A Public Service Announcement Re: Sergers

Sewing blog misconception #1:

Reading "I can't wait to get a serger so that I can start sewing knits!"

WHAT?

I read this over and over in the comments of sewing blogs. Where has this idea come from, that you must have a serger before you can even attempt to sew knit garments?

Reality: You Do Not NEED A Serger

The truth is people have been sewing up knit garments on standard sewing machines for years with no problems. Even though the overlock (the stitch that a serger produces) was invented in 1881 and the machines that primarily use it have been in existence for over a century, their use was predominately industrial for decades. Nowadays, knits can be made up well using either a simple zig-zag stitch (my personal favorite), the simple overlock or stretch stitch available on the majority of sewing machines, or a dedicated stand-a-lone serger.
 
In my opinion, there is only two reasons to use an overlocker to sew knits: 1) If your desire is for the insides of your garments to have a finish like the insides of RTW garments. 2) You desire a way to construct knit garments fast and in bulk. I understand that desire but just not enough to make me pay for a separate special machine that can range in price from $200 to several thousand dollars. So, I want it made clear especially to those just beginning to sew or striving to sew on a budget that they can start sewing knits NOW without making that particular financial investment and still be extremely happy with their makes.

I use a practically vintage 1993 Babylock Companion BL2100 sewing machine (I would like to upgrade eventually) and I am incredibly proud of my knit makes. It took some education since I started sewing 20+ years ago but since having learned 1) not to let any part of my knit fabric hang off any surfaces and to 2) help feed the fabric through instead of pulling it, my hems have been just as uniform and flat as any of my woven hems. In other words, it can be done.

After a while, if you still want an overlocker, then by all means do your research and find the one right for your purposes and wallet. Just don't feel that the lack of one should hold you back. Thanks for listening and keep on sewing!

What slows me down...

So, my lack of sewing mojo is not just in my head. It's also in my sewing machine.

This past week I've been wanting to finish two projects; however, the tension on my machine has gone wonky again! I've taken out the bobbin and cleaned the housing out. It seems to function correctly alone. However, put fabric under the needle and BAM on the third stitch it gets stuck!

Because I wanted to make some progress, I went ahead and hand sewed in the zipper, thinking I would just machine-stitch it later. However, that will be a lot harder to do once both side seams are stitched. So, wish me luck that the next time I give it a try my Babylock has miraculously cured itself!

My Buddy... My Sewing Machine

My Babylock BL2100 is over 15 years old. It is my first and only one. I remember buying another one, trying it for one day, and taking it back. I don't remember what it was, but I didn't like the way it worked. I bought the Babylock in 1993, years after I worked in a fabric store. Why didn't I buy when I had those discounts?

Though it might drive me crazy with tension issues and it's less than automatic one-step buttonhole (swoon!) deal it has treated me well. In my family we currently have my Babylock, a 10-yr old Singer, and a PFAFF Hobbymatic. I vaguely remember that my mom had a Kenmore (Sears) sewing machine and was just reminded that she also had a PFAFF from the 1960s, which was pretty recently sold. Our mother never officially gave us sewing lessons when we were young but we all can sew now. My sisters don't really make clothing but have done some very impressive draperies, bedding, and crib sets over the years. All the stuff that I don't do, so I guess we've got the sewing thing covered. Because we gravitated to it later in life after watching our mother sew all of our lives, I guess that still bodes well for my nieces and nephew. At least they know it's not some impossibly difficult thing that you can't possibly pick up.

I have two questions for you.

I was just wondering, if anyone knows of a sewing blogger out there who owns a Babylock, or am I the only one?

Also I know most of you have new (younger than 15) machines, but who out there is doing it old school? I don't mean with one older machine among your newer models, but who is working solely with a machine over 10 years old? Thanks!