Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Looking for a new toy

Thank you, everyone, for your concern about the bub...it turned out to be quite mild (a bit of tonsillitis) , as I had thought. But you know, it was the first time she had ever been sick and I didn't want to be too laid back about it. So aside from having to shove the prescribed syrups down her gullet, she's back to her smiley, sunny self again.


A question for you folks....can anyone recommend a good overlocker/serger? I've been tinkering with the idea of owning one for a while. But, as with any major toy acquisition I need to do the research, and who better to ask than you crafty peeps. The geezer is always wary of any big "play" purchases, in case the object of affection gets relegated to the back of the cupboard....or even worse, the garage, after just a few weeks. I've been the guilty culprit of this waste in the past.

Case study number 1: the automatic bread maker - it did get used all of three times, then eventually ended up on the grassy curb during the bi-annual hard rubbish pick-up day.

Case study number 2: the real fancy hair straightener - used the last time I had long hair, which was almost four years ago. It's been languishing in a box in the cupboard all this time.

Case study number 3: the gym membership - everybody's favourite black hole...out of sight, out of mind. That one happened about five years ago for me, and boy did I fritter away a major amount of dosh there!


I have learned my lesson, I think. This time, I know I'll be using the overlocker continuously for the first six months, probably the first year, to make clothes for the bub and for me....because I've caught the bug now. There's no turning back!

So I'd appreciate some info on which worked, which ones are excellent and which ones to steer clear of. All suggestions are welcome.

Oh, yeah....and there's this pouch wristlet I made today just because I had to scratch the crafting itch.

7 comments:

Belinda said...

Hi There,

Glad to hear little miss is on the mend.

I'm not the expert on overlockers. I've only had mine for a few months. I ended up getting a Singer only because it was crazy cheap. So far so good, it took me a while to get the tension right and I've only used it to overlock. Hopefully, when I get some time I can take some lessons.

Cathy said...

I have two overlockers. One was a fantastic birthday present from my husband 2 years ago. It is a Brother 1064D. It is very easy to thread (which is extremely important to me). If it isn't easy to thread - forget it. It is a little noisy but who cares. It was around $500 at the time. It was the best deal at the time.

I also have a Janome Ezylock 604D which my mother-in-law could never figure out how to use. So she gave it to me. I have white thread in that one and black thread in the Brother.

Now, the Janome is a nice machine as well. It is definitely harder to thread. Also, the foot lever is in a very strange place and hard to get to. But, I must say, it is a very quiet machine and does sew very well.

Anyway, I hope that helps you to come to some kind of decision. I just love my overlockers and couldn't do without them. It gives such a professional finish to everything. Good Luck

Di said...

Hello! Glad the bub is better - nothing worse than a poorly wee one! No idea about the overlocker - knitter not sewer - but I think it sounds like a good idea - particularly if you are planning on making more cute smocks!

Thimbleanna said...

Very Cute Wristlet!

I LUV my serger and if you're going to be doing clothing, you'll love having one too. Now, you'll find your problem is that you'll get all sorts of conflicting advice! ;-) I have a Viking -- but then, I'm a Viking die-hard and have been since I was a girl. Mine has all the bells and whistles, but to tell you the truth, I rarely use them -- usually just use the standard 4-thread stitch. They can be difficult to thread. I've heard good things about a brand (babylock maybe?) that has automatic threading via puffs of air? I hope I'm getting that right. Good luck on your decision!

Anonymous said...

I have a Kenmore from Sears. It is made by Janome. It has all the features that the Janome has for a lot less casharoo. I have a Kenmore sewing machine too. I am convinced that they are the same machines that you can purchase at your local Janome dealer. They just have diffrent colored buttons and knobs.

Marie

Kate said...

Great wristlet - so pretty!
I've had my Elna for over 15 years and I love it!

Anonymous said...

Hi Miss Marzie

Just through doing a sarch on EZYlock604D and here I am ..I am desperate need to thread my overlocker cant work it out?? any hints on why the lower last thread just wont thread properly??I have no book Thanks..

Miss Whyvony