Wednesday, October 13, 2010

My Bernina's Back and There's Gonna be Serging

It went away to be repaired
It bothered me, every night
And when I had to do without
I said things that weren't very nice



My Bernina's back, and there's gonna be some serging
(Hey-la-day-la my Bernina's back
)
I've got it home and set it up on the double

(Hey-la-day-la my Bernina's back)
While it was away I was feeling awful blue
(Hey-la-day-la my Bernina's back)

But I've tried it out and it's working just like new

(Hey-la-day-la my Bernina's back)
(Hey, without it has been tryin')
(And there was a lot of sighin')

It's been gone for such a long time
(Hey-la-day-la my Bernina's back
)
Now it's back
and things'll be fine
(Hey-la-day-la my Bernina's back)

I'm sorry I left its servicing so long
(Hey-la-day-la my Bernina's back)

Cause it's kinda smart and it's awful strong
(Hey-la-day-la my Bernina's back)

(Hey with all the fabric it's been eatin'!)
(I work it so hard it really takes a beatin'!)


My Bernina 800 DL serger makes terrific rolled hem edges. This is an edge I use all the time on Kayla Kennington garments. It takes some getting used to but after a bit of practice (and if your machine is properly serviced) it's a great construction technique. The Bernina 800 DL is known for making a great rolled hem. While it was in the shop, I used my old Kenmore machine and while I finally got a respectable rolled hem out of it, it was no picnic. So when Linda of Oakville Sewing Centre called to say "Your baby's ready for pick-up" I was out there like a shot.

Also Linda said that there's going to be a sale on Bernina's starting October 15, so if you are in the market for a new serger, give her a call or drop by to test drive one.

Monday, October 4, 2010

I'm sewing but I'm not entirely happy...

The Angel Top
I have been sewing today, working on the Angel Top, the Perennial Pant and the Kwan Yin Kimono, all garments from the Modular Design pattern series. You see, I am sewing sample garments (some day to be "my garments") for the upcoming Creativ Festival (Oct 22-24) in Toronto. I have an exhibitor's booth there (No. 830) and I do a daily trunk show about the Modular Design pattern collection by Kayla Kennington. I like to feature new creations every season.

And two of my favourite machines are in for servicing at the moment; my Bernina 800DL serger and Brother Nouvelle 1500S. I love my Bernina 800DL for Kayla's signature rolled hem edge with rayon embroidery thread. But I also need it to finish seam allowances in the usual way.  I can't really complete any garments without it. I know I should have two sergers, but that's a big purchase and I can't afford that right now.

The Brother is a workhorse industrial-like machine that straight stitches only. It is perfect for accurate and quick straight stitched seams and topstitching.

Luckily I still have my Bernina White Pearl here which does the zigzags, buttonholes and other fancy stitches that I need. And a decent straight stitch when required.

I'm anxiously waiting for the phone call from Linda at the Oakville Sewing Centre to tell me my machines are all in top form, so I can rush off and get them. When they are back home safely installed in their custom sewing cabinets, I'll be in my happy sewing place again.