This was where I stopped last year with the declutter challenge. I realized that my space itself needed some critical upgrades to provide useable storage space. I ripped out the 70 year old wooded built in closet and put in a elfa system, I got real furniture so I didn’t have to work in folding tables. It took me ALL YEAR, but we have come full circle and in picking up where I left off. I’m thrilled that the declutter challenge has given me so many ideas on how to make my space work for me. Thank you!
I totally cheated this year - rather than downsize we “upsized” from a condo to a home…while it meant leaving the beach we are only a few miles away, and I finally have a full studio space for 2 sewing machines, a serger and my longarm. So I’ve been mindfully unpacking using this challenge to declutter as I go!
I currently have five sewing machines and a long arm. I had 25, but I gave 15 of them to a local lady who was creating a sewing group with a Boys and Girls Club. I had purchased them for a sewing Club I did at my middle school, but then one of the home economic classes was disbanded, and I was the recipient of the sewing machines. It made me sad that the class was dissolved, but we still used the machines, and children still learned how to sew! Two of the sewing machines are Legacy machines. They are both over 100 years old, and they are straight Stitch sewing machines. They sew like a dream! A White and a Kenmore. Both were made to fit in cabinets, but a friend of mine made boxes so that they can sit on a table because the cabinets fell apart! I get them out and oil them up and do some straight piecing with them every so often.
I have done this challenge every year and am finding that this year I kept things up really well and have not had much to declutter so far. Guess it is time to start looking at the other rooms where I know I have things that need to go LOL.
I took my surger in to get maintenance, and I asked them to please leave it threaded after they tested it. They did! Now, when I need to change the threads, I snip it from the cone, tie the next color on and just pull it through. The next time it comes unthreaded, it will probably be time for another tune up.
Finding a good you tube video for threading your particular model serger really helps. But, I also I have 2 sergers, an older Viking and a newer self threading Babylock. I recently had my old serger repaired - love it the best (such a workhorse). Now I will leave the Babylock set aside for rolled edges and decorative finishes. But, the harder to thread Viking will be the everyday machine!
I decluttered an accuquilt in 2020. I gave to the local quilting guild. Lately I have decluttered thread, metal bobbins, a sewing machine and even sewing machine needles. You like many others are an inspiration to give away and throw away unnecessary items. Thank you.
I had to pause early in the declutter challenge. I accepted to machine quilt a friend’s quilt on my domestic machine. It’s almost queen size. I love the challenge it gives me, but I can’t fully declutter until it’s done. I did find my cutting board under a pile of fabric I hadn’t put away before Christmas! That’s a win!
I have the same problem at my studio. I have a big project in the middle of the space and no decluttering until it's done. I had a lens cap for one of my cameras 'lost' in the clutter. I found it two years later sandwiched between fabrics.
Hello from New Zealand, I enjoy watching you on YT, every time I look at my sewing space I think ‘declutter’, then I look around and think I need more room, more cupboards, more shelving, less fabric (and we all know thats never going to happen!) So, I enjoyed your suggestions & who knows!, one day with moral support I just might get there- best wishes for 2025 🇳🇿
sending you as much moral support as you need!! I'm confident, that you can tackle your space. Maybe just start with one little shelf or drawer. It's hard to start, but surely also just tiny steps will move you forward ❤
I have my elna jubilee that I purchased in 1983 or 1974. It still runs perfectly! I sewed exclusively with it til around 2012 when I decided I wanted something a little fancier. I have bought and sold machines since then. However, I cannot part with that Elna. It has sewed everything from toys, clothing, prom gowns to wedding gowns to quilts and I just can't not love it. I used it as travel machine for awhile and then I bought a bernina 325 for that purpose. So now it just sits unused but still I can't really part with it. One reason is that it sews perfect stitches and I can easily maintain it with a good cleaning and oil. Another recent acquisition is a Singer in a cabinet produced in the 1940s. It was given to me by son in law. It was his grandmother's. If ever I don't want it, they want it back. It is very quiet to sew with and is lovely. I don't use it much but occasionally I will sew with it, especially for a vintage style quilt. My big machine I mostly sew and quilt on is just a 😊wonderful machine and is what I really mostly use. But it is expensive to have it tuned up and I often wonder if I should just really use to free motion, lengthening the time before service needed. But it is a dream to work with and just is so accurate and versatile that I love using it i also own a Pfaff passport i leave at my part time quiltshop workplace. It is a fine little machine and I can even free mtion on it for small projects. Too many machines but i truly like them all and really do not want to part with any of them. They all use different bobbins so I have to be careful not to mix them up!!!
