Overlockers - are they worth it?

[suzywong]

I've been managing quite well for years with the zig-zag stitch on my standard machine, but now I fancy making some stretch fabric tops, knit tops and I wonder if an overlocker (ebay speacial) is worth it?

Whaddyareckon?

[bundle]

lovin' the title, sooz

[suzywong]

har har har

I really am a certified suburban housewife now aren't I? I can no longer merely cast a look in the direction of Crouch End and think my self a fashionable mover and shaker.

[bundle]

dh bought me a lovely sewing machine last christmas (elna - btw did you know that elna invented the overlock stitch? ) so am interested inthe outcome

[suzywong]

ahhh just think of the trips round Liberty's fabric department we could have had together if I was still there..... do you go to Rolls and Reems next to McD's on Seven Sisters now?

[bundle]

oh yes, sometimes. also the stall in the market opposite there (nags head?) but obv prefer liberty. rolls n reems have a couple of liberty tana lawns in...

[suzywong]

come on,
I know it's a bit of a dull question

Would I get more response if I threw in a query about defrosting chicken thights with it?

[marthamoo]

You sew ? You cook and you sew? You're a Secret Stepford!

[bundle]

not so secret now though wong. what about overlocking whilst defrosting chicken thighs and switching on the mouli with your toe, for fairy cakes?

[geraldgiraffe]

SW- just get a jersey(ballpoint) needle for your regular machine. i make knit fabric tops on my machine and as long as you have a decent needle you should be ok. A double needle is quite nice for jersey tops too, gives a prof. touch to necklines, hemlines etc.

[suzywong]

ooooo - that's a good idea, thanks for the tip

spray@moo and bundle,

[marthamoo]

geraldgiraffe - you're one too, OMG they're coming out of the woodwork all over...it'll be knitting next...and cross-stitch...macrame your own pot holders...run for the hills!

[suzywong]

I knit too
I stil lhave the mohair black batwing jumper i did in garter stitch on jumbo needles in 1983

[geraldgiraffe]

lol mm- i knit too! Some v fetching outfits were had for dd when she was tiny but sadly i don't have the time or inclination any more.
No macrame though

[geraldgiraffe]

Bloody hell, SW, bet that was a bit lacey!

[bundle]

am making crocheted afghan squares in pretty cotton colours on piccadilly line these days. v satisfying but hard to balance the book and 3 balls of yarn.

[eidsvold]

yes, yes yes!! I haven't got one YET. Just been madly sewing clothes for the dds and soft furnishings for dd2's room. I borrowed a friends - 3 thread one - such a great finish to the seams. Was hoping to do some t-shirts later... just seems to make it so quick. I would love a 4 thread but they seem so expensive. May have to settle for a 3-thread. ALthough my janome does stretch stitching - just need to get the right needles.

Oh - suzy - you and me are a pair - from DIY to sewing, defrosting meat.

I don't knit though - can't knit to save myself BUT have just finished a cool cross stitch for dd1's wall and am halfway through one for dd2.

OH and I love spotlight.....