I've had it since my first Babylock was consumed in my apt fire about dozen years ago. It's time to upgrade it...even though it's working just fine...I'm going to move up to the Babylock Imagine serger. I've been wanting one of these for quite some time...and the time has arrived for it to come to my house. Don't feel sorry for my present serger though, because it is going to my DD who sews. Now she will have her own sewing machine, serger and stash!
I'm writing about my serger though because of the bag that has been in front of it all of these years.
I don't think they don't even make these serger catch bags anymore, but when sergers first became all the rage for home sewists these serger bags were everywhere. Does anyone besides me else even have one on their sergers anymore?
As I was emptying mine this afternoon, I realize that this bag tells a story. See I use a serge finish on almost every garment I make, so the left over contents end up in this bag. Depending on how much I sew that bag can be emptied every couple of weeks or every couple of months. But every time I empty it, it reminds me of the journeys I've taken...the garments I've made...and the things I've learned.
I can't imagine parting with it because of the memories! But part with it I shall...with a sad heart...because it will accompany the serger when it goes to my daughter.
I'm looking forward to the arrival of the new serger...and the new adventures and journeys I will take with it. However, I think I will no longer enjoy the ritual of the emptying of the bag...to grow, I guess some things must change!
...more later!
I bought a new serger a little over a year ago. I bought a serger bag from another sewing machine store in Atlanta. If you can't find a bag, I can stop by the store and get one for you.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new machine!
CarlaF-in Atlanta
I use a bag on my Babylock too! And just like you, I enjoy reliving the journey when I empty that bag. I often find I've forgotten about some projects and it's fun to remember it all again. :)
ReplyDeleteSherryV
You're not alone...I use a serger bag. Mine is a bit mangled after all these years, but I won't be giving it up until I get a new one.
ReplyDeleteChristiana
sewamusing.blogspot.com
I bought an serger 12 months ago and every one that I looked at came with one, including mine. They seem to be a standard feature. Perhaps things are different in my neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteI have a bag like that as well, it has two hooks that you put around the front feet. I bought it some years ago. When I got my brand new wonderful Bernina 1300MDC this June, I thought I would get rid of it because the Bernina has a little open box attached to the front that collects the little pieces, but I think it is in the way so I am back to the bag.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the exact feeling about emptying the bag! Spot on!
I have a serger bag for my Babylock, too. I ordered it from Clotilde. The Elna I used to have came with a scrap catcher, but I haven't seen any Babylocks with any sort of scrap catching apparatus.
ReplyDeleteNew serger? I must have missed something. What did ya get??
ReplyDeleteI am facing the same decision. My old serger works just fine but I would really like one that does an easy rolled hem (no plate changes) and self threading. Maybe soon. Enjoy your new toy.
ReplyDeleteI saw what I use, which is a white plastic base with a detachable bag at MaryJo's weekend before last. I actually got mine in '91 at a Palmer/Pletsch workshop. Have fun with that new serger. I'd like to get a BL in the future, so I'll be interested to hear how you like.
ReplyDeleteA serger bag sounds a great idea (though I've never seen one for sale in the UK) - I just let my scraps fall on the table or floor then have to pick up the mess! Your new serger sounds exciting - looking forward to hearing more about that.
ReplyDeleteWhen I bought my Evolve, there was an accessory scrap catcher that could be bought separately (boo hiss). Of course I got it. It's a plastic platform on which the serger sits. You insert disposable plastic bags into a slot in the front of it. I guess they're intended to be tossed after filling but I just empty and reuse--I think the current bag is the original.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, that could be the system Babylock is using for all its sergers now.
I always wanted one of those little bags! I somehow feel like I'm not "really" serging without one (because I too remember them being all the rage). However, I've never bought one because under the harsh light of truthful scrutiny, I know that I'd never be organized enough to actually get the scraps into the bag. So cool to see you get such enjoyment out of yours and also cool to get a new machine! (And yes, I really am that disorganized and lazy that I can't get some thread scraps into a bag two inches away from where they land.)
ReplyDeleteI'm working on my 5th serger now. They all still work it's just that I, like you, upgraded and past them on to other family members. The first three did now come with any kind of catcher so I concocted my own. The two I have know both came with catchers but I replaced one with a version that I bought a a local sewing expo. Also like you, I relive the making of garments as I empty the catchers. Enjoy you new serger. I have heard that the Evolve is better than sliced bread and pantyhose!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of a serger bag, but what a great idea! My kids gather up my serger refuse and play with it, then I find it ground into the carpeting and it's kind of a pain to vacuum up. Watch out for that with your dgs.