My must-have electrical item in my sewing space is my little triangular radio/CD player - it and all my machines are plugged into one extension socket, so when I switch the plug on (I'm in the UK, gather you don't have these in the US?) the radio switches on too. One thing I would add, if you've got anything that uses batteries, do remember to remove the batteries before storing it away. The times I've had batteries leak and ruin an item are too many to count :(
One 13 gallon bag of trash removed. Rulers, pins and needles organized. My working space is found again. And I didn't think it was that bad..lol much better.
I was determined to learn how to thread my serger. I had step out of the box because the manual did not have a decent description to explain the step to thread under the needle area. Boom! Done! One has to just relax and be creative. Now….where to find a place to set it up after 10 years.🤭
This day is the hardest so far. I do have a serger but nowhere to set it up in my space. It is in it's case under the work table. I just got a long arm and it takes up a lot of room. So this is a great challenge for me to make decisions and cull out all the extra stuff. I am so glad you do this every year. I need it.
Decluttering the prime area around my primary machine i thought i did when i bought my sewing desk last year. I proudly set it all up and then starting adding in stuff. Then those drawers that I thoughtfully curated space turned to chaos of where did i put that? It is good to go over each year. Things creep in and haist stuffs things away. When you cant open the drawer it is time to do over😂.
I agree the Bernina accessory box is clumsy so I taped the feet onto the table and stored things not used often. I made a foam tray with compartments for my pressor feet- labeled with big numbers. But I may try putting the feet I use most often back in the accessory box on my sewing table to save steps in accessing them. I’m getting a larger table to hold both my 770 and bernette b33 in one place. Only have the two machines now. Donated my 40+ year old Singer Futura that sewed all my daughter’s clothes, costumes, drapes, my clothes. It was a workhorse and never quit. Felt I lost a family member, but repairs too often got expensive. I do miss her. A small lazy Susan desk caddy next to my machine holds tools I used every day. Thank you, Karen, for your wise advice each day.
I have that Bernina foot and accessory box. It takes up too much space. It constantly falls over, and my feet don't nestle into the provided slots. So it's in my closet serving as a spacer on my bookshelf. It'll probably go into the trash once I get enough books to fill the space. Bernina should consider a redesign.
You have inspired me to do a major declutter of my whole living space. Don't worry it's not that big. I bought my first sewing machine in 1960 when I graduated from nursing (my daughter still uses it) and my current one when I retired in 2004. No, I didn't work all of those years. Have sewn since I could reach the pedal on Mom's old Singer but have been quilting for the past 20 years. I enjoy all your videos and have learned so much. Thank you.
I bought a Babylock serger several years ago that i have never used. It's too complicated for my little brain. Decided to trade with my daughter for the old Juki MO 103 I gave her when i bought the new.
Having just finished the Bernina Stitching Cosmos course, I now own about 40 feet :-). A tool box with dividers works great. This year I gave up my Press machine which was an impulse buy at a show. Rarely used and big.
I keep all by Bernina items in the case that it came with also. So many people got rid of those but it was made for the purpose of keeping all of my items for my Bernina together. I can go directly to it and get my feet, bobbins, needles, whatever I keep for that machine there. Oh I also have two surgers.
