Schph Gochi
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"traveling through hyperspace ain't like dustin' crops boy"
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Post by Schph Gochi on Apr 18, 2004 16:36:21 GMT -5
I will be listening in on this one too.....I don't have a serger...and probably won't invest in one....I did buy pinking shears, but have been reluctant to use them. I had a friend serge all the pieces of my last robe before I sewed it, but I feel like such a pain bothering her all the time. I think one would have to do a great deal of sewing to merit buying a serger....and I just do a few costumes and that is about all.
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JediKai
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Post by JediKai on Apr 19, 2004 2:38:39 GMT -5
I've never sewn with a serger. I used pinking sheers as a teenager but never since. You could certainly use them as they would stop any tendency to fray.
Linen is more likely to fray. But my tunics are made of it and I haven't had any problem.
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Post by Laan Kro on Apr 19, 2004 7:47:39 GMT -5
Thanks, Kai, that helps. I've never sewn with a serger either, but I have used pinking shears. I'm still deciding whether to go linen or silk so what you said is encouraging. If Nova, or any of the other seamers, want to chime in it would be most appreciated. Thanks again, Kai. I'd be curious to hear what you decide. Laan
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Post by Nova Darklighter on Apr 19, 2004 23:06:15 GMT -5
There are 2 solutions to the serging finish aside from pinking shears, which will help. There is a small attachment that you can buy for about $25.00 or $30.00 that will do pretty much the same stich and edge cut, it is attached to or by the presser foot, not sure how reliable these are, I have one, but I have never used it, comes under the heading of emergency supplies. The other solution is to use a fairly wide zig-zag stich and go over the edges of the seams, sewing them together,this works best with narrow seam allowances, under 1/2 inch-3/8ths is best for this. Or, for best results, sewing the edges of the individual pieces before sewing them together, if using this method, try to cut your seams as straight as possible, also a good idea to sew a straight line of stiches just inside the zig-zag line, this is a bit of extra work but probably the best solution, used to be seen on expensive off the rack stuff, before the serger. Both silk noile & linen are about the same for ravel factor, but the silk will get nice & soft after a few washes, but as for either fabric, wash & PRESHRINK before cutting, it will decrease the tendency of a loose weave to unravel. Let me know how it goes.
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Post by Laan Kro on Apr 20, 2004 8:45:40 GMT -5
Thank you, Nova. I have one question: towards the end of your post you said to sew a straight line of stitches just inside the zig-zag line. Is this zig-zag line from pinking shears or is it the zig-zag stitch you mentioned? I don't mind any extra work it takes, I want it to be durable. I'll definitely wash and dry before cutting. I've made that mistake before! Laan
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Post by Nova Darklighter on Apr 21, 2004 0:29:04 GMT -5
I'm sorry, overcast the edge of the fabric (right on the edge) with zig-zag stiches, (cut the fabric with straight scissors) inside the zig-zag stiches, but right next to them, sew a line of straight stiches, stich the garment together in the normal place for the seam allowance, the edge stich lines are there to prevent raveling, the seam stiches hold the garment together. With this method you would not use pinking shears at all
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Post by Laan Kro on Apr 21, 2004 9:37:19 GMT -5
Thank you, Nova, that's what I thought you were describing. It puts me at ease that I can duplicate a serger without buying one. So far I haven't been able to find someone I could recruit to serge for me, but now I don't have to. Thanks again for everyone's help! Laan Kro
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Post by Nova Darklighter on Apr 21, 2004 23:12:52 GMT -5
May the Force Be With You! and Let me know how it does for you.
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JediKai
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Post by JediKai on May 14, 2004 2:14:18 GMT -5
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Post by Laan Kro on May 14, 2004 9:25:15 GMT -5
Way to go Kai! This is my week to order my fabric. ;D
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Post by Laan Kro on May 14, 2004 13:38:52 GMT -5
OK, I couldn't wait. I went ahead and ordered it today. I guess I'll be sewing next week!
(cracks knuckles in getting-down-to-business mode)
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Schph Gochi
Message Board Member
"traveling through hyperspace ain't like dustin' crops boy"
Posts: 9,278
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Post by Schph Gochi on May 15, 2004 6:55:26 GMT -5
;D
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Post by Laan Kro on May 19, 2004 9:26:26 GMT -5
My linen arrived yesterday! ;D I've never ordered fabric online before, but man, am I impressed with fabric.com. It came very quickly and the quality is fantastic. They did two things that surprised and impressed me. One was that they included three 9-meter spools of ribbon for free, just for being a new customer. I can't figure out a use for pastel colored ribbon on my tunic, but my wife was happy to have it for Christmas wrapping. The other thing was that they, as a practice, sell what they call a "Phoenix yard," similar to a baker's dozen. Basically, their "yards" have three extra inches added for free, to a limit of one free yard per order. I ended up with a foot and a half for free. I washed and dried the linen twice last night, which only made it look better. That was my first time washing linen and I was surprised by how much lint came out of the dryer--someone could knit a sweater with what came out of that lint catcher! Thanks, Kai, for the link to the fabric sale!
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JediKai
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Post by JediKai on May 19, 2004 21:08:40 GMT -5
You're very welcome. Phoenix is absolutely my favorite fabric store, including both on line and brick-&-mortar. They're fast, accurate and fair. I forgot about the "phoenix yard".
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Post by Laan Kro on May 20, 2004 8:21:55 GMT -5
Well I'm certainly impressed with them so far! I picked up some light muslin last night, for my lining. I washed and dried it twice so I think I'm ready to start cutting. As soon as I have everything cut out I'm going to use one of Nova's suggestions for how to duplicate a serger.
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