serger

How have I never noticed this before? Overlocker maintenance

Cleaning the sewing machine is a never-fail way to kickstart the sewing mojo. Cleaning and threading the overlocker, even more so. Clearly I haven’t been lacking in mojo lately because ewww.

Sordid overlocker innards

I wanted to switch from three to four thread mode on the overlocker which meant inserting a second needle. I have trouble getting needles into this overlocker correctly. I sometimes even have a needle slip out while sewing because I haven’t tightened the screw enough. And this time, something seemed obviously wrong because when I put the second needle in the eyes didn’t line up. No mention of this in the manual. No amount of undoing and redoing, trying different needles, or fiddling with the screws made the slightest difference. Eventually I resorted to the Internet. And apparently they’re not meant to line up! How have I never noticed this before?

Overlocker needles

I can’t wait

Much food for thought about my fitting problems with Vogue 8633 – thanks everyone! The black version is underway and looking hopeful so far. And it’s distracting me from the fact that my new overlocker has not arrived.

I’ve been dithering over purchasing an overlocker for months. There are so many models on the market and I’ve never used one before so I’m not quite sure what I’m letting myself in for. I read lots of reviews on Pattern Review and was none the wiser as to which model to go for. Eventually I took myself down to my local sewing machine shop and asked for advice. I eventually decided on a Frister+Rossmann Knitlock 2/3/4 thread. It seems to have a good range of features and I’m promised it’s suitable for a beginner (and the shop throws in a couple of lessons which I think I am going to need!)

Unfortunately it was not in stock. It was supposed to come in on Wednesday but hasn’t, so fingers crossed for next week. Not that I have anything planned to sew with it yet…but I really want to have a go at threading it.