Thank you for asking the hard questions. My studio space is complicated because I have my main sewing machine and space set up, then I have serger in sliding door area to pull out when needed, then tucked away my Sashiko machine used occasionally for embroidery/ quilting, my featherweight to take to classes/retreats But then the other side of studio is used more for textile crafts/arts with 2 big looms, 2 table looms, 2 smaller looms, a tapestry loom and an e-spinner plus a warping wheel & spinning station. I had to commandeer spare bedtime behind me for large ironing board, 2 design walls & storage 😱😵💫☺️😬
Don’t forget those sentimental machines. One by one I have let mother’s and grandmothers machines go. Can’t let go of the featherweight tho and son wants the treddle, but when?😑
Wow, this one is gonna be a very hard one to get rid of some of the machines I’m not using. I have an Vintage Singer 99 which needs a lot of work basically reconstruction because it fell apart in Transit from Goodwill auctions because they packed terribly and I thought I wanted to restore it turns out I don’t. I just lost my enthusiasm for thinking I could repair it myself given that I just want Quilt and sew I may know someone who I can gift it to and would probably want to rebuild it. It is one of those that’s knee operated. I have a Green Singer 185J I bought on a whim for $50, it works OK but I hadn’t used it in about a year or a year and a half. That one I should try to sell. I do have three featherweights of which I will keep, hoping I get to pass on to my granddaughters. I am going to keep one of them vintage singer 99 that works very well, but maybe I really need to think about it because I haven’t used it for a while. I loan out my Kenmore eight stitch to people that need a machine and that one is a work course. I’m gonna pass on that one to my granddaughter cause she keeps saying she wants to Sew. It’s a good starter machine.
Decluttering "my" sewing space is hampered by the fact that it's a shared space. My husband also sews, we're both (hobby) costumers and have very different approaches and ways of working. We have an overlocker which I haven't used since the late 90's or early 2000s. My husband used it last in 2005 on a costume he won a major award for in an international competition, and it was invaluable for that project. I'd find it useful for a lot of my projects except that I find threading and setting the tension on it such a daunting prospect. I'm a last-minute crafter so when I'd NEED to use it, I'm too rushed and short-of-time to be bothered with figuring out how to thread and set all four tensions, and when I don't need ot use it, I'm too daunted by the prospect of figuring it out to get around to trying. I'd happiily take it out of the equasion and claim back the storage space, but my husband won't hear of it in case the urge strikes to make another costume that needs, for example, stretch fabrics like back in 2005.
My problem is that I have a lot of sewing machines besides the one in my cabinet that I sew on. I don’t want to get rid of them because they are all used under different situations. I would like to find a good storage solution to either store or display them. My sewing space is in a 10’ x 10’ bedroom with the floor space on three sides taken up and a closet on the fourth.
This question is for anyone who knows about buying a ..serger machine.. I'm in Canada and would love one. Need brand.money to spend.? I've been using my sewing machine I bought in the early 70s.😂it works great.❤❤
Decided this past year I wanted to sew little knits outfits for my Grand daughter. Serger seams for knits are the way too go. So dipped my toe into it and bought a Brother 1034D. Great little manual machine. Used for around $150-200. Very easy to thread, lots of YT videos. However, it didn't like sewing over Velcro (making luggage handle tags) LOL. But a good starter machine. So when the local Quilting and Sewing Expo came around in November, took several serger classes, learned the machine they taught on and bought the class model for $600 under the regular price. Juki MO 2800 with air threading for about $1000. And a Juki Cover Stitch MCS 1700. Now enjoying learning all the other things you can do with these machines. But that takes time to learn as with anything else. So the questions are - Do you have the time to spend to learn the machine? Do you have the desire to learn the machine? Do you have the space for it? Currently with this declutter challenge cleaning out another upstairs bedroom that has been used mostly for storage of photos (to scan) and re-organize a desk area for these machines. I find if it is not out, I am not taking the time to get it out. Needs to be set up already. Hope this helps.
