This morning, my Brother 1034D arrived via Federal Express!  I was busy hanging with my daughter and so I didn’t check it out until this afternoon.

One of the many features that appealed to me about this serger machine is that it can use regular needles and thread. The machine comes pre-threaded. The provided spools are the traditional sewing spools (not the serger spools) so if you have plans on doing a lot of serging (immediately after you receive your machine) you won’t be able to do it with that thread. But since you think ahead, you already are armed with additional thread, right?

 

I like that the thread provided is in four different colors (yellow, pink, green and blue.)  This was helpful since I could easily identify which of the four tensions (adjusted by using the colored dials above) might need to be corrected if I ran into any issues. Additionally using colored threads for each tension, helps someone new to serging (such as myself) quickly become familiar with what each thread (I’m using four spools) does on a serged hem.  Gauge off? No problem,  it’s an easy fix since the tension is represented by its own thread color. Thanks Brother! You really impressed me in this area.

Before I started serging with my Brother 1034D, I oiled it at the points recommended in the included manual. Afterwards I fed numerous scrap fabrics through the Brother 1034D. I played around with the gauge and occasionally, depending on the fabric texture, I had to tweak the tension settings a bit.  I did this for a few hours, and learned a lot in the process. Finally, I serged scraps on the correct settings and am keeping them on file. In doing this, I can easily refer to the proper tension setting depending on the fabric I’m using. Several weeks ago, when I was researching this machine, I stumbled upon a fabulous article about this topic. It was written by Peter of Male Pattern Boldness. I’m so happy I stumbled upon this useful tip. Thanks Peter!

 

 

After understanding what all the threads did (and being impressed by the nicely serged seams) I took off the colorful threads and threaded my large spools of Gutermann Toldi-Lock. I currently have Maxi-Lock thread on order. Although I’ve never used a serger, or threaded one, I found this serger easy to thread and had no problem following the clearly marked guide that’s shown on the machine.

After my serger session was complete, I made sure I cleaned up the loose threads/fiber that was hanging out in my machine. I take great care of my items which might explain why my things last a long time. Today I used a vacuum attachment to suction up the lint that had made it’s way into the gears. You can purchase canned air, vacuum attachments, or tiny vacuums that make loose fiber cleanup a breeze.

My first impression about the Brother 1034D is positive. It’s sturdy, quiet, makes a neat serged hem at the correct tension and I didn’t have any issue threading this machine. I’m looking forward to many hours of enjoyment with my Brother 1034D… and of course I’ll be sharing some of what I create here on Celebrate Life.

 

Today, I didn’t get to create anything for my daughter or myself, but I did learn a lot about serging.

 

I should receive my serger tomorrow.

Hopefully learning how to use the serger machine won’t be too difficult, I’ve done my homework and have viewed numerous You Tube Tutorial about this particular machine and have already read the owners manual. Some folks have complained that it can be tricky to thread a serger machine, but judging by the videos related to threading the Brother 1034D I really shouldn’t have any issues.

I ordered my serger from Amazon. Since I’m an Amazon Prime member I receive free shipping. I didn’t want to wait until Monday to receive the order. I like to order new electronic items towards the weekend since it gives me a chance to test them out. With everything that goes on during my week with my schedule and my daughter’s I’m not always able to do this. I bumped that up to one day delivery, so tomorrow should be here! As an Amazon Prime member, it only cost me  $3.95 to upgrade to one-day delivery.

 

 

I don’t like unfinished seams and so all the items I create look as pretty on the inside as the outside. French seams were one of the first ‘finished seams’ I learned to make and I can still remember the excitement I felt when I made an outfit that included them. I was in my teens when I learned how to do those.

 

I adore french seams but I realize that with certain fabrics a different finish, such as a serged seam, would be better. That’s one of the reasons why I ordered the serger. Most sergers will cut the fabric as they are fed under the presser foot. This machine is small so it won’t take up too much space in my sewing area. Eventually I will have to purchase a bigger sewing table  that will hold all my sewing machines.

