Wednesday 24 July 2013

I'm so excited! And apologies...

Apology no 1.  Sorry for having neglected the blog so badly recently.  I;ve had a lot of personal stuff going on that some people are aware of, and I got my sewjo back but no blogjo (I think I might have made up a word...).  So I have a pile of stuff to show you!

Apology no 2.  Sorry for all of you who were expecting something far more exciting from my "I'm so excited" deliberate teaser (erm, OK, computer cock up!).  I had a few emails about it ranging from being a contestant on the new series of Sewing Bee, to pregnancy!  Sadly (actually not sadly - both of those are terrifying!) neither are true!

As the #sewcialists on Twitter know, I got a work bonus and decided to put it towards an overlocker (or serger, as it may be called round your neck of the woods!).



I went for the much loved and well reviewed Brother 1034D and I am very happy with it so far!

It makes everything look so real!  Even hubby commented on how good it looks, and can't believe how quickly things come together when you can finish the seams with this.

Would recommend if you are looking for a reasonably priced overlocker.

But I do have a question for you knowledgeable lot - do you sew the whole seam on your overlocker, or sew the seam on your machine and just finish the edges on the overlocker?

Ooh, and check back here tomorrow - I'm hosting a giveaway of Simplicity patterns, so try your luck!

17 comments:

  1. Hi Jo, I overlock entire seams for knits, and for wovens I sew on regular machine and finish on overlocker. Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh lucky you!! I'd like an overlocker when I grow up. Glad to hear you are happy with your choice too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks nessa! i was thinking about it for ages before i took the plunge - it feels very grown up!

      Delete
  3. what charity shop chic said! please you love your babz. got a name?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congratulations and yay! So happy for you! A serger really does make everything seem so professional. =)

    I'm basically the same as charityshopchic - wovens on machine & then serger to clean up the seam allowance and knits sewn on the serger. Of course, there are exceptions to every "rule". Make samples and decide what you like for a project. =)

    Sometimes, I will serge all my pieces right after cutting out (before I sew them together) - especially when the fabric likes to fray really badly.

    Read the manual that came with your machine - there are lots of good tips in it.

    Happy sewing AND serging!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks brooke - that makes sense! i was worried that serging only would make seams come apart.

      Delete
  5. Congr. ats! That's so exciting. I would love to have an overlocker. It looks quite small. Is it? Or is it just that there is nothing to compare it to in the photo?

    And as I don't have one myself, I can't offer any assistance, sorry. Looking forward to seeing your next make though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks helen! it's slightly narrower than a normal machine but about the same height. so i guess slightly smaller!

      Delete
  6. I still haven't bought mine, I have set aside the money for it, but I've figured I have no time to sew. But soon, an overlocker will be mine (and hopefully I'll find some time to, it does sound promising that it makes sewing projects much quicker).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it is definitely quicker, especially if like me you previously were turning and stiching seam allowances. meant i was effectively sewing each seam 3 times plus extra pinning and pressing. it runs very much more quickly so sewing the seam is quicker. i hope you find the time to get one soon!

      Delete
  7. Oh marvelous! I'm so glad you like it - I'm looking into buying one myself, and I'm happy to hear its working so well for you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yay! I loved getting my overlocker. I remember I was so excited to use it for everything! It sure makes a difference. I can't wait till your blogjo comes back.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congrats! It's fun having a serger handy! :) I like using it to finish edges & sew seams on sturdier fabrics & knits. I also use mine for rolled hems on sheer fabrics :)In answer to your question, I personally don't usually sew first and then serge the allowances together, as I've sometimes seen recommended,cause it looks funny to me lol, and is a bit bulky. Happy serging! :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your comment - it's great to hear from you!