hems on my brother ns-20 but it doesn’t look great on thin drapey knits and since most of the stuff I make is knits…
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Lauren - So. I was just reading your blog, and I thought, “She looks really familiar.” Then I thought, “Oh yeah, she teaches that zipper class.” THEN I realized, “Hey, she is local!” And finally, I remembered that you cut my fabric for me recently at Yellow Bird. It is such a small world!! That same day, I met someone in the shop whose blog I had been following, and I had no idea until later that evening when I was reading some of her posts. Sewing brings us all together, huh?!
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Pin queen - Great timing on your post. I was just about to order one yesterday and got a bit scared. I’m off to press the button now. Many thanks!

secretlifeofseams - Interesting to read your thoughts on knit hemming. I’m pretty happy with the results I get with a twin needle on my normal machine. But I sometimes wonder if I have low standards with my finishes!

Stephanie - Ahhhhh!!! I’m so excited for you. Those photos are gorgeous – what a cool machine. A coverstitch is way up there on my wishlist.

I love working with knits and wear them daily, but am also completely dissatisfied with twin needles. If it’s thicker fabric I can get the hems to look ok, but light cotton or rayon? No way. It’s a mess.
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Handmade

I find that meeting people who share your passion wonderful. Meeting someone who shares your passion, has sewn practically everything, lives by you and is supportive of you is pretty much a needle in a haystack. But I’m here to say that it happens. I have a friend and mentor that is an insanely amazing woman. Leena has been around the sewing block. Lately when I’ve sewn something, I show her or I plan projects and get her input. I like getting her input because she gives me ideas for how to do this or that differently or maybe try this sewing technique or gives me her thoughts on color choice and style.

Leena is one of those types of people that would literally give you the shirt off her back if you needed it or probably if you didn’t need it too. She’s given me a TON of fabric from her amazing stash and then one day, she invited me over to pick out yarns because she wanted to weave me some fabric too. I know, I know! This is crazy, but yeah, these photos are of some fabric that she wove for me. Like on a loom with her bare hands and all. I really have no concept of how to weave fabric except to say that its pretty much magical and this is pretty much one of the nicest, most thoughtful gifts anyone has ever given me. Amazing, right?

I feel pretty spoiled and am quickly brainstorming a jacket to make out of it. Chanel style, cardigan jacket I think. What do you think? Do you have a sewing mentor in your life?

Wendy - Wow, thats a lot of luck you have there :) Sadly, apart from you amazing sewing bloggers, I sew pretty much in a vacuum, so a sewing mentor would be an absolute dream. Such beautiful and precious fabric, I think it’s asking for a Chanel style jacket that you will keep forever.

Sara - what a beautiful piece! i would love to learn to weave but i just don’t have the time right now.

sallie - This is such an amazing, beautiful gift!! What a treasure of a woman! I think the fabric would look amazing sewn up in a chanel style coat!

LinB - Bog jacket. (Threads magazine has articled this at least once. I’m sure they’re not the only source.) Takes the fewest cuts, uses an entire rectangle of fabric. The fit is loose and drapey, though, so you may not care for it. The cut is ancient, the fabric waste is zero, and there’s scads of room for embellishment.

Lauren - Wow, that is gorgeous! What a sweet and thoughtful gift! I love the idea of a Chanel style jacket, that’s such an iconic piece on it’s own, even better with such a special fabric.

Cherie - What beautiful fabric! I am fortunate in that I have two sewing mentors. They are constantly helping me with my sewing and never get tired of me talking about sewing. They’re awesome!

Andrea - Oh, Sunni what a special gift. The fabric is lovely and you are going to cherish the jacket you’ll make from it for life. I don’t have a sewing mentor, but as a result of participating in your Ginger sewalong I’ve made a blog friend (whom I’ve become quite close with despite the fact that we do not live in the same country!) who shares my interest in sewing and knitting. We’ve met in person and are even planning a sewing holiday together. It’s great to have friends to share our hobbies with!

Karen Helm - Definitely Chanel – cardigan style. That would be lovely…..

Anthea - What a special gift! The fabric is beautiful!

Maggie - That fabric is unbelievably beautiful! You certainly are a lucky girl :) I also think a Chanel-style jacket or something else simple and classic (like a sheath, maybe?) to really accentuate that lovely fabric!

Donna - That is gorgeous, gorgeous fabric!

Abaigael - This is beautiful and I can’t think of a better use for it. My Mum is my sewing mentor, I might have to persuade her to take up weaving!

EmSewCrazy - What a lovely friend and fabric! I think your Chanel idea is spot on!
My Grandmother mentored me through my first several sewing projects and still provides input over skype at times. I have two lovely ladies that I go to in the community when I’m stuck with a problem. Getting another’s opinion or fresh view of a project is very helpful.

Helen - Wow. STunning fabric! I’d be too scared to cut into it! I think your jacket is a great idea. It’s the perfect sort of fabric for that!

