Getting the hang of it

I have officially gone my first round with the serger. I am not sure that I am on the same team as this machine yet. It is a whole different monster and I fully understand why Craigslist is littered with "barely used" sergers for sale. In the middle of the project I ran out of the sample thread and spent nearly half an hour trying to re thread the thing before I gave up. Next day, things went better and I did get this fleece jacket complete but I am by no means proficient in its use. So with my manual close by, I will move forward and sign up for a class to reduce my chances of turning my machine into a dust collector. Do you own a serger? Do you use it often? How long did it take you to get the hang of it? Any tips to share?

Reading List

I have been scouting things out at the Library and have come across some great books! Good projects and lots of inspiring ideas! Check out the following:

The New Handmade -Cassie Barden
I made the cell phone case and found the instructions to be easy to read. Lots of fun ideas from laptop covers to purses, potholders and pencil cases.

The Feisty Stitcher -Susan Wasinger
Includes some cool recycling/re-purposing ideas. You can find totes, slippers, jewelry, scarves and T-shirts.

Sewing Bits and Pieces -Sandi Henderson
Lots of ideas for scraps to include ideas for kids and home. I did my own take off of her sweater refashion below.

Sewing Green -Betz White
Lots of eco friendly projects. Totes, lunch bags, pillows, skirts, pajama pants and items for kids. I have lots of ideas tabbed in this one!