I have had my Bernina serger since 1999. I used it heavily when I was making figure skating costumes for my daughter. It's still set up and threaded in a corner on my sewing table. I use it to finish the edges of the fabric before washing. And recently used it to make Aprons for my family. I suggest that you visit a local fabric store and see if they have a learn to use a serger class and have one you can use during class. Ask them to show you different types of machines and try them out to see what you like best. They should have learn to use your machine classes. And they may have previously owned machines for sale. There is a bit of a learning curve because they work differently from a sewing machine. I strongly suggest buying from a store not over the Internet. You'll need support to learn to use it. Even though I have a Bernina Serger, BabyLock makes a line with self- threading loopers and if I bought a new one, that's what I'd get.
I’ve got an old Juki MO-655, and I love it! No bells and whistles save feet, but it was a great buy. If you’re willing to learn how to thread it and maintain it, I highly recommend it.
I have a Bernina L460 serger. This is a manual threader. While many of the newer machines have the air threader feature AND that is a slick feature, manually threading a serger is really not that hard. Because I understand how it should be threaded, I have been able to identify stitching problems-at a glance-because a thread is not properly placed. If you are not sure how much serging you might do, you would be better off with a used heavier machine than the bottom line new machine. (May not have the power you want or need.) One last thing, I use my serger most by serging the cut edges on new fabric BEFORE I wash it. (I prewash everything.) It does a couple of things, first it stops the fraying when I wash and dry my new fabric. Second, when I see a serged edge, I know the fabric has been washed. Good luck in your search.
Enjoying the challenge this year Karen! You brought up serger machine needles and I wanted to ask...what is the difference between serger needles and standard machine needles?? I've always just put regular needles in my serger and it's worked OK but im curious to learn why there are dedicated ones and if I'm doing it wrong?
So just yesterday I read the Babylock recommendation for needles and it was an ELX130/705CR and realized I didn’t have any. Apparently the 130 is thicker than even the jeans needles and the CR stands for chrome. I have also been using universal needles sewing needles. I haven’t had any issues but I’m going to order some to see if I can tell any difference in performance.
I have my mother's serger in a box that I've never used and don't know how to use. That's just sad because, if I knew how to use it, I understand it's easier to make pillowcases with one.
Check with your local fabric shop and see if they have learn to use your serger classes? That might help. Once you have used it a few times it will be second nature.
They are wonderful for finishing the edges of a quilt before the binding goes on, instead of straight stitching around the edge, to ‘lock down’ the quilting stitches so they don’t unravel.
I'm sure TH-cam must have a video on it. Don't get frustrated with the threading. It takes practice and repetition. The rest is relatively easy. I have made several quilts using my serger...heavy knits and leftover minky
Me: /mildly smug because she only has one sewing machine and a stereo, both of which are in great shape Also me: /realises she hasn't oiled or dusted her spinning wheel in literal years
I would like a refund. I found myself on the free pattern page of the Fat Quarter Shop today… downloading free patterns. This process clearly didn’t take😂
This was where I stopped last year with the declutter challenge. I realized that my space itself needed some critical upgrades to provide useable storage space. I ripped out the 70 year old wooded built in closet and put in a elfa system, I got real furniture so I didn’t have to work in folding tables. It took me ALL YEAR, but we have come full circle and in picking up where I left off. I’m thrilled that the declutter challenge has given me so many ideas on how to make my space work for me. Thank you!
Thank sounds lovely
I totally cheated this year - rather than downsize we “upsized” from a condo to a home…while it meant leaving the beach we are only a few miles away, and I finally have a full studio space for 2 sewing machines, a serger and my longarm. So I’ve been mindfully unpacking using this challenge to declutter as I go!
I currently have five sewing machines and a long arm. I had 25, but I gave 15 of them to a local lady who was creating a sewing group with a Boys and Girls Club. I had purchased them for a sewing Club I did at my middle school, but then one of the home economic classes was disbanded, and I was the recipient of the sewing machines. It made me sad that the class was dissolved, but we still used the machines, and children still learned how to sew! Two of the sewing machines are Legacy machines. They are both over 100 years old, and they are straight Stitch sewing machines. They sew like a dream! A White and a Kenmore. Both were made to fit in cabinets, but a friend of mine made boxes so that they can sit on a table because the cabinets fell apart! I get them out and oil them up and do some straight piecing with them every so often.
