Discussions about general sewing
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by caroline-jasons_mom on Sat Jan 05, 2008 5:35 am
Hi-I need some input on this one-I began sewing in July and bought a pretty basic Brother machine from Wal-Mart. I tend to go all out when I start a new hobby and told myself to just get a basic machine now and if I really enjoy sewing then I can get a better machine later. OK so its later- The machine I have now is great for basic sewing- never had problems (knock on wood) etc… Well Hancocks is having a big sale next week and they have this really nice machine with over 66 different stiches/auto button hole etc. It is also computerized where as my old machine is plain jane. Here is my delima- They also have a serger on sale that the ladies at Hancocks who sew swear by-
My question is– Will I ever realistically use 66+ different stitches??? Im also afraid of the whole computerized stitch thing- will it last etc… OR do all of you use a serger. I will probably never sew for anyone else other than my kids and kids of close friends. If I won the lottery I would buy a monogram machine!! But I have a friend who’s father can do this for me for pennies. So all I really need is a GOOD machine that I can use to make bishops (one day!)/jumpers/blankets/playclothes/ etc…
I dont have a problem spending the money- The new machine runs about 189.00 and the serger is a Juno (?) reg 329.00 on sale for 179.00!!Any advice would help. Thanks
Myra
caroline-jasons_mom member
Posts: 19 Joined: Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:32 am Location: Lafayette, LA
by shediditagen on Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:16 pm
I think I would get a serger, it is wonderful and fast to sew with and better yet for finishing seams for everyday wearables…….not for heirloom duds.After the new wore off of my fancy stitch machine, I find I did not use those too often. Nice when you want some though.A good zig zag and a buttonhole are the main things on a basic sewing machine, especially starting out. Sounds like you are doing fine with your sewing now….. pictures?
Betty
Sewing mends the soul
shediditagen Still Stitching
Posts: 2846 Joined: Tue Feb 01, 2005 7:31 pm Location: Springfield, Missouri USA
by Karens Krafts on Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:10 pm
Oh, you’ll love the serger for all the knits you do! And a mechanical machine is so much easier to get repaired than the computerized ones. I vote for the serger. Karen
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Posts: 1737 Joined: Thu May 11, 2006 4:46 pm Location: Southern California
by Carol on Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:35 pm
I know most of you ladies use a serger, but I’ve been sewing for eons without a serger and except for maybe a few times, have never felt the need for one. I make mostly baby and kids clothes and french seam most things, or line them, where the zig-zag on the machine is adequate. I use one of the less expensive computerized Bernina machines with tons of feet. One of my favorite is the pintuck foot for piping.
Carol
Carol junior member
Posts: 99 Joined: Wed Dec 01, 2004 12:56 am
by rougealar on Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:31 pm
Myra, I bought two machines in 2007. In July I bought a serger and used it quite a bit for regular seams. It makes a nice flat finished seam. In October I bought a Baby Lock Esante that has computerized stitches (I was using a mechanical Kenmore) and I have to tell you the difference in the stitching is amazing. I haven’t really used my serger too much since. The computerized machine has such a nice selection of zigzag stitches and sews so nicely that I love using it over the serger. I always seem to have a little control issue with the serger. Even when I try to go slow it seems like it’s jerking the fabric through my fingers. Another thing about sergers is, for me anyway , sewing curves is a bit of a challange at first. Of course as with anything the more you do it the better you become. If I were you I would try both types of machines out and see what works best for you. I will never again buy a machine without trying it out. And I don’t mean you have to buy a Esnate, but if I were you I would try a computerized sewing machine out 
rougealar senior member
Posts: 385 Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2007 3:04 am Location: Toledo, Ohio
by HoltsSadie on Sun Jan 06, 2008 4:17 am
I too, sewed for years without a serger. I was afraid of them!!! But now I have two. I have a janome Mylock and a Babylock Imagine. I keep the janame threaded with white thread and use the Imagine for color changes as it is easier to thread.I got hooked on the serger when I was sewing so much for ebay, it helped with the speed of getting work turned out quickly.For making children’s clothing, to me , it is a must. I can make a little pair of pants in 15 minutes, and for knits of course it is wonderful. I never use it oc sourse for my heirloom garments, but you can.
Sara
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Posts: 486 Joined: Tue Aug 28, 2007 4:54 pm
by nonie on Sun Jan 06, 2008 5:36 am
I love my serger, if its down for some reason I feel I can’t sew even though I have a computerized sewing machine, that has tons of stitches. Sewing for the kids has made the serger my machine of choice. I can whip out jammies, or pants in no time at all.
nonie Super Sewer
Posts: 7589 Joined: Tue Jun 22, 2004 9:36 pm
by minnie63 on Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:07 am
The serger is the thing to get. Doesn’t your basic machine make button holes? That’s all you need for now. Those other stitched are great but you really won’t use them all. A serger will truly make your sewing more professional, trust us. 
Life is good.
minnie63 junior member
Posts: 65 Joined: Fri Aug 17, 2007 4:00 am Location: Marrero, LA
by HoltsSadie on Sun Jan 06, 2008 4:09 pm
Both my regular machines are also embroidery machines. They both have a ton of fancy stitches, but I rarely use them. My Ellageo makes a gorgeous shell tuck stitch that I use on heirloom garments, like slips or diaper shirts. It can also do a great hemstitch, but I rarely use that, as I would rather do real entrdeaux. My Janome has a foot called a gathering foot and it is indespensible to me for ruffles. I use the Ellageo, mostly, as it makes a beautiful straight stich. For heirloom sewing, I keep them both threaded and ready to sew for different things on each.
Sara
HoltsSadie senior member
Posts: 486 Joined: Tue Aug 28, 2007 4:54 pm
by Memmie on Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:06 pm
I would have to say get the serger, too! I just recently bought one and it is a true timesaver. You can make pants in 15 minutes! Like everyone else both my embroidery machine and my sewer make tons of fancy stitches. I rarely use them. Buttonholes and basting stitch are the things I use most. I promise, you will love your serger!
Nikki
Memmie member
Posts: 19 Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:02 pm Location: Southwest Houston
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