ReplyDeleteNot only do I still have a serger waste bag, I have 2 of the same models of your serger. One was my mother's; my uncle treated us both to sergers at the same time. I've sent mine back to the factory for reconditioning once (when the local repairman said it was too old to fix!) Mom's is doing well, but she used it less than I use mine. I'd love a coverstitch machine, but to throw away 2 working sergers.... Is the machine you're getting a coverstitch model? Can't wait for your report.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - I have had an Imagine for a couple of years. It is my first serger as I do mostly tailored, lined clothes and always thought I didn't need one. BUT - it is one of the best purchases I've ever made and soooo easy to use. That is why I bought this type as I didn't want to stress about threading or tension each time. I also bought a pad that sits under the machine with a bag that hangs in front for scraps - much like what you show - made by Babylock - so look at your dealer, they might have it as well. It was "hanging" on an accessory wall.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this machine and I'm sure you will be delighted as well.
Pat E
Funny - I feel the same way about the scraps coming from my serger. I was just looking at my (very) homemade serger bag yesterday, and noticing it is completely worn out! I am going to make myself a new one - with a remnant and a bent wire hanger.
ReplyDeleteHooray for you Carolyn (and your daughter getting your old serger!) I have the Babylock Evolve and I LOVE it! I never bought a serger bag for any of my machines...I've always made them (It's a creative curse...I always think I can make it better, cheaper, etc.) Enjoy your new machine, I know you will put it to good use!
ReplyDeleteThe serger bags are great as you don't have to worry about scraping everything up after - just empty the bag.
ReplyDeleteI took my Pfaff 4872 in for servicing and just last week I was thinking that I need to get a new Babylock serger. Hmm Carolyn, you are an enabler in the worst way :-)
You are so right about the fact that once you have a serger, it's very difficult to do without one. Your daughter will be very happy to get a serger.
Wow. I thought everyone had a serger bag, either what came with as mine (which snaps onto the front feet), purchased separately, or improvised. I'm not a neatnik with threads in the sewing room by any means but I can't imagine letting serger trimmings just fall and then having to pick up the big clumps later.
ReplyDeleteI have the Babylock Evolve serger and I love it. I also have a bag in front of my serger to catch the scraps. I know you will enjoy your new serger!!
ReplyDeleteAt least you know your old machine is going to a good home. :) Enjoy your new baby!
ReplyDeleteThe serger bag seems very handy. All my serged innards fall to the table the serger is on, or to the floor.
ReplyDeleteDoes the serger bag get in the way when you serge because it sort of sticks out a bit?
Janice
http://www.meladori.com/shesinfashion
I have a little bathroom sized basket that sits below my serger. The story of my summer's sewing is in that basket. It's a nice reminder of what we've done.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You will enjoy your new serger.
ReplyDeletecongratulations on the impending new arrival. I love my Imagine. It is just so reliable. It's easy to switch to different stitches and they always look good(knock on wood!!)
ReplyDeleteI love my serger bag. I just dumped it and loved running my fingers thru the scraps. Have a good time with your new baby.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a bag like that from Home Sew in NJ!
ReplyDeleteFor years it was a series of Starbucks paper bags and packing tape.
I've just ordered a BabyLock Imagine. It was quite a splurge and will be wonderful after my very old Janome (purchased second hand about 10 years ago).
ReplyDeleteI've never seen that kinda bag before but it is such an AWESOME IDEA!
ReplyDeleteI have a bag that I made in a class about a lifetime ago, when I first got my serger (about 22 years ago.) It was really easy to make and I used a piece of boning to make it stick out in the front. It is lined with a slippery poly lining so that it is easy to empty. If I ever get around to making sewing machine covers for the rest of my machines, I will make a bag to match.
ReplyDeleteHi all,
ReplyDeleteMy singer serger, which I must admit is generic considering everyone else's serger did not come with a serger bag. So I went to Joann.com and ordered one. It has a base that you put under the serger and a very large/wide bag to catch all of your scraps. You may want to check their website out and see if it would suit your needs.
Angie B.