I have an August birthday (a big round one!). In July, I decided to give myself a "Christmas in July" AND early big bday birthday present by gifting myself a Juki MCS 1500 Coverstitch machine.
If you look inside any hem of your knit garments/tshirts, you will see the benefit of a coverstitch machine. It creates a 1, 2, or 3 needle stretch stitch that will give your garment a professional look. In this blog post I wrote about the knit tank dress that I made...out of children's fabric no less. I was dissatisfied with the finish of the hems. I don't care for zig zagged top stitching, and twin needle has it's own issues. No, I decided then that I needed a coverstitch.
I made dress # 2 out of knit, but I measured my arm/and neck bands incorrectly. Too snug, but still comfortable...and the finish was fine.
Dress #3 was the winner. I learned from my mistakes in dress #2, and I ended up with a beautiful red with cream polka dot dress that is beautifully made (looks store bot), pretty on and comfortable. I am glad to have all three. What is not to love about a dress that you throw over your head and is soft against your skin and doesn't bind anywhere.
It has been nice to make things for myself again. I even tried my hand at making....underwear. Would have never thought to have done so. I've made two pairs, and I have a little technique development underwear. But I have two pairs of panties that fit well and are comfortable. The finishing, though, needs a little better work. The modal fabric was not easy to work with...so I have to practice my material handling methods.
I have a nice trifecta of machines with my sewing (2) , serger and coverstitch. I'm glad I have a second regular sewing machine. My newer machine is in for service and it looks like the total time will be a month. I'm back sewing on my trusty Bernina 910--.
