Replies

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Oct 09, 2008 08:07am | #1

   Hi!  I love my Huskylock 936 and have owned it for about a decade now.  It's the best investment I've made in my 40 years of sewing experiences.  It is stable (no vibrations), sturdy, runs smoothly and efficiently, stitches perfectly on sheers to denim and velvets.  It makes lovely rolled hems. ( I do use the Coverstitch and Chainstitch functions often, especially on knits, the main difference between the 910 and 936 I believe).  I use a variety of yarns and heavy decorative threads in it, even delicate silk, cotton, or rayon threads.  It gathers like a dream!  You can even make your own piped cord and bias binding with it.  I've even made some scarves and little purse fabric out of just yarns, threads, and water soluble stabilizer.  Small quilted projects too.  It's a major workhorse, has only been in the shop for check ups and to make sure I didn't bend the loopers once when I first got it and was learning to use a serger.  It's the best machine I've ever owned.  I' prefer the Schmetz needles and have used all sizes from the tiniest to large topstitching without problems.  I vacuum it, NEVER use canned air. 

   I still appreciate and utilize the "sewing advisor" feature, and the computerized settings, which the 910 has too.  I recommend you buy the large manual with the 3 ring binder which really has great info that's not in the little owners manual. 

   If you have alot of experience with sergers, you might be just as happy with the 905.  Have you test driven them yet?  Hope this helps.  Mary

1. 
   Slumberbug | Oct 09, 2008 02:45pm | #2

   Hi Mary,

   I did test drive them and it sounds like you are the queen of sergers doing everything it will do.  I am leaning towards the 910 just because I just use it for basic serging and probably won't do anything "fancy".  I am love to smock and anymore (now that my 3 girls are grown) do basic sheaths, skirts, household items and grandkids smocked items.  Both my embroidery maching and regular machine are computerized Husqvarnas and I love them.  I guess I was thinking I could do most things with them and the 905 would be sufficient for my basic serging needs.  Thanks for your help and opinions. 

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Oct 09, 2008 06:01pm | #3

   If you are into smocking, have you been to http://www.marthapullen.com website?  She has some books for sale on her website for heirloom serging.  I have Kathy McMakin's book on serging for babies. 

   I don't work for them, but I have the HV Rose and the Designer I and also love my Vikings, I still believe they have the most perfect stitches and ease of use.  I think you would love their sergers and might surprise yourself how much more you might utilize it.  I understand your delimma, with the cost of new machines these days.  I do love the sewing advisor on my serger and use it more than I do on the sewing machine.  Even though you can easily override the settings, I have never needed to unless I am using specialty threads or for gathering. 

    The serged rolled hem makes very pretty "pintucks" and you can make your own ribbon out of fabric just by roll hemming the edges.  If you do any joining, or lace insertion, the rolled hem really helps.  You can also do a flatlock stitch and insert ribbon in the stitches.  This would compliment your smocking well. 

   http://www.lindaleeoriginals.com has some great info too.  She has a serger workbook, serger specific patterns, and also co wrote my favorite serger book, Serger Secrets.  That book shows how to do so many things I never imagined doing with my serger.  It really inspired me.  When I bought the 936, I was sewing alot of knits and fleece so I needed the Coverstitch machine, thought I'd just use it for that and for finishing seams.  I surprised myself and now use it more than the sewing machine. 

   I'm not the "Serger Queen" just a person with the "urge to serge" more than sew.  I believe you will love your new machine!  Mary

1. 
   Slumberbug | Oct 10, 2008 03:10pm | #5

   Thanks for all the informative information.  I have owned a basic White serger for about 10 years now and loved it.  I wore it out!

   Now I'm going to take your advice and at least get the basic computer model.  That should do it for me.  And I can't wait to check out the serger book.

   I love Martha P.....have subscribed for years to that and several other smocking magazines.  And Threads of course. 

   I've recently resumed crocheting for some beautiful blankies for my grandson and soon to arrive grandaughter.   And yesterday I bought some beautiful brown yarn for a throw rug you knit.  All I need is a rocker and a kitty cat.  HA HA.

   Have a great day and again thank you for your information. 

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Oct 10, 2008 11:47pm | #6

   I really think you will be very happy with either model.  You are quite the prolific seamstress!  We'd love to see some of your creative accomplishments!  Can you post some photos?  Those babies will be warm and cozy in their "heirlooms" from Grandma!  Mary

    

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Oct 10, 2008 11:52pm | #7

   There are some other interesting posts on smocking here.  If you go to the "Advanced Search" and click on it, enter the word "smocking" and they will appear.  Solosmocker is one of our members you might want to check out.  Mary

3. 
   Slumberbug | Oct 11, 2008 04:24pm | #8

   Thank you MaryinColorado.....I appreciate your help.  Most of my photos are of the babes in their outfits and I am not comfortable getting their photos on the internet.  I'm not that creative just like to make them nice things to wear and I am lucky that my kids appreciate them and let them wear them to the grocery store as well as to church.  It's fun.  And off I go to finish that baby girl home from the hospital bishop.

    

4. 
   MaryinColorado | Oct 11, 2008 07:12pm | #9

   Sounds adorable!  Your kids and grandkids are so blessed to have such a loving Grandma who is so talented!  A new baby girl, how exciting!  Enjoy!

   Have you ever made one of those quilted things that go in the grocery carts for the grandkids?  I've seen them at http://www.nancysnotions.com and Clotildes" and considered making them as gifts for new parents. 

   My grandkids are older now and I am always warning them about internet predators.  I know how you feel and agree with you not being comfortable posting kids photos online! 

5. 
   Slumberbug | Oct 11, 2008 10:30pm | #10

   no, I haven't made one of those....we bought one for the grandson....really she got it as a shower gift.  But I do have my future eye on something very simple and cute.  A rag quilt.  It's made with fairly large - about 6" squares and the edges are left exposed to fray on one side.  The look exceptionally cute in baby colors.  Have you ever tried or seen one?  I'm guessing there is a class at my smocking shop .... or maybe directions on the internet which I would be more likely to take the time to do especially for something so simple.

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Oct 09, 2008 06:07pm | #4

   I also love to serge the edges of new fabric before I wash it to prevent fraying.  Maxi Lock is the only basic serger thread I use.  You don't have to buy alot of colors as you can use a basic neutral for the lower looper and just match the thread to your fabric for the needle(s) and upper looper for basic overlocking. 

   For rolled hems, you might want to use wooly nylon, regular sewing or embroidery threads, just decrease the tension a notch or so and use the thread net.  (like the edge on napkins).