I got a serger for Christmas! It is a Viking Huskeylock 905; basic without a computer. The clerk said it could everything the next one up could do, but without a computer. There are charts in the owners manual. I plan to sign up for classes, because I have never used one. What books do you all recommend? Any special warnings or tips? I have purchased Serger Secrets, a Rodale book, but it seems to be talking to people who already know what they are doing. Anu suggestions will be welcome.
Margaret-Ann
Replies
Practice Practice Practice on lots and lots of scraps before doing your first garment. That is the best advise that I can give you. Then move on to something simple like a t-shirt or perhaps a table cloth and napkins. Just remember after you have serged it you can not add the fabric back. There are also several good books available about serging and the best one for you would be one that is specifically addresses your serger.
Thanks Terry
I signed up for a class. I already managed an overlock hem on a piece of muslin. What kinds of fabric do you recommend for practice?
Margaret-Ann
I was fortunate that the store that I bought my serger from gave unlimited free machine lessons to anyone that bought a sewing machine or serger from them. That's how I learned to thread mine, etc., and my first project was a blanketsleeper for my new grandson. I figured that even if it came out awful, it would still be warm, and nobody but his parents and I would really know! But it came out awesome! I remember when I showed it to my son, who was a little nervous, I think, because he didn't want to hurt my feelings, and he knew it was my first effort, he looked pretty awed and said "Wow Mom, it looks . . . real! Like you bought it in a store!" I was so pleased. So I say Go for It! Enjoy! Serging is wonderful!
Margaret Ann
I would recommend any type of fabric but especially those that you like to sew with as those will be the ones that you will tend to purchase. Also as a rule I still cut swatches from the items that I am sewing on to make a test swatch so that I know that I have my tensions set the way they should be to get the effect that I want.
Good luck and keep warm thoughts for those of us here in the midwest that are now experiencing sub zero temps both day and night. I long for 20 degrees again it will feel like a tropical heat wave. I guess that is why I bought some many summer weight fabrics the other day, just dreaming about the time I will be comfortable wearing them.
Well, Terry, I live in Ohio where it is cold, but not so cold as where you are. Thanks for the information.
Margaret-Ann
MargaretAnn, two of the best books for beginning Serger operators are by Palmer/Pletsch. Off the top of my head, I think the first is simply titled Serging and the second is Creative Serging. Check out their web site and look up books: http://www.palmerpletsch.com
They also have four serging videos that are excellent. You'll feel like you are in a class with them.
The advice to practice, practice, pratice is also great advice. Most of all, remember to have fun with it!
Mary Ann Duff, CSI
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