tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post4202998874391016988..comments2024-03-19T01:21:12.351-07:00Comments on Cation Designs: My Husband Is Actually a HobbitCation Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785063344305810736noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-82805336610727622372013-08-23T15:40:03.408-07:002013-08-23T15:40:03.408-07:00I have this thing, and I use it more often than my...I have this thing, and I use it more often than my $50 Singer sewing machine. I've turned those stupid swaddling cloths into actually useful sleep sacks for my son. I've made half a dozen cushion covers with linen fabric samples. I can finally hem my own pants!! Also, Youtube has better instructions on threading the thing than the DVD that it came with. Have fun!CC Wong Melomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00735656000873555638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-43846690258987357322013-08-23T15:16:46.777-07:002013-08-23T15:16:46.777-07:00um, THAT'S AMAZING. your husband is AMAZING. a...um, THAT'S AMAZING. your husband is AMAZING. and the icing on the cake is that you found the hobbit connection.<br /><br />i suggest running to your library and looking for any copies of books on sergers, specifically "ABCs of serging" by tami young & lori bottom. the book is by about eighteen different co-authors and they all have fantastic things to say. i actually took notes on this book, as it was only mine for a week...marcy harriell | oonaballoonahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07586073125331744719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-48296606014925855082013-08-23T07:12:46.537-07:002013-08-23T07:12:46.537-07:00Congratulations! I highly recommend this book for ...Congratulations! I highly recommend this book for starters-lots of great information. NAYY<br /><br />http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Sergers-Complete-Handbook-Possibilities/dp/0935278583/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377266954&sr=1-2meredithphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17683287411020125224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-11228430229556923982013-08-19T21:28:57.344-07:002013-08-19T21:28:57.344-07:00what a sweet guy! I also have this model, and I al...what a sweet guy! I also have this model, and I also always set aside some scraps when cutting the fabric so I can check tensions on them before running my project through. also, tying the old thread to new thread trick often failed for me until I read four square walls' awesome note that you should dial your tension back to 0 as well after tying the threads together but before hitting that pedal! I used this tute to experiment with rolled hems and gathering: http://www.lbg-studio.com/2010/07/brother-1034d-rolled-hem-mini-tutorial.html rolled hemss and gathering on the serger is great, but I think the serger is worth is just for the nice seam finishes plus twice as fast knit projects alone. have fun!glaylahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16306722669866865877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-10356033031600322002013-08-17T18:54:16.840-07:002013-08-17T18:54:16.840-07:00Hey Cation,
Just wanted to say Hi, I am recently m...Hey Cation,<br />Just wanted to say Hi, I am recently moved to the Bay Area and a sewist/scientist as well. I am considerably behind on reading my blogs list but I am really excited to see what you make of your time here. I am in a meetup group that meets once a month for beginner sewing type of stuff: http://www.meetup.com/Bay-Area-Swap-O-Rama-Rama/ Eager to hear what you make of the area.<br />My husband pitched in on a serger for my masters degree graduation gift as well so I know what it feels like to want to play with your new toy but not sure what to make with it. <br />Sincerely, SarahSARAHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06534436310509420776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-70874848163121784652013-08-14T19:07:02.699-07:002013-08-14T19:07:02.699-07:001. AWESOME Hobbit-y husband! He's a keeper!