Krista - Leena, if you take a glance at this, my hat is off to you.:) That woven fabric…. wow! Sunni, I love that you’ve found her (or maybe she found you) and I think a Chanel sytle cardi jacket would be perfect! Cant’s wait to see what you make.

Sarah - Man, that is one awesome friend! (and some absolutly beautiful fabric. I can’t wait to see the jacket!) I’m pretty much the only person I know who sews clothing (although if I want to take up quilting, I could have some mentors for that), so people like you are my go-to moral support! Just seeing the things that all the lovely ladies in sewing-blog-land make, and their creative processes and tecniques, is an amazing inspiration :)
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Alaskapsych - That is so beautiful! I’d be so afraid to even touch it with scissors! I’m glad you are brave enough for it. A Chanel jacket sounds marvelous.

Sewing mentor? Since my mom died ten years ago (as of yesterday), I’d have to say my mentors are the amazing Sunni, Gertie, Ruth, Laura Mae, Peter and Novita, to name a few. And I’m very glad to have them.

LunaLoo - This is a beautiful weave! Whatever you decide to do with it, I hope you can showcase the beautiful fringe as well… You are lucky to have such a wonderful friend and mentor! I can’t wait to see what you put together with it :)

Rochelle New - Wow that is incredible!! I just wrote about how the sewing community is truly the best, most supportive group out there. This just proves my theory right. The fabric is absolutely amazing, a work of art really. I’m dying to see it made into a jacket. Just beautiful.

Carlee - Wow! That looks amazing! Can’t wait to see it as a jacket. My aunt and cousin both sew, and my sister took fashion in post-sec, so I suppose they are who I turn to first!
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Robin Richardson - Beautiful fabric

Nay - Amazing fabric… and done by hand! I must admit, I’m totally ignorant of the weaving process, but I can’t imagine it’s straight forward or everyone would be doing it. Flabbergasted!

Kristy - I’ve just joined the local group of the Australian Sewing Guild so now I get to hang out with like minded and very talented sewers each month, otherwise it would only by blog reading – sewing can be a lonely sport sometimes! And I’m so amazed at the fabric your mentor wove, it looks like a beautiful boucle

Helene - Wow. I’m blown away by your post on oh so many levels! First… well, I’m actually not sure what I’m blown away by first, but a list has to start somewhere, so first, the woven fabric itself is unbelievably stunning. Second, that it was handwoven with yarn you got to choose, and third, Leena’s generosity is clear. But last, and this is what I’m most blown away by, is that you have a mentor, and such an amazing one at that! I dream of having a mentor for my sewing. Truly lucky, you!

Gaenor - My mum is my sewing mentor, and I am lucky that she lives close enough that we visit each other every week, and can stay on top of each other’s projects (and yes, I get to raid her stash when I need fabrics or notions). What is even better is that she has her own sewing buddy, who is always giving my mum fabrics from her cupboard, items from her collection of makes, oh, and sourcing sewing machines for me. :-)

Gail - Beautiful fabric. I’d definitely go for a Chanel style jacket – I love the February Burda cover jacket. And count yourself lucky to have a sewing mentor. I need one!
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Becca - That is amazing! The fabric is absolutely beautiful. What a thoughtful gift. Chanel style jacket, for sure. It’ll be gorgeous!

Bec Stitches - Chanel style would be gorgeous:) lucky duck

Ginger - Wow! How cool! What an awesome gift!
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Debbie - What an amazing fabric, and what a great use for leftover (or brand new) yarn! This makes me want to learn how to weave. While I look up to many bloggers for tips and inspiration and use family and friends as sounding boards for projects, I’m sadly without a true sewing mentor.

Angela - All of you amazing sewing bloggers are my mentors! The person that I see IRL is Christine Haynes, because she works at SewLA. I would have to say she is a great mentor, always so supportive! That woven fabric is so amazing, I would be afraid to cut into it. I think that a jacket would be divine though.

Sarah - That’s a really beautiful fabric. The ladder yarn (the one with little squares of shiny colour), is one of my favourite yarns to use in weaving.

Tiffany - Sunni,

That fabric is GOR-GEOUS!!!!

A Chanel style cardigan jacket would be PERFECT!!! Have you thought about doing a jacket sew a long since you’ve been knocking them out left and right these days?

Just a suggestion from an adoring fan! :)

Stephanie - Leena is such an amazing resource – I’m jealous you have her as a mentor! I had no idea she weaved too! That fabric is gorgeous. I vote yes on the Chanel jacket.
Stephanie recently posted..RAGGAWEST @ Fancy Tiger Crafts

bravoeliza - Wow this fabric and the story behind it are incredible! A jacket’s a great idea – you’ll be able to wear/love/cherish it forever. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Robert Syrotchen - I was just talking to my cousin about finding a mentor. That would be awesome!

