By: Donna Ransdell

Book: Sewing with an Overlock
      Singer Sewing Reference Library
Published by:
      Cy DeCosse Incorporated

This book, one of many in the widely acclaimed Singer Sewing Reference Library,
came to mind today as I was sewing on my daughter's dresses. I've had this book
for several years now, and have found it to be an invaluable reference book for
using my serger. As many of you know, I had to learn to use my serger by book,
trial and error, and this was a good one to get me going...and it's keeping me
going.

The book starts with a basic education about sergers, from threading to
stitches, how to buy one, the thread you might need, and even a little section
on organizing your sewing room.

Then it gets into stitches, what do you do with the tail, doing corners, how
not to sew your fingers together, and what do you do if you goof.

The next section gets into adjusting stitches, flatlock and rolled hem
stitches, and seam finishes.

Finally, it gets into the nitty gritty...garment construction. It describes how
to construct garments with a serger, using special techniques. I just used the
technique for applying a flat collar to a garment. Most of you who sew are
familiar with the bulkiness caused by necklines and facings. The serger allows
you to simply apply a collar by avoiding facings. Baste on, serge the collar
and bodice together, press (I'm now waiting for my iron to heat up in order to
do this part), then understitch under the collar to tack down the serged part.
No facings, no bulk, very quick.

The pictures in this book, like others in the Singer Sewing Reference Library,
are outstanding. The descriptions of "how to" are wonderful, but the pictures
show most steps.

If you have a serger, or are contemplating the purchase of one, this is one of
the best books you can treat yourself to.


      -donna