machinery in revolt

[flummoxicated]

*sigh* I bought my serger because it was easy to thread. I havent been able to get the tension right without my mechanically inclined spouse, who today had time to futz* with it. He got it working great, and I was happily finishing seams when I noticed a weird clicky noise happening every so often. Broken needle. And I couldn't find my serger box o' stuff - so no needles. After a trip to JoAnns for needles, it turns out that the needles I bought were too short (?). Grumble. I bought the machine in the Big City; I'll have to see if anyplace around here sells the recommended brand.

Phooey.

BUT - between yesterday and today I finished the sleeves and assembled the bodice for the wrap dress. It's going together very nicely - it fits great with no effort on my part beyond the original pattern. It's just this serger nonsense delaying progress. I may just finish the rest of the seams the old fashioned way so I can complete the thing. I'm considering doing a decorative topstich in a contrasting color on the collar and cuffs...though that's the sort of thing that, if not done just right, really looks bad, so I may try that on another project. Since my luck has been so mixed with regards to sewing lately, maybe I'd better not tempt fate.

I also worked on one of my UFOs from last year, a skirt (McCalls 5591). This is in a ladybug fabric; nice design, not twee at all. Ladybugs, skulls - my wardrobe is going to be funky.

*Did you know that the original meaning of "futz" is literally "to fart around"? Truefact!

I suppose I should do some dissertating now.

Comments

[tudorlady.livejournal.com]

As far as I have been able to determine, serger needles and machine needles are two different critters UNLESS your manual specifically says that it takes regular machine needles. Google the make and model, and try to find a source online - you have a better chance of finding it there than locally. Also, if you get them mailed to you, you don't have to pay a long trip to some obscure part of town during shop hours, so...

M - who doesn't use a serger because her regular ol' machine has a really good edge finish.

[flummoxicated.livejournal.com]

Well, I bought what claimed to be overlock needles, but they weren't Organ* brand, which the manual says are preferred. There's only one sewing machine shop in town not too far, but it's run by a crazy lady who lets her big dog bark at all her customers. Still better than a two hour round trip though.

My fairly new Janome actually does a decent edge finish, so I have a feeling I'll just use that. It's frustrating not to have all my power tools at the ready though!

*giggle