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Post by DietVanillaMike on Apr 30, 2005 21:44:41 GMT -5
^^^^^^^BUMP^^^^^^^
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Post by Ani-Chay Pinn on May 5, 2005 20:59:23 GMT -5
You're starting with a serger? Well, that is jumping into the deep end of the pool a bit. First thing is, did you get the manual with it? The manual for my serger has been essential for the learning process. If you don't have the manual, can you find the manufacturer's web site and see if it's there? Is it very old? The model number should be on it somewhere and that would help with tracking down the manual. My mother's sewing machine was a White, but I don't know anything about the brand. Sergers can be complex, but once you get the hang of them, they're fine, but pictures in the manual helped me a lot.
Sergers are great for finished, inside seams. No ravelling threads on the inside, looks really professional; it's great. But you can't hem or top stitch with it. So, a regular sewing machine is still good to have. The sergers sews pieces of fabric together and is good for some kinds of edges -- I made places matts and flannel handkerchiefs with mine.
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Post by DietVanillaMike on May 6, 2005 7:14:16 GMT -5
i got mine running the other day and destroyed a couple of pieces of fabric with it, its a monster it eats right throught the stuff, of course i had no idea what to expect then, i wentt o the library and checked out a serger handbook, but i dont have the manual, but i havent checked the site yet. I have somebody helping me learn too, and they think ill have some costume by the end of next week, but we will see
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Post by Ani-Chay Pinn on May 6, 2005 19:43:52 GMT -5
Aaaah, having a person there to help you is always the best way!
Yes, sergers do go through everything fast! Keep a trash can handy and police those long bits of fabric coming off the serger or you'll be ankle deep in the leavings in no time. And sergers eat up thread, too. That's why serger thread comes on those big spools even though it's really the same thread you use for regular sewing.
If you're just getting started, try making your costume out of cheap, disposable fabric first! It's nearly impossible to make adjustments on clothes that have been put together with a serger. And if you get something too small, the only thing you can do is start over. And if you don't have a regular sewing machine, you will still need to be hand sew the hems.
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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 7, 2005 4:05:01 GMT -5
I have no serger.....and sewed my first Jedi costume completely by hand.... but I did purchase a White sewing machine about 2 years ago...and it has been a blessing....I got the whole thing with a case for under $100.00.....it was supposed to be used..but I sure can't tell.
Search your local "Trading Times" and garage sales for people selling a machine......ask them to try before you buy.....I know a lot of people get a machine with the intent that they will sew a lot...then never do...and now that a lot of people are in "spring cleaning" mode...you never know what you may find..
My machine is very simple...doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles...but it works great...and I can add leather needles and double needles and all sorts of stuff...
keep looking.... I someday hope to find a serger..but there too...I will probably buy a used one...
And...see if you can write the manufacturer of the serger a letter seeking an instruction manual if yours didn't come with one....sometimes the information you seek may even be on line.
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Post by Nova Darklighter on May 7, 2005 21:59:47 GMT -5
Serger is good for what it does, & might do more than 1 thing it depends on the age & model. Mine will do hems & bead edges and more, but the heavier 1 will not it only does 1 thing, but what it does is great & fast. Trash can essential! Does it do 2 separate chain stiches or a single 4 thread 1? More tommorow, closing time! Go online, get manuel, it is ESSENTIAL!
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