I'm traveling this weekend, so I can't do the current challenges til later. I am decluttering in my mind, which is oddly satisfying
I have done this challenge every year and am finding that this year I kept things up really well and have not had much to declutter so far. Guess it is time to start looking at the other rooms where I know I have things that need to go LOL.
I discovered the needles for my serger today!! I am elated!!
The best kind of treasure hunt!
This was the push I needed to get rid of three unused machines.
🤗
I took my surger in to get maintenance, and I asked them to please leave it threaded after they tested it. They did! Now, when I need to change the threads, I snip it from the cone, tie the next color on and just pull it through. The next time it comes unthreaded, it will probably be time for another tune up.
Brilliant!!
Be sure to turn off the thread tension when pulling new thread through, and stop just before needle to thread it.
Finding a good you tube video for threading your particular model serger really helps. But, I also I have 2 sergers, an older Viking and a newer self threading Babylock. I recently had my old serger repaired - love it the best (such a workhorse). Now I will leave the Babylock set aside for rolled edges and decorative finishes. But, the harder to thread Viking will be the everyday machine!
I’ve been changing color this way between every project. I’m trying to use up the less than neutral colors I’ve had for years.
I decluttered an accuquilt in 2020. I gave to the local quilting guild. Lately I have decluttered thread, metal bobbins, a sewing machine and even sewing machine needles. You like many others are an inspiration to give away and throw away unnecessary items. Thank you.
I had to pause early in the declutter challenge. I accepted to machine quilt a friend’s quilt on my domestic machine. It’s almost queen size. I love the challenge it gives me, but I can’t fully declutter until it’s done. I did find my cutting board under a pile of fabric I hadn’t put away before Christmas! That’s a win!
We celebrate where we find them, right? 😁🪡😁
I have the same problem at my studio. I have a big project in the middle of the space and no decluttering until it's done. I had a lens cap for one of my cameras 'lost' in the clutter. I found it two years later sandwiched between fabrics.
Hello from New Zealand, I enjoy watching you on YT, every time I look at my sewing space I think ‘declutter’, then I look around and think I need more room, more cupboards, more shelving, less fabric (and we all know thats never going to happen!) So, I enjoyed your suggestions & who knows!, one day with moral support I just might get there- best wishes for 2025 🇳🇿
sending you as much moral support as you need!! I'm confident, that you can tackle your space. Maybe just start with one little shelf or drawer. It's hard to start, but surely also just tiny steps will move you forward ❤
I have my elna jubilee that I purchased in 1983 or 1974. It still runs perfectly! I sewed exclusively with it til around 2012 when I decided I wanted something a little fancier. I have bought and sold machines since then. However, I cannot part with that Elna. It has sewed everything from toys, clothing, prom gowns to wedding gowns to quilts and I just can't not love it. I used it as travel machine for awhile and then I bought a bernina 325 for that purpose. So now it just sits unused but still I can't really part with it. One reason is that it sews perfect stitches and I can easily maintain it with a good cleaning and oil. Another recent acquisition is a Singer in a cabinet produced in the 1940s. It was given to me by son in law. It was his grandmother's. If ever I don't want it, they want it back. It is very quiet to sew with and is lovely. I don't use it much but occasionally I will sew with it, especially for a vintage style quilt. My big machine I mostly sew and quilt on is just a 😊wonderful machine and is what I really mostly use. But it is expensive to have it tuned up and I often wonder if I should just really use to free motion, lengthening the time before service needed. But it is a dream to work with and just is so accurate and versatile that I love using it i also own a Pfaff passport i leave at my part time quiltshop workplace. It is a fine little machine and I can even free mtion on it for small projects. Too many machines but i truly like them all and really do not want to part with any of them. They all use different bobbins so I have to be careful not to mix them up!!!
