Sunday, July 13, 2008

This is ........what scrambles my brain when I try to understand it

Phew! That was a long title today....


I've blogged about this before but my unused unloved ebay overlocker fits both categories today....... it gives me scary goosebumps and it scrambles my brain when I try to understand it!
I'm going to issue myself a challenge to actually read the instructions and try to use it to make something sometime in August.

Thankyou Angela and Juddie for another great week of 'This is'!

24 comments:

Sarah said...

These are confusing contraptions! Did you happen to get a DVD/video with it? I have to say that I prefer to sit mine in front of the tv and work it out, pausing as I go. Maybe, you could contact Janome to see if they have a dvd if you don't already have one. 'Cause confusing as they are, they are useful!

Liesl said...

Oh yes ... I'm right there with you on that one. I almost put my overlocker in as my "This is ..."!

The DVD that Sarah mentions is terrific for basic threading. Interestingly, when I had a Janome lesson they suggested threading the upper looper before the lower one (apparently makes the threading process a bit easier). If you can lay your hands on the Janome "Creative sewing guide" (its about $20 new), its a fantastic supplement to the standard manual. I think it explains some of the basics in a better manner than the manual and illustrates all the stitches very well.

Happy serging!

muralimanohar said...

I have an eBay Janome, and I LOVE it. :P I was sooo glad the video came with it, though, and even gladder we even owned a VHS at the time, lol. I don't think I would have gotten anywhere if I had had to rely on figuring out a book of instructions. :P I'm still not in any way an expert, but I have to say, threading has never been an issue with me! I feel blessed! lol

mill said...

You still haven't tried to use it? I don't blame you! I hate reading instructions...so boring. Maybe you should get someone who knows how to use one to come over and teach you! Much more fun than reading a manual!

Belinda said...

Definitely a brain scrambling piece of equipment. I like how you have given yourself a bit of time to work up to your attempt at using it. Mental preparation is very important!

Anonymous said...

I know how you feel! I have only used my overlocker a couple of times. Despite watchng the strange instructional video that came with it and trying to read the manual, I'm still quite confused!

Good luck with it! xx

Jenny said...

I think that would scramble my brain too but I know that when you do master it you will love it(so I've been told!)

Dees said...

Hear hear also from this side of the ocean.I wouldn't be able to figure that one out either,I am always the last person to look into the instructionbooklets....but I must say you do make me curious.I hope we get to see your progress along the way!!

Anna-Lisa said...

Good luck. I got a new iPhone today and should be really excited, but instead I'm really frustrated cause I have to figure out the technical side of things and hate reading manuals!

Melanie Gray Augustin said...

Oh yes! I really want to buy an overlocker but am scared at trying to figure it out. I hope you do soon though, I know how much I always loved using my mum's.

Sherrin said...

if you want, bring it along to Cathy's for the sewing day when it happens. I have a similar machine, so I can show you how to thread it and do simple stuff if you like?

Kirsty said...

The brain scramble is the very reason I haven't purchased an overlocker.

faz said...

i love your post!! So true!!! I have seen those machine and they are just crazy! good luck figuring it out!

Jacinta said...

Oh good grief - it looks totally baffling to me!
Amazing for something that is meant to make life easier. Beats me how these things work. Good luck!

Michelle said...

I've never used one, I don't even know how it is different to a sewing machine! Hmmm, showing my newbie sewing status there, aren't I!

Lilli boo said...

For me an overlocker is the next big step on any sewing level it means your serious!..for me i'm still to pull out my sewing machine at all let alone an overlocker..but hey I'm sure once you have the hang of it..you'll wonder why it took you so long to tackle it..

Marita said...

Good luck with your challenge, I think its all those bobbins of thread that make it scary. I've recently had a go on my overlocker, and I'm kind of doing ok. Just think of all the benefits, no more hemming!

Danielle said...

I'm sure you will be an overlocking queen once you make a start. That said I've been too scared to have a go of my mum's... You will need to be brave enough for both of us ;)

flossy-p said...

hehehe, I recognise this! ;)

Overlockers are a bit frightening. The threading is the most difficult part, and then as long as you keep things away from the blade, everything is plain sailing. I love overlocking. Although I must admit, I NEVER change the threads. Heaven help me when that time comes :)

Good luck. You'll be fine. It'll be great!

Hana said...

I know what you mean! I always ring mum and ask her what I've done wrong to my (her) overlocker. Threading it up is a bit scary.

Beth said...

My neglected overlocker plays on my mind all the time, whenever I sew (which is fairly often). I was given it for Christmas but I'm at a loss with what to do with it. Glad it's not just me.

Juddie said...

Hmmm - it's at times like these that you really wish you could have someone walk you through it personally I'm sure!

I hope you get a handle on it soon :-)

Gillian R said...

Hey, when you learn how to steer this thing and when you learn to turn corners without losing a finger, can you tell me how to do it?
I'm a self taught, no video, overlocker newbie too.
I'm sure it grows attachments overnight when I'm not looking....

Jenaveve said...

Haha!! I'm in this group of strong, capable women who are easily disarmed by an overlocker - amazing huh?

I contacted a sewing shop in Geelong and they ordered me a manual for mine... but it's the scariest thing I've ever seen and does not make sense. The trick is to never unthread it!!

Mine's a lot older, but I tie new thread on at the very start of the spool and slowly hand crank it through. Don't know how I'll go one day when the thread breaks... then it will be out with the scary, crazy manual.