Zoe - My grandma & great grandma are my sewing mentors. One used to do wedding dresses the other has been a home sewer for ages. I love seeing what other people have in their fabric stashes, it’s so interesting. That fabric would look amazing as a bag or a jacket :)

poppykettle - Wow. Not only is that fabric nothing short of amazing… but what a friend! The sewing sphere really is an amazing thing to take part in :)

Angela - This is beautiful fabric, it will make an amazing chanel jacket!

Back to the Business of Sewing: the Robson Trench

I know I’ve promised a lot of stuff lately and I’m still planning to deliver, but as I juggle several balls at the moment, I’ve been simply aching to tackle the Robson Trench. Tasia does it again! I swear this girl is building a wardrobe of patterns for the Everyday Wardrobe. Everyday wearable, chic, classic, feminine patterns. And since its been unusually cold here in Utah lately, but yet not cold enough to warrant a full on winter coat, you could say that I’m in dire need of a coat like this.

So the Robson is on my sewing table at the moment. I went to the 40% off sale at Designer’s Resource (another local fabric store that specializes in home dec) and scored a pretty fabulous charcoal grey super fine wool. Its a suiting weight and seriously, the perfect color for a trench. Am I right? Woot, woot! I’ve got buttons coming and I’ve decided to line my version (I plan to show a tutorial on this) and I’ll show you my progress as I work on this coat. I expect it will be a fairly quick sew because I’ve sewn several jackets lately – so many jackets! I think I could make a jacket in my sleep at this point! Ha!

What’s on your sewing table this weekend? Any plans for a Robson in your future?

Lauren - Hey, I’m working on the Robson trench as well! :) Mine is going to be blue lace, though. Never mind that it’s way too warm now to consider trenches, I MUST HAVE.

Evie - The Robson coat is playing in my mind at the moment. RTW trenches invariably have the belts in the wrong place and overlarge collars. I may have to succumb….
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LM - Looking forward to the lining tutorial and those jacket tailoring techniques. Those were the main reasons i didn’t even consider this pattern. A trench coat without a lining is not something i would like to own. in general i like coats/jackets that have a bit of structure to them especially in the shoulder area. I am sure yours will turn out just perfect :)

MarrieB - The Robson coat is on my sewing table right now too! I’ve reached the home stretch, just need to set in my sleeves and then find buttons (probably the hardest part!) I’m making mine in a bluish-green cotton twill, with animal print bias tape. Looking forward to seeing your wool version, and the lining tutorial!

Leslie - Can’t wait to see how this turns out. The pattern has some great lines and your fabric looks perfect.

Kelly - Oh, I can’t wait to see this! Your coats are always fabulous. I need a trench coat, and I’m so torn – I have an old McCalls pattern that I’ve been dreaming of making for years, but the Robson is calling my name too…
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Becky T - I can’t wait for this tutorial. This is a project I’ve never had the guts to attempt.

This weekend is the final touches on my circa 1860′s walking dress to wear on Monday in the Pilgrimage to the Alamo. Well, just the petticoat actually and a gizmo I need to design to wear around my thigh to carry my keys and phone under my hoop skirt. And I need to hem hubby’s pants so he can wear his outfit as well to accompany us ladies in the parade.

annanic - I can’t wait to see your finished coat. I’ve been on the fence about picking up this pattern. There are so many things I feel like I ought to make first but it seems like it’s just calling my name…
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Gail - Now this is a trench I could get excited about. In Sydney, it only gets cold enough for a trench.
Gail recently posted..Evolution blouse

Sandra - I have just finished an afternoon/evening with my Robson Jacket (because I’ve shortened it so I can’t call it a coat). So far so good. However, I originally planned to make my own bias, but after today I’m off to the shop tomorrow to buy some :-) Love that you are going to line your coat – I’ve just put an interlining on my. Looking forward to following your Robson.
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Bec Stitches - oooh that material looks divine!
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Nay - I’ve just picked up a trench pattern too! I love a pattern that accentuates the feminine waist. Love the idea of using suiting, and yes – perfect colour!
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Judi Short - The tiramisu dress is still on my table. I got the skirt done (in muslin first, it was huge! so I resized the pattern and cut it out again in the “real” fabric, which fits well). I made the top, and it came out skin tight, so I cut the next size up with a B cup instead of A, it is constructed except for the side seams, waiting for an afternoon where I have time to test the fit and attach to the skirt. Because I was testing the fit for top and bottom, I missed the construction part that said sew the side seams last, so my waist will be the last seam. Meantime the bias skirt has been hanging, doesn’t seem to have stretched much so should be ready for hemming.

LLBB - dying to make myself one!! Can’t wait to see yours, i’m sure it will be fabulous. When I make mine I am hoping to use a belt buckle like in this lucky version.
http://thecuriouskiwi.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/fo-wellington-specd-sewaholic-robson-coat/
Do you have anything in your shop that would work for that??

Angela - That is going to be adorable! I would love to make a Robson! Maybe when I get though some of my current projects!