It was quite amazing to sit at my sewing desk, with my (mom's) sewing machine and the serger set up, and start going back and forth between them, as I became more confident with the serger.

(this is not the same as my machine)

          My sister was given the serger about a year ago, told that it needed repairs but wasn't worth the cost to the previous owners. She passed it on to me, and a lady at JoAnn's confirmed for me that it worked, with a few mistakes. Well, time passes by and I just learned how to use it! I have such great connections at work - one of the ladies owns the same machine and showed me how to use it.

Serger stitching!

Here's are some things I've learned, that won't be in any of the manuals

1) When threading the machine, if you think it all looks right, you're wrong. Try again.

2) After you've set it up with the information about which stitch and fabric you are working with, don't turn your back on it. This thing has a mind of its own and will change settings on you.

3) Yes, it gives suggested thread tensions, but if your machine is starting to age, they really are just guidelines. You're better off with trial and error on your own.

4) Do not, repeat, do NOT use this machine on an acutal project until you have learned to know its moods regarding the above situations, and can fix them before they happen.

5) Cheap thread is cheap. Even if it's only for overlocking, don't waste your time re-threading the machine every few inches.

6) Do not underestimate that large piece of metal that looks very large and dull. It is a blade. It is sharp.