...1. AWESOME Hobbit-y husband! He's a keeper! <br /><br />2. Invest in a spare pair of blades. They go dull after a number of uses; dull blades chew fabric. Think of it as similar to keeping a spare needle for your regular machine. <br /><br />3. Practice! Start with something simple. I always do a few practice runs before sewing my real fabric to make sure I've set the stitch width and tension right. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-59999408489614468452013-08-12T13:00:27.037-07:002013-08-12T13:00:27.037-07:00I have this serger, too! I haven't had any iss...I have this serger, too! I haven't had any issues with it so far. My best advice: learn how to do a rolled hem. It's just a matter of fiddling with tension settings, and it such a quick easy option for hemming knitsCraft Sanctuaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11573086983989271568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-7651182137193350492013-08-10T11:20:05.785-07:002013-08-10T11:20:05.785-07:00Aw, he's so sweet! Have a wonderful time getti...Aw, he's so sweet! Have a wonderful time getting to know your new machine!Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03215054696445481229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-47112530772980494702013-08-09T07:55:06.469-07:002013-08-09T07:55:06.469-07:00Congratulations! The best thing I did with my serg...Congratulations! The best thing I did with my serger was take a sharpie and label the order that it needed to be threaded. I wrote 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the telescoping thread guide thingy. The one thing I could never remember was which order to thread the machine, and now it's no problem!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10831901482635893736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-70757543046498127832013-08-08T21:36:07.907-07:002013-08-08T21:36:07.907-07:00My best friend was my Singer Home Reference Librar...My best friend was my Singer Home Reference Library 'Sewing with a Serger' book. It's like a picture book for sergers! There's lots to learn about turning corners, etc. Best of all, it had a couple of pages of pictures of stitches that weren't balanced and then told you what to loosen/tighten to make them lay properly. Highly recommend it if you are visual like I am. <br />Judi W.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13760045885047862891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-27320992714971336362013-08-08T20:16:04.550-07:002013-08-08T20:16:04.550-07:00Forgot to say, general (non-stretch) sewing doesn&...Forgot to say, general (non-stretch) sewing doesn't need all 4 threads - just don't thread the inside needle. If you are able to adjust the stitch length you can create a thread bound hemming effect by thread in only the inside needle and a using small stitch length. OK, done!juxtapose nzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14906488246376256335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-39900325069635524992013-08-08T20:03:16.367-07:002013-08-08T20:03:16.367-07:00When sewing stretch fabrics (4 thread) I like to u...When sewing stretch fabrics (4 thread) I like to use thread the colour of the garment on the needles and black or off white on the loopers - its less obvious from the right side.<br />If you can, do your fittings before you serge - its a bugger to unpick! Speaking of unpicking, slide your scissors through the looper threads and cut along the fabric edge. The needle threads will then pretty much unravel when you tug them. (A bit hard to explain, sorry).<br />Agree totally with others about maintenance - clean and oil at the end of each project, and twirldesigns and thecuriouskiwi have the best suggestions for distracting Walnut (so cute!)<br />Most of all - enjoy!juxtapose nzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14906488246376256335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-8992344966574819022013-08-08T18:31:39.061-07:002013-08-08T18:31:39.061-07:00Ooooo, exciting! My nerdy husband gifted me with t...Ooooo, exciting! My nerdy husband gifted me with that exact model (from Amazon, gift "wrapped" in a giant drawstring bag, for some reason) for my birthday a couple years ago - not quite as Hobbity, but I'll bet he's got your husband beat in the furry feet department...<br />Anyway, you'll love it! I actually find it really easy to thread, and I'm sure you will too because of your skill with diagrams (the threading order is all diagrammed out inside the case).<br />And honestly, I really only use mine for finishing wovens. I know, I know, but it's much louder and harder to steer through curves than my regular machine, so I still use the good ol' narrow zigzag for knits. But do share any serging knit tips you discover, maybe I'll come around!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-9612394440340072072013-08-08T13:27:59.751-07:002013-08-08T13:27:59.751-07:00Ohh precioussss overlocker! (Serger!) Lucky you! I...Ohh precioussss overlocker! (Serger!) Lucky you! I don't have that model but I love my Bernina, my sewing quality lifted so much once I got going. You're a smartie so I suggest learn as much as you can with your manual, do some actual sewing with it, learn you tension adjustments (threading in four different colours helps you to understand the stitch formation) and then grab a library book to learn some fancy stuff. They are not as scary or as difficult to use as some people might make you think. I even re-thread mine from scratch each time, it's better that way, you learn how to spot anything wrong if you are more familiar with it. My experience is that 99% of the time any problem is related to a threading issue.<br /><br />If Walnut is anything like my Harri: Open the box and take serger out, kitty with naturally change from sitting on top to sitting inside, especially it there is a fun rustly plastic bag in there! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-48389342481812567292013-08-08T12:30:14.820-07:002013-08-08T12:30:14.820-07:00It'a obviously a common machine and there are ...It'a obviously a common machine and there are helpful hints all over the internet. You can get nice Maxilock thread at Wawak http://www.wawak.com/ and sometimes it's on sale.Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06221577622794207889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-53067958943608381832013-08-08T11:29:21.031-07:002013-08-08T11:29:21.031-07:00Yay! Congrats! What a guy! I bet this will real...Yay! Congrats! What a guy! I bet this will really motivate you to unpack! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-66011374455721675522013-08-08T11:28:45.180-07:002013-08-08T11:28:45.180-07:00What a fabulous husband! Sounds like you've go...What a fabulous husband! Sounds like you've got a keeper! <br /><br />Serger advice. Learn to thread the thing properly. Get a can of air to clean it out after every project. Everyone else said everything else.EmSewCrazyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04896183158092761878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-12552653595295146392013-08-08T11:06:20.692-07:002013-08-08T11:06:20.692-07:00I love my serger and with practice using a serger ...I love my serger and with practice using a serger can be easy! Keep your manual close and read it! It is your best friend where your serger is concerned. I use mine every time I change my thread for a new project. Whenever you cut something out to sew keep some of your scraps and test sew on it until you have your tension set correctly. The one thing that tripped me up the most was threading. Sergers have to be threaded in a specific order otherwise all you get is a tangle of thread orr a seam that will unravel on you. Good luck and tell Walnut that the inside of the box will really be more fun!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-50036574606647436812013-08-08T07:42:17.468-07:002013-08-08T07:42:17.468-07:00Yes! I have this serger. You will be able to do a ...Yes! I have this serger. You will be able to do a lot with it. Two tips- you need that hex wrench not to disappear, so I taped mine to the right side of the machine. I used a 2 inch strip of tape with a 1/2 inch piece facing it, so it doesn't actually stick to the wrench and I can slide it in and out. It is always there when I need it. Tip 2- these things are fluffy messy. Spray it out regularly with canned air to keep it acting right. To keep your scraps in check, cut open the bottom of a slide and seal ziploc bag and tape one side of the cut bottom under the bottom of your machine. Then, pull the other side forward to form a little plastic scrap bag. When you are ready to empty it, just move the trash under it and open the zip slide. Have fun!!! A.J.A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05989531542525210531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-38540089969914533352013-08-08T07:09:38.830-07:002013-08-08T07:09:38.830-07:00Congrats on the serger! It really does make sewing...Congrats on the serger! It really does make sewing knits sooooo much easier.<br /><br />I guess my best tip is to make sure you save scraps and test the thread tensions before every project. Seriously. I'm still working on getting it right on mine. Also, don't try to use old thread, because I took mine to the shop once, thinking that it was broken because the tension never, ever worked, only to find out that it was because I was using old thread.<br /><br />Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09913795373618902575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-43234726631439191082013-08-08T06:52:34.180-07:002013-08-08T06:52:34.180-07:00Oh WOW, you have the very best husband, and a bran...Oh WOW, you have the very best husband, and a brand new serger to prove it. Looking forward to seeing you try it out.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17884775068382145856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-35035764921823912292013-08-08T06:46:54.121-07:002013-08-08T06:46:54.121-07:00I have the same one. DON'T LOSE THE HEX KEY! Y...I have the same one. DON'T LOSE THE HEX KEY! You can't change the needles without it. Attach it with tape underneath if necessary. the 4/4/4 setting is great for more medium weight fabrics but be patient when dealing with anything lightweight. You will have to fiddle quite a bit to get the right tension settings for fine silks. Have fun! It's a wonderful machine!Heather Louhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08273803885711033973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-16180542647046193592013-08-08T05:56:47.584-07:002013-08-08T05:56:47.584-07:00Congrats! He really is a Hobbit at heart! Congrats! He really is a Hobbit at heart! tanyamailehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15765305177681518461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-65737699119016544312013-08-08T05:24:21.617-07:002013-08-08T05:24:21.617-07:00Congratulations! What a great present! Now we can ...Congratulations! What a great present! Now we can expect even more beautyful creations :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479880960748887964.post-75179453263654064322013-08-08T04:56:37.652-07:002013-08-08T04:56:37.652-07:00So excited for you! Yay for wonderful generous hus...So excited for you! Yay for wonderful generous husbands! He did really good. =)<br /><br />As a few other commenters have mentioned, tie the old thread to the new thread when changing colors and run it through. I always change the loopers first (the two on the right and the hardest to thread if something jumps track). After I get the knots through those (make sure the knots are nice and tight and the tails are trimmed down a little), I knot of the needle thread(s) and pull those through separately because the knots rarely go through the needle eyes.<br /><br />You can get by with fewer colors of cone thread that most people think. Obviously start with black and white, and then branch into grey, tan, and ivory. Those colors work on almost everything. And get some of the colors you use most. <a href="http://www.cleanersupply.com/products/category.cfm/cid/1292/Maxi-Lock-Thread/" rel="nofollow">Cleaner's Supply</a> has great prices. Also get some <a href="http://www.cleanersupply.com/products/category.cfm/cid/1102/Wooly-Nylon-Serging-Thread/" rel="nofollow">woolly nylon.</a> Here's how I recently learned (from a coworker) to <a href="http://instagram.com/p/a3XPNpH8P-/" rel="nofollow">thread the woolly nylon through the needle</a> for a rolled hem easily.<br /><br />Have fun with your new tool! And you can always ask questions on Twitter if you need help with anything. =)<br /><br />~ BrookeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com