My must-have electrical item in my sewing space is my little triangular radio/CD player - it and all my machines are plugged into one extension socket, so when I switch the plug on (I'm in the UK, gather you don't have these in the US?) the radio switches on too. One thing I would add, if you've got anything that uses batteries, do remember to remove the batteries before storing it away. The times I've had batteries leak and ruin an item are too many to count :(
Good comment on the batteries. One I would never thought of.
@@jo-annevandermey2704 I do now, and I also keep new batteries in a box as I've had those leak too. They were Duracell so not a rubbish brand.
I have everything plugged into one extensive so when I turn it off I turn everything off, so much easier!
One 13 gallon bag of trash removed. Rulers, pins and needles organized. My working space is found again. And I didn't think it was that bad..lol much better.
I found my diamond heart shaped necklace that has been missing for a food year or so. Hallelujah!
I was determined to learn how to thread my serger. I had step out of the box because the manual did not have a decent description to explain the step to thread under the needle area. Boom! Done! One has to just relax and be creative. Now….where to find a place to set it up after 10 years.🤭
This day is the hardest so far. I do have a serger but nowhere to set it up in my space. It is in it's case under the work table. I just got a long arm and it takes up a lot of room. So this is a great challenge for me to make decisions and cull out all the extra stuff. I am so glad you do this every year. I need it.
Decluttering the prime area around my primary machine i thought i did when i bought my sewing desk last year. I proudly set it all up and then starting adding in stuff. Then those drawers that I thoughtfully curated space turned to chaos of where did i put that? It is good to go over each year. Things creep in and haist stuffs things away. When you cant open the drawer it is time to do over😂.
I know exactly what you mean
I agree the Bernina accessory box is clumsy so I taped the feet onto the table and stored things not used often. I made a foam tray with compartments for my pressor feet- labeled with big numbers. But I may try putting the feet I use most often back in the accessory box on my sewing table to save steps in accessing them. I’m getting a larger table to hold both my 770 and bernette b33 in one place. Only have the two machines now. Donated my 40+ year old Singer Futura that sewed all my daughter’s clothes, costumes, drapes, my clothes. It was a workhorse and never quit. Felt I lost a family member, but repairs too often got expensive. I do miss her.
A small lazy Susan desk caddy next to my machine holds tools I used every day.
Thank you, Karen, for your wise advice each day.
I have that Bernina foot and accessory box. It takes up too much space. It constantly falls over, and my feet don't nestle into the provided slots. So it's in my closet serving as a spacer on my bookshelf. It'll probably go into the trash once I get enough books to fill the space. Bernina should consider a redesign.
You have inspired me to do a major declutter of my whole living space. Don't worry it's not that big. I bought my first sewing machine in 1960 when I graduated from nursing (my daughter still uses it) and my current one when I retired in 2004. No, I didn't work all of those years. Have sewn since I could reach the pedal on Mom's old Singer but have been quilting for the past 20 years.
I enjoy all your videos and have learned so much. Thank you.
I bought a Babylock serger several years ago that i have never used. It's too complicated for my little brain. Decided to trade with my daughter for the old Juki MO 103 I gave her when i bought the new.
LOL, as a 4-H leader, I receive tons of supplies, sewing machines, fabric .
I recently gave a local "metal scrapper" 13 sewing machines!! Whew!😊
Love these tips Karen! Thank you so much for doing them. 😊
Having just finished the Bernina Stitching Cosmos course, I now own about 40 feet :-). A tool box with dividers works great. This year I gave up my Press machine which was an impulse buy at a show. Rarely used and big.
You've convinced me to get rid of my serger. I haven't used it in years.
How about a challenge for our longarm areas or rooms.
I keep all by Bernina items in the case that it came with also. So many people got rid of those but it was made for the purpose of keeping all of my items for my Bernina together. I can go directly to it and get my feet, bobbins, needles, whatever I keep for that machine there. Oh I also have two surgers.
Thank you for asking the hard questions.
