PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,280 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,280 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
12 
Member since 8/24/09
Posts: 128
Send Message
Posted on: 2/14/11 5:41 PM ET
I think this is pretty generic, as it could apply to any/all new "toys/tools" aka sewing machines/sergers/coverstitch, etc.

I'm getting a new serger tomorrow (hopefully being delivered)...

But what to do/learn in the wait?

I've spent weeks/months researching & test driving. I scoured the ads/coupon codes & found a great deal.

I've looked at the manual online. I've read the reviews here & done searches (though I find the search feature horribly frustrating!).

So experts - tell me what YOU do while you are waiting for a new "baby" to arrive...and the first few things you do after you get it home!!!
------
Single Mom to a toddler & sewing in the evenings!
  
Member since 4/19/10
Posts: 140
Send Message
Re: What are the beginner things you should do with a new machine? (posted on 2/14/11 6:35 PM ET)
Hmmm... shop for patterns and fabric? :)
I've had my serger about 9 months now, and have been working through whatever serger books and videos are available at my public library, trying to decide which ones are worth purchasing as reference material.
There's also looking into classes to help you get the most out of your serger.
Congrats on your new purchase, we'd love to see a review of it when you get a chance!
  
Member since 3/13/05
Posts: 687
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 2/14/11 6:43 PM ET
Congratulations for your new baby.

When I got my Juki serger, I watched the video that came with it, threaded it, and tried out a few things following the instruction manual. Then I made a small window panel using fabric from Joann's clearance section. It took like minutes. I also made a fleece blanket for my DH.

Enjoy!
  
Member since 1/31/11
Posts: 139
Send Message
Posted on: 2/15/11 1:17 PM ET
Use it. Practice on some scrap. Make some of the no pattern projects from some of the beginning books. Read lots if books. My idea was to make a bunch of multiple layer potholders as my first project. Just serged together various leftovers and tried various stitches and shapes for the practice but they turned out so useful: just kept a pile of them near the oven & microwave. Now I need to make some more as I don't worry if they disappear.
  
Member since 1/13/10
Posts: 956
Send Message
Re: What are the beginner things you should do with a new machine? (posted on 2/15/11 2:41 PM ET)
I was very gung ho when I ordered mine (2 months ago!). I took it out of the box and checked to see if it worked, and then suddenly became intimidated. So it's been sitting there. I feel guilty. I just haven't had a good clear day to sit down with it and figure it out.

Potholders, napkins, easy square things -- very good ideas.
  
Member since 1/31/11
Posts: 139
Send Message
Posted on: 2/15/11 5:32 PM ET
In reply to HarrietHomeowner
Is it still threaded? Tie on some new thread and pull it through and start playing with it. Get Serging Secrets to be inspired by what you can do. Before long you'll wonder what you were ever intimidated by. If you have trouble threading be patient, start over, it'll either work or it won't, if it doesn't try again the ahha moment will come. I threaded mine wrong first time, spent a few more minutes studying it and the diagrams and before long had it going. Get a book on the basics that shows the knitting process these machines do and how they do their "magic"-- but serging is fun I much prefer to use my serger over my sewing machines.
  
Member since 8/24/09
Posts: 128
Send Message
Posted on: 2/15/11 8:22 PM ET
In reply to tnrnchick74
MY NEW SERGER IS HERE!!!!

It's taken me 1 hour to get it threaded correctly, but I did it!!!

I've got a few samples for my "sample" book along with appropriate settings!!!

Now to start my son's new outfit!!!

OMG I love this machine!!!
------
Single Mom to a toddler & sewing in the evenings!
  
Member since 12/20/07
Posts: 277
Send Message
Posted on: 2/16/11 9:49 AM ET
Read the manual and, if applicable, watch the video. Then learn to thread it and do test scraps of different stitches on different types of notebooks. KEEP these. Start creating your own reference workbook of stitches on different types of fabrics, for future reference.

Then you won't be afraid of your machine and will actually USE it, rather than look proudly at it. Ask me how I know this!
------
Total Stash at end of 2013 -- about 750 yards.
2014 Total Items Sewn -- 1
2014 Total Stash Used -- 2.5
2014 Total Items Embroidered -- 2
2014 Goal: Sew 1 garment per month. Less stash at end of 2014 than at end of 2013.

Machines: Babylock Ellisimo; Viking Platinum 770; Brother 900D
Serger: Baby Lock Evolve
  
Member since 8/24/09
Posts: 128
Send Message
Posted on: 2/16/11 8:04 PM ET
In reply to Lucy in Virginia
Quote: Lucy in Virginia
Read the manual and, if applicable, watch the video. Then learn to thread it and do test scraps of different stitches on different types of notebooks. KEEP these. Start creating your own reference workbook of stitches on different types of fabrics, for future reference.



Then you won't be afraid of your machine and will actually USE it, rather than look proudly at it. Ask me how I know this!

Manual - check
DVD - not one, but found a few on You tube
Test scraps - done
Started my reference book!!!

Not afraid of the serger, especially now that I have conquered threading! I LOVE it!!!
------
Single Mom to a toddler & sewing in the evenings!
  
Member since 11/23/09
Posts: 441
Send Message
Posted on: 2/16/11 10:51 PM ET
This dress is a good one serge. Only two places that you have to join the circle.

Even though I'm not thrilled with the dress...due to design, but I think I'm going to make a tube top and I'll be happier...it was great to use my serger. Lot of loooonnnnnggg serging.

You can also make pillow covers from fleece.

Or a cover for your new baby.

Have fun!
------
http://asgchicago.wordpress.com
  
12 
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Discovery Fabrics
High Performance Fabrics
Specials!
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Elliott Berman Textiles
High-end Fashion Fabrics
Specials!