Coverstitch Machines and Sergers

Some of my newbie readers have asked what the difference is between a serger and a coverstitch machine: Here is a brief explanation :)



A coverstitch is the twin or triple needle stitching you see on the hems of most ready-to-wear knit garments. The top looks like parallel rows of straight stitching and the underside looks like serger loops which *cover* the turned down raw edge. Sometimes the "wrong" or loopy side is sewn on top as a design feature, especially in activewear


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A Serger is used to finish off raw edges with a clean and unfraying finish, also used for hems and joining pieces together (sometimes you may need attachments) The serger sews much faster then a sewing machine but should be used as a supplement to your machine not as a multi-funstion machine.

My Personal Picks

I get asked several times a week for book recommendations so I have put together what I think are great books to own. I have all of these books in my library so I can personally say they are all really great.

They are listed according to function and I also noted Beginner-Advanced. These are all clickable so you can go directly to amazon from the links below.

Beginners: Books on General Sewing Techniques











Sewing: Couture and Advanced Sewing Techniques
















Fitting: Beginners and Advanced









Pattern Making/Draping: Advanced (Intermediate)










enjoy!

Finally!

Hey guys,

I am sure you have noticed there has not been many sewn pieces up on here lately, well if you have been following me for a while then you will remember a friend of mine offered to finance my first collection. After many back and fourths, contracts, paperwork, discussions I have now started the actual sketching..lol and we are in full swing.

Im so excited and at the same time COMPLETELY TERRIFIED...lol

updates will come as I have them :)

Peace!

Pattern Review: M5525

click images to enlarge

McCalls 5525 View C

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, lined, double-breasted jacket and coat have collar, lengths and sleeve variations, shoulder pads, princess seams and side front pockets; jackets A, C, coats B, D, E have belt carriers; jacket C, coat E have epaulets with button closure; coat E has pocket flaps with button trim; jacket C, coat E have collar tab; jacket C has front yoke; jacket C, coat E have back buttoned yoke; coats B, E, jacket C have sleeves with button bands; jackets A, C, coats B, D, E have topstitch trim, button closure; jackets A, C and coats D, E have self-tie belt.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 8

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did

Were the instructions easy to follow? Super easy to follow

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the whole thing.

Fabric Used: Dunno, it was this really great almost quilted fabric I found at Joanns.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I loved it and will sew another one for spring.

Conclusion: Fabulous!


More Views:

The lining, of course I had to use a colorful lining :)

Just Because

It's nice to look back and see what you have done with all that time, lol. I just picked some that were either my favs or that meant something to me because of sentimental things or whatever..lol

photobook

San Diego Peeps

Hey Guys,

any of you in San Diego? I want to get away for the weekend and go down but I am not sure how the weather has been? whatcha think?

Your Revolution....

Top (cant remember what pattern) LOL

I cant remember what pattern I used and I am not at home so I will have to post it later...lol

But I love this top, it is so flowing and silky on the skin, I can rock it with a belt or without as a mini dress or I can rock it with my skinny jeans or leggins.

Pattern Review: M5819

Pattern Description: McCalls 5819

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 6

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did

Were the instructions easy to follow? so easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern, it's so cute!

Fabric Used: White cotton jersey

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added a two inch band the bottom instead of hemming it. I used a cotton cording instead of making the drawstring.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? YES! I will be making this again and I would recommend it for sure.

Conclusion: I love it.
McCalls 5819

Knitting Post

This was a pretty easy sweater to make, it's free from Lionbrand I used Cotton Ease also by Lionbrand.

Imani wanted me to show you her hair, Chastidy pressed it for her this weekend..lol she spent all weekend flipping her hair.



The back:

The Front:

Netflix FYI

Did you know that this DVD is available through Netflix??

Couture Techniques with Roberta C. Carr: For Fine Sewing

Pattern Reviews

Hello, I have been feeling a little under the weather and it seems like one kid gets sick and passes it along and then no one can get rid of it :(

Pattern Description: Burda 7726 Ruffle Blouse

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 6

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are a breeze, all you have to do is gather and attach :)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I did not dislike anything, it was a pretty good pattern, I made very slight changes.

Fabric Used: White Cotton

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made the ruffle at the neck much shorter, the pattern is really tall on the neck and it bothered me so I chopped it down. I like the side zipper and the closure in the front neck band. The edges of the ruffle are serged which was pretty quick but I think if I ever did decide to do it again I will do narrow hems instead.

Would you sew it again? No it's a one time sew kinda blouse.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I think it is worth giving it a shot, it looks great with a high waist skirt ;)

Conclusion: it's a nice little blouse.








Pattern Description: Simplicity 2758 Blouse

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 8

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions looked easy enough I really didnt use them :)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the sleeves and the fit of this is really great considering it is fitted using darts and not princess seams.

Fabric Used: Cotton Shirting

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: None, I pretty much made it exact.

Would you sew it again? I think I may use this pattern many many times, I love the fit of the blouse.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I recommend both the skirt and the top, I reviewed the skirt a week or so ago, it's also in this pic.

Conclusion: Love It!