Re: How useful is a serger


Moanna wrote:
I recently bought a Singer Quantum to replace the Singer I bought when
I graduated from high school in 1968. While I was in the store
learning to use the new stitches, another woman was getting a lesson on
a serger. This is something I've always thought only professionals
used. Now I want a serger. But do I need one? I sew a little, maybe
once a month. I make non-tailored clothing, drapes, curtains, quilts,
pillows, baby clothes. I use the overcast stitch to finish the fabric
edges. Are there uses for a serger beyond finishing edges (assuming
that's the primary purpose)?
---
<< 1) Speed, baby.Using a serger, one can construct a finished
garment in record time. Sergers are often compared to microwaves--not a
replacement for your sewing machine, but an excellent adjunct. You
could sew a whole wardrobe of children's clothing in record time.
2) A totally professional appearance of garment construction, seams
and hems.
3) Because you're worth it. Does your dh have tools? Certain tools
work best for certain jobs, right? Same idea for a serger. Many modern
fabrics and blends are suited to total construction on a serger.
When you return to the store, ask for a demo of a serger, or, better
yet, see if they will let you play with one. Sergers are dependable,
sturdy little machines. I found the learning curve to be miniscule, the
maintenance all but non-existant. 'Taint brain surgery.
I've had my babylock for about 15 years, and it has seen hard,
almost daily use, when I was doing one-day turnaround on alterations
for a local dry cleaner, and in my own workroom. A serger gives a
professional finish to altered garments, and I almost always changed
threads for the color garment I was working on, so thread changes can
be done quickly and painlessly. (I did group like colors before putting
them under the needle.)
---
I woulda asked the sales person except I
was afraid she'd sell me one before I had time to justify the
extravagance. It just looked like fun. So I'm asking, is it a toy or
more? Thanks...
---
>> I did a lot of looking before settling on a model. Best advice:
leave the wallet at home when you start giving the sergers a trial run.
Make notes on the models/applications that you like/think you will get
the most use of. A good salesperson will not only show you the sergers,
but also let you do a trial run. They do not expect you to whip out the
checkbook immediately.
Your sewing machine dealer may like to work on an appointment basis,
so it wouldn't hurt to call them and set up a demo time.
I was checking a local re-sale paper today, and I saw about 5 used
sergers for sale, very very reasonable prices, some of them advertised
as 'slightly used'. This is the first time I've seen so many; usually
there is one per year. So, secondhand is always an option. If price is
a concern, you might ask your dealer if they have any 'gently used',
refurbished sergers at a good discount.
Cea

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