Customer Reviews

Serge With Confidence

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The book was thorough and detailed. Illustrations were good. However, the book was aimed primarily at people who have a top of the line Babylock machine (which I do not have). Many of the applications that she described did not apply to my machine and most of the projects were beyond my capabilities. I love Nancy Zieman and have a number of her publications, but this one is not a whole lot of use to me.

This book was recommended to me by an instructor and boy, was she right! It offers owners of sergers a variety of project ideas and applications, as well as explaining when and how to use some of the many serger stitches now available on more advanced machines. If you have a 4+ thread serger, this is a good book for you.

I have purchased a Sinqer Quantum (I love this machine) and have learned a lot from another book I purchased from Amazon for Singer Serger's.

I believe this book compliments my first book, however, Nancy Ziemen is a Babylock advocate and a few of the projects relate to having one.

The books example's are in detail and is very helpful for first time users. I would recommend this book for anyone who has a serger (Babylock or not) because the techniques are useful for all machines.

The last time I serged was in junior high school and I never learned the basics of a serger. I just bought a serger so I needed a book to tell me what the basics are. This book describes the parts of the serger, how to thread a serger, stitches that sergers can do, and projects to show you how/when to use the stitches. I like it and will feel more comfortable about the machine when it arrives!

A good companion for the Serge with Confidence episodes on Sewing with