Long before I ever made my first quilt, I made skirts.
So when I got news that my daughter would need a white skirt for her upcoming kindergarten graduation, I figured I would make one, rather than spend all my time scouring the internet for the perfect white skirt.
And then I remembered why I stopped making clothes – the seams! Finishing seams has never been one of my favorite things to do. I used to encase the seams with a zigzag stitch. Later on, I learned how to sew French seams. But it always seemed like extra work.
Then it occurred to me: get a serger!
I’ve always been intimidated by sergers. They seem so complicated – so many threads and a knife that cuts! For so many years, I thought they were above my skill level and out of the range of my wallet! But I started doing some research. I found that there is quite a range in price and features. I wanted something basic that would be easy to thread.
I decided to go with the Brother 1034D. It got great ratings on Amazon and a poll of my Instagram friends confirmed that it is easy to thread, just as it advertises.
I forgot to order thread when I bought the machine so while I waited for my order of Maxilock thread, I used some of my quilting thread. It worked, but I do like the Maxilock thread.
I’m having fun with my new toy! It really is easy to use. I’ve already used it to make a skirt for my 5-year old, using some fabric from my stash. I used a tutorial for a simple skirt by Dana Made It to figure out the measurements. Highly recommend!
I also made a skirt for my 2-year old, using some fabric from one of my favorite maternity blouses that I used to wear when I was pregnant with her. I love being able to give my maternity clothes a second life.
And check out the seams!
I see myself making lots of clothes for my girls now that I have a quick and easy way to finish the seams.
Now I just have to find the perfect white fabric…
14 comments
How professional do your seams look, Nicole! There will be no stopping you now! Both skirts are very sweet!
Overlockers rule!
I have my Mom's here…and she bought it on Craigslist…for a really good deal. They are nice to have.
So cute! I'm sure your girls look irresistible in them. I've always loved that first fabric and what a creative and sweet way to give new life to maternity clothes. Me, I was ready to never look at those tops ever again! Haha!
I bought the same one earlier this year and love it too. I'm finding all kinds of uses for it. I highly recommend the Clementine dress pattern by Made by Rae. You can make it in a range of sizes for your girls. My little girl is only 2 months old, but she already has two dresses and lots of homemade pants thanks to the serger.
I love the repurposed maternity clothing!!! Have fun with the serger.
I loved sewing for my little girls…enjoy it while you can…they grow up and want store clothing all too soon! That's what eventually led me to quilting! Enjoy your new toy!
Cute skirts! You chose a wonderful, versatile serger. Can you believe that I bought a Brother 1034D for only $5 at a charity store? I guess the person who donated it thought it was broken. There is some kind of problem with the foot controller, but if it's turned ninety degrees, and the tall side is facing the heel of my foot, the serger works perfectly! I could buy a new foot controller, but this one works fine. 🙂
Sweet skirts and what a clever use of your maternity top. Love those seams! Have fun, Nicole!
"Your" skirts are so cute. I never sewed clothes for my girls but my daughter told me yesterday that she was going to attempt a simple dress for my granddaughter. Good for her!
They look great, glad you made the leap!
Nicole, thank you for sharing about your new serger. I, too, have heard this model to be a good one. Now, I am encouraged to get one myself. You are so creative to make a skirt from an old maternity top. They turned out so cute! Good luck with finding the white fabric. Just a thought, maybe eyelet lace would be pretty to add to simple white fabric.
I've had this machine on my Amazon wishlist for 2 years now…just need to find the money and take the plunge! It was awesome to see your post on this!
Have fun! I've never been a garment maker and don't really understand what exactly a serger does but your skirts are adorable!
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