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?

lovin' the title, sooz

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.

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

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?

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...

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?

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

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

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.

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

spray@moo and bundle,

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!

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

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

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

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.

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.....