May 28, 2020

Help! I bought a serger...



Several weeks ago, I decided to finally splurge on myself and buy something that has been on my Amazon Wish List for a long time--a Cricut Air Explore 2 machine (Amazon affiliate link). I love to design t-shirts and I was told this would be a great way to do it myself.

Usually, I would create a design using a Photoshop-like program. Then I would email it to a local sports supplies shop, who would print it out on vinyl for me and then press it onto a shirt that I supplied. It was simple, but a little pricey.

Here is an example... Anyone know what TV show this is from?  :)  (I made this for Eli for Christmas--it's his favorite TV show!)


After receiving the Cricut in the mail, I let it sit in my living room, unopened, for a couple of weeks. I watched videos and read websites about it, but I just didn't feel confident about it--I felt totally overwhelmed.

Ultimately, I decided to return it. While I do create the occasional shirt design, I don't know that I would use it all that much to make it worth it.

After returning that, I decided to re-spend the splurge on something else that has been on my Amazon Wish List for a very long time... a serger. I love to sew, but I usually just do simple things (lately, I only really used it to mend clothes).

When I started making the face masks, I remembered just how much I really miss sewing as a hobby, and decided that maybe it would be worth investing in a serger. I remember using one in sewing class in high school and I thought it was the coolest machine! But I hadn't used one since then.

I'd been checking Amazon frequently to see if the price was going down on the one that I wanted (Brother 1034D--for some reason, Amazon isn't stocking it now--maybe it was the last of the model?). It had been $200 for the longest time, and that particular day, it was $185. So, I decided to go ahead and buy it.

At $200 (or $185, in my case), it's obviously not a top-of-the-line machine, but it was the best seller on Amazon for sergers and it got a ton of good reviews, so I figured it'd be a good way to see if I like it and use it often.

The problem is, now I don't know what to do with it!

I've watched several YouTube videos, but they don't really explain well what the best uses of it are. When I used it in school, I just remember loving that it made the raw edges of seams inside clothing look finished and more professional.


(Our first project in sewing class was a pair of pajama pants--which is a standard first project, of course!--and I was so impressed it the machine)

I'm very excited to get started with it, but I have no idea what to do with it! So, I thought I'd ask here... do any of you use a serger? What are your favorite ways to use it? Are there any particular projects that you think would be a good "starter" for someone working with a serger? Is it something that I can use to help me mend clothes (seams that have come apart, hemming, etc)?

Also, are there any accessories that are a "must have" for a serger? It's kind of funny, for the last 30 years, I have only ever used a sewing machine with the standard presser foot--I've never tried anything else! So I'm excited to try some new things.

Anyone with advice about a serger, I'd love to hear it!

15 comments:

  1. Love the shirt and I love "Psych" too!

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad you got the reference! It's Eli's very favorite show :)

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  2. Fyi- for items on Amazon that I've been watching I like to use the website www.camelcamelcamel.com You type in your item and can see the price trends so you know if it's a good time to buy it

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    Replies
    1. Ooooh, I never heard of that! But that's a great idea. Thanks for the tip!

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  3. Well...you're probably too sick of face masks but...
    https://thegirlinspired.com/fast-and-easy-serger-face-mask/

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    Replies
    1. I actually looked up some face masks today to do on the serger! But you're right, I'm sick of making them ;) I've been looking for more projects, though--I'm excited to get started!

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  4. I've had a serger for many years and I love it! Check with fabric stores or sewing machine dealers around your area to see if they offer a beginners serger class. If you are intimidated now, practice sewing on it. That way you'll be more comfortable using it when it comes time to make something. An easy
    beginner project is making a tube pillowcase.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrYWCma9wgM

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I think I need to take time to just start messing around with it on scrap fabric to see the different things I can do with it. It's so intimidating! But I've been wanting one for so long, and I'm excited to use it.

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  5. My friend who uses her serger often said the class she took was invaluable. There's so much you can do with a serger. At this point, I'd probably look into an online class. I, too, would love a serger.

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    Replies
    1. I watched a lot of videos on YouTube, but it still seems so intimidating! There is SO much you can do with it. I'm excited to learn it, though, because you can make some nice things with it!

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  6. Ironically enough I just bought a Singer Tiny Serger on eBay. I'm using mine to stop cross stitch fabric from fraying. I have so clue how to threat it though. 😂😂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Threading it is very intimidating! I'm holding off on learning it until I'm done with the garage. I feel like it's going to take a long time to learn how to use it! But I'm excited to use it :)

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  7. What happened to we're supposed to be saving money to build a nest egg? You bought this and don't even know if you need it or not.

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    Replies
    1. I'm not sure when you're referring to, but we have a nice nest egg built up right now. Also, I had money in gift cards and Amazon reward points to buy it--it's something I've been wanting for years. I don't feel the slightest bit bad about buying it. I worked my fingers to the bone sewing masks to give away!

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  8. I love the idea of trying a tube pillowcase. I make them all the time - without a serger, so it's double the work, because I sew straight seams, then go over them with a zig-zag. You could probably make one in a half hour or less once you've practiced a bit. They are such fun gifts. I've made them for all the grandchildren - one a month for a year. Birthday fabric for their birthday month, Valentines, St Patrick's Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. Enjoy!

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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