I have some minor purchases to make and have saved that trip for tomorrow so my daughter can join me on our little adventure. I’m taking her to a fabric warehouse, it’ll be a first for her and as much as she loves all type of fabric I know she’ll be in fabric heaven. I do know how much I’m willing to spend so I won’t be deviating from my budget. She’s also excited because I told her once I’m comfortable with the serger, she’ll be allowed to use it also. She’s already using my Brother SE-400. Naturally she’s already designed some outfits  for her Monster High dolls that she wants to test out on the serger machine.

 

Photo Source: Wikipedia

 

Besides designing and sewing a costume for Mary Magdalene and the resurrection robe for Jesus, I’ll be making two costumes for angels.

I found about the angels yesterday. I’m a bit excited about that since in my mind it gives me freedom to be elaborate with the costuming. They’re heavenly beings after all — I think they should be dazzling.

When I was five years old, I remember playing an angel in the school Christmas play. I only went to that school one year. At the time, it only went to first grade, and the following year they knocked off first grade and only had kindergarten. You want to know something wild?  My daughter attends the same school. Also, the Lutheran school is one of the ministries of  the Lutheran church. We now attend that Lutheran church.

Who knew 30+ years later that I’d be attending the church where I went to school… and designing costumes for one of their plays. 😉

 

Photo Source:  By His Grace

I recently purchased my first sewing/embroidery machine. Naturally since I didn’t have the proper tools to accommodate this new crafty adventure my start up cost was a bit higher.

 

When I ordered the Brother SE-400 from Amazon, I also placed an order for 40 cones of colorful embroidery thread.

 

 

You need stabilizer for machine embroidery so I ordered some of that. In hindsight I should have ordered more of that in different weights — I only have stabilizer for lightweight fabric, but I’m about to change that.

I also ordered needles for my sewing machine, 100 of them for under $8.00, they’re made by Organ. Since I didn’t have the correct bobbins (it is a different sewing machine brand than the ones I have) I also ordered ten bobbins. I got those for under $4.00.

 

You’d think I was done with initial start up costs, right? Apparently not… Now I’m looking at serger threads. Within the serger community, I’ve heard lots of great things about Maxi-Lock, Gutermann, and Wooly Nylon and so I did some hunting and found an online store where I’ll be purchasing most of my threads. Fortunately it’s only a few states away since it’s located in New York, and I’ve heard positive reviews of their customer service and shipment times so I’m willing to check them out.

Serger thread is about the only thing I need to get before purchasing the serger. And no, I’m not spending over $2,000 for the serger as I mentioned in a recent post. I was impressed with the Babyloc: Evolution, but had qualms about spending that much money later this year. The main draw for me was the auto thread feature… and I like having eight spools that can be used to sew but for now, I realize it’s something I won’t use as much. After more research I settled upon a machine that carries most of the features I want but for a fraction of the cost, it costs under $220. Eventually I might find I need a bigger machine, but for now I’m happy with my upcoming purchase and based on the reviews the serger should serve me well for many years.

I shouldn’t feel guilty about the purchases I’ve been making, after all I haven’t touched my savings and the money used for my wants is specifically set aside for extras. Outside of my needs, there isn’t too many things I really want, so that money set aside for ‘fun stuff’ is fairly large.  After a set amount of time I put most of that money back into savings. When I  purchase ‘wants’ I pay for it in full.  Years ago, one of my friends told me I sounded like Dave Ramsey with my approach to finances. I never heard of the man but was curious enough to do some research. And it does seem that we’re on the same page.

• Not spending what you don’t have
• Don’t put your wants ahead of your needs
• Don’t go in debt if you don’t have too
• Saving wisely
• Making sacrifices — if needed to achieve financial freedom.

Wow what a concept! (sarcasm) To me, that’s just common sense. If I can avoid debt, why in the world would I add debt — if I don’t have too?

I’ll be doing a newbie review of my experiences with my sewing/embroidery machine; Brother Se-400. Hopefully it’ll help someone that’s interested in machine embroidery. I’ve already received a few emails from people who had questions about the machine.

