In praise of my coverstitch

Last spring when I was in Knoxville TN I picked up  Janome 900, not the latest coverstitch model, for a really great price. My serger at home, a Pfaff 4860 (which does an excellent overlock stitch), already does a coverstitch but to use it involves moving a lever over on the foot, lowering the knife and the stitch finger, a complete re-thread and taking out and re-positioning two needles. After that, and I have timed this, it takes about 40 frustrating minutes to get it to actually stitch right - don't know why. My nerves. Not what I feel like doing when all I have is a yard or so of hemming to do on that that fast-to-sew knit shirt.


I complained about all of this to a sewing machine guy I know, who was trained in a European sewing machine factory, and he said to me that really the more functions are added into a machine the more fussy they get, particularly sergers because there is just such a small space to fit so many mechanical actions in.


So it was an indulgence to buy another machine to just do a coverhem (the price was about a third of what I would have paid in Canada) but I am sooo glad I did.


My simple little Janome is totally reliable, and because it does one thing, easy to thread. After years of fussy around I am so happy to just sit down and zip around a hem - stress free.


This is important because my BMV order came yesterday. When this busy day is over I want to try a new pattern for a multi-cup sized tunic shirt.


My sewing machine friend also passed on some good tips on sewing machines and if I get a chance later I will post them too.


Now off to get this day on the road. I am a bit tired this morning after more late night knitting. Looks like I am going to have to get Christmas pushed back this year to meet all my deadlines.