SERGER MADNESS!

Well, it is official. I am obsessed with a sewing machine. And not just any straight stitch machine, or even a fancy embroidery machine. No, it's the one pictured below.

I bought this machine over two years ago and have barely touched it until now. I was scared, and I had never had a serger before, and learning to use it seemed quite daunting. Last year I signed up for a class on Craftsy to learn to use it. Last month I finally got brave enough to try. And now I almost can't stop.

This boxy zippered pouch was the first project I tried as part of the online Craftsy class. After learning to thread the machine and adjust the tension using different colors of thread, I was excited to sew an actual THING instead of practicing on scraps. I love the way it turned out, and it was FAST! No pressing seams open, since the seams are covered. 

**UPDATE**

I signed up for a Craftsy class to learn to use my machine and it was a huge help. I would recommend “Beginner Serging” with Amy Alan to any of you who are new to serging. Threading the machine with 4 different colors of thread was well worth the time I spent on it and really helped me understand how my serger works.

I was ready to move on to something I could actually wear....

This is the Hemlock Tee, by Grainline Studios. The pattern is one size and is available free online (link) and I used a piece of knit fabric I bought for $2.00/yard at the FIDM Scholarship store. I did it! I even added cuffs because I thought the sleeves were too short! I promptly cut out and made a second one, using other bargain bin fabric I had in my stash....

Next I decided that I felt confident enough to try my hand at some PJ pants for Jenna. I made my own pattern based on some online instructions, by tracing a pair of PJ pants that I knew fit her. I used another piece of long stored fabric that I had bought super cheap, and just went for it. Et voila!....

And they fit! I am planning another pair, with a few minor adjustments to my pattern.

Finally, my latest Hemlock Tee, made yesterday afternoon. This is a rib knit fabric, so I thought it might be a little more difficult to work with, but this tee came together so quickly and easily that I just want to make one every day.

This much fun should be illegal.