My studio space is complicated because I have my main sewing machine and space set up, then I have serger in sliding door area to pull out when needed, then tucked away my Sashiko machine used occasionally for embroidery/ quilting, my featherweight to take to classes/retreats
But then the other side of studio is used more for textile crafts/arts with 2 big looms, 2 table looms, 2 smaller looms, a tapestry loom and an e-spinner plus a warping wheel & spinning station.
I had to commandeer spare bedtime behind me for large ironing board, 2 design walls & storage 😱😵💫☺️😬
Wow 😮When do you have the time to use them all? Nice that if you need them you have them❣️❤️
@ I rotate about every hour or so ; so I’m moving, keep my interest & dont do the same repetitive motion over again for long periods of time
Thank you Karen❤
Don’t forget those sentimental machines. One by one I have let mother’s and grandmothers machines go. Can’t let go of the featherweight tho and son wants the treddle, but when?😑
Wow, this one is gonna be a very hard one to get rid of some of the machines I’m not using. I have an Vintage Singer 99 which needs a lot of work basically reconstruction because it fell apart in Transit from Goodwill auctions because they packed terribly and I thought I wanted to restore it turns out I don’t. I just lost my enthusiasm for thinking I could repair it myself given that I just want Quilt and sew I may know someone who I can gift it to and would probably want to rebuild it. It is one of those that’s knee operated. I have a Green Singer 185J I bought on a whim for $50, it works OK but I hadn’t used it in about a year or a year and a half. That one I should try to sell. I do have three featherweights of which I will keep, hoping I get to pass on to my granddaughters. I am going to keep one of them vintage singer 99 that works very well, but maybe I really need to think about it because I haven’t used it for a while. I loan out my Kenmore eight stitch to people that need a machine and that one is a work course. I’m gonna pass on that one to my granddaughter cause she keeps saying she wants to Sew. It’s a good starter machine.
What cupboards have you purchased? I like them and your drawers.
I have the simplicity binding machine. Deciding if I want to keep or sell.
Decluttering "my" sewing space is hampered by the fact that it's a shared space.
My husband also sews, we're both (hobby) costumers and have very different approaches and ways of working.
We have an overlocker which I haven't used since the late 90's or early 2000s. My husband used it last in 2005 on a costume he won a major award for in an international competition, and it was invaluable for that project. I'd find it useful for a lot of my projects except that I find threading and setting the tension on it such a daunting prospect. I'm a last-minute crafter so when I'd NEED to use it, I'm too rushed and short-of-time to be bothered with figuring out how to thread and set all four tensions, and when I don't need ot use it, I'm too daunted by the prospect of figuring it out to get around to trying. I'd happiily take it out of the equasion and claim back the storage space, but my husband won't hear of it in case the urge strikes to make another costume that needs, for example, stretch fabrics like back in 2005.
My problem is that I have a lot of sewing machines besides the one in my cabinet that I sew on. I don’t want to get rid of them because they are all used under different situations. I would like to find a good storage solution to either store or display them. My sewing space is in a 10’ x 10’ bedroom with the floor space on three sides taken up and a closet on the fourth.
This question is for anyone who knows about buying a ..serger machine..
I'm in Canada and would love one. Need brand.money to spend.?
I've been using my sewing machine I bought in the early 70s.😂it works great.❤❤
Decided this past year I wanted to sew little knits outfits for my Grand daughter. Serger seams for knits are the way too go. So dipped my toe into it and bought a Brother 1034D. Great little manual machine. Used for around $150-200. Very easy to thread, lots of YT videos. However, it didn't like sewing over Velcro (making luggage handle tags) LOL. But a good starter machine.
So when the local Quilting and Sewing Expo came around in November, took several serger classes, learned the machine they taught on and bought the class model for $600 under the regular price. Juki MO 2800 with air threading for about $1000. And a Juki Cover Stitch MCS 1700. Now enjoying learning all the other things you can do with these machines. But that takes time to learn as with anything else.
So the questions are - Do you have the time to spend to learn the machine? Do you have the desire to learn the machine? Do you have the space for it?
Currently with this declutter challenge cleaning out another upstairs bedroom that has been used mostly for storage of photos (to scan) and re-organize a desk area for these machines. I find if it is not out, I am not taking the time to get it out. Needs to be set up already. Hope this helps.
I have had my Bernina serger since 1999. I used it heavily when I was making figure skating costumes for my daughter. It's still set up and threaded in a corner on my sewing table. I use it to finish the edges of the fabric before washing. And recently used it to make Aprons for my family.
I suggest that you visit a local fabric store and see if they have a learn to use a serger class and have one you can use during class.
Ask them to show you different types of machines and try them out to see what you like best. They should have learn to use your machine classes.
And they may have previously owned machines for sale. There is a bit of a learning curve because they work differently from a sewing machine.
I strongly suggest buying from a store not over the Internet. You'll need support to learn to use it.
Even though I have a Bernina Serger, BabyLock makes a line with self- threading loopers and if I bought a new one, that's what I'd get.
I’ve got an old Juki MO-655, and I love it! No bells and whistles save feet, but it was a great buy. If you’re willing to learn how to thread it and maintain it, I highly recommend it.
I have a Bernina L460 serger. This is a manual threader. While many of the newer machines have the air threader feature AND that is a slick feature, manually threading a serger is really not that hard. Because I understand how it should be threaded, I have been able to identify stitching problems-at a glance-because a thread is not properly placed.
If you are not sure how much serging you might do, you would be better off with a used heavier machine than the bottom line new machine. (May not have the power you want or need.)
One last thing, I use my serger most by serging the cut edges on new fabric BEFORE I wash it. (I prewash everything.) It does a couple of things, first it stops the fraying when I wash and dry my new fabric. Second, when I see a serged edge, I know the fabric has been washed.
Good luck in your search.
My serger put Joy back into sewing again for me.
Enjoying the challenge this year Karen! You brought up serger machine needles and I wanted to ask...what is the difference between serger needles and standard machine needles?? I've always just put regular needles in my serger and it's worked OK but im curious to learn why there are dedicated ones and if I'm doing it wrong?
I’d like to know also.
So just yesterday I read the Babylock recommendation for needles and it was an ELX130/705CR and realized I didn’t have any. Apparently the 130 is thicker than even the jeans needles and the CR stands for chrome. I have also been using universal needles sewing needles. I haven’t had any issues but I’m going to order some to see if I can tell any difference in performance.
Thanks for another series of great videos and motivation to declutter. Very helpful. Where do you buy your bulk sewing machine needles? Thanks
Amazon.
I purchased them on Amazon during the Pandemic...still have plenty
Day 13 Pls
I have my mother's serger in a box that I've never used and don't know how to use. That's just sad because, if I knew how to use it, I understand it's easier to make pillowcases with one.
Check with your local fabric shop and see if they have learn to use your serger classes? That might help. Once you have used it a few times it will be second nature.
They are wonderful for finishing the edges of a quilt before the binding goes on, instead of straight stitching around the edge, to ‘lock down’ the quilting stitches so they don’t unravel.
@@sandraalston4245 I have even used my serger to bind a quilt with something that is very thin. 🤷 I love my serger
I'm sure TH-cam must have a video on it. Don't get frustrated with the threading. It takes practice and repetition. The rest is relatively easy. I have made several quilts using my serger...heavy knits and leftover minky
Me: /mildly smug because she only has one sewing machine and a stereo, both of which are in great shape
Also me: /realises she hasn't oiled or dusted her spinning wheel in literal years
😂😂
I would like a refund. I found myself on the free pattern page of the Fat Quarter Shop today… downloading free patterns. This process clearly didn’t take😂
😂😂😂😂😂
I am2 days behind 🤦🏻♀️
I have 5 machines. I wouldn't part with three of them. The others my be advertised for a new home.
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I have 12 sewing machines. I need help!