In my twenties (and throughout my early thirties) the majority of the clothing I wore was my own creation, from the idea, to the drawing, pattern making, fabric cutting, and sewing all the pieces together… I did it all.

I made clothes throughout my teenage years, but I didn’t really soar until I was out of college and on my own. I enjoyed the process and sewing gave me an outlet to express my creativity. Designing was something I turned to after a day at work. It was my chance to unwind and get lost into a creative world. I received a lot of compliments on my designs and many thought they were store bought — even though they couldn’t find my clothing in their local department store.  Seriously?  My outfits are much, much better. For one thing, I like the inside of my garments to look as beautiful as the outside! I didn’t get offended though, I took the comment as it was intended… a compliment.

My designs  got noticed and soon I was participating in a few local shows rubbing shoulders with local clothing designers, and learning a lot about something I always found intriguing. After some gentle nudging from a few of my friends, I had some of my pieces displayed at various boutiques. I even tried my hand at alterations  and although I can do that well…I hate it with a passion! These days, I’ll only make alterations for a few people.

As I hit my mid thirties a lot of my sewing came to a halt. And although, I’d create something once or twice a monthly it was nowhere near the intensity that I was used too. My priorities had changed. By this time my daughter was born and finding time to do everything I enjoyed wasn’t possible.  Some things had to be put on hold.  I must say that I miss doing that type of sewing. It was a chance to play with fiber, create new designs and make unique clothing. Sometimes they were a success, but when I first started I had my share of missteps.

The past several months I’ve been working on sketches and I’m slowly getting to the point where I’ll start sewing some of my designs. My daughter is looking forward to this since I’m creating a few outfits for her… and to add to the excitement I told her she could help sew some of her own clothing. My daughter is nine years old and is well on her way to becoming an accomplished seamstress.

I thinks it’s important to teach my daughter ‘domestic skills’ such as cooking, sewing, proper garment care, proper housecleaning, etc., armed with these tools she won’t have to dependent on anyone since if she wants… she’ll know how to do it herself.

I love reusable items, it reduces the cost since you’re not continually purchasing a disposable product.

We use a lot of reusable items in our household. Let’s see… we use stainless steel straws, reusable filters. Regarding food consumption you won’t see too me buying too many packaged meals since (for me anyway) I find it wasteful and I can make my own prepackaged meals, toss in the freezer to be consumed at a later day. When my daughter was an infant I made reusable cloth wipes, those were perfect for cleaning messes that accompanied my baby girl and I had the added convenience of reusing them… after they were washed of course!.

My daughter prefers the lunches I prepare for her over a school bought lunch. Because of this, I pack lunches several times weekly.  But I was placing the food items into disposable plastic bags. I think it’s time that I upgrade them to reusable sandwich and snack bags, don’t you?

 

Take a look at my daughter’s new sandwich and snack bags. Washable, durable and what’s great is this eliminates so much dependence on disposable sandwich/snack bags.

 

I combined two fabrics with this one. The  cream colored flap flips over to close the bag — just like the plastic sandwich bags I’ve purchased. When my daughter saw the completed bags her first comment was… “Mom, these are too pretty to use for my sandwich and snacks!” But I told her that this was just the beginning, I’d be making her other embroidered items with my Brother SE-400, that made her happy.

I did everything on this machine, mainly because I want to get more acquainted with the embroidery features and I wanted to play around with some of the regular stitch functions too. It has 67 stitches, which isn’t bad for an embroidery machine. However, I won’t be using this for sewing. I have other machines that fit that purpose. This was purchased solely for it’s embroidery function.

 

As you can see in the picture, I finally used more than one color of embroidery thread. The above cats are a big improvement over my first, remember that machine embroidered cat? It was all one color. But I still could have done better with the above embroidery. It’s puckering a bit between the embroidered cats and that’s because I needed to use a thicker stabilizer for this muslin fabric. I learned that after I saw it happening, heh. 😉 I’m still learning though and am thrilled with my progress.

The reusable bags are completed and now they’ll be washed and pressed and then they’ll be used in my daughter’s lunch bag on Monday. She already told me that her classmates will most likely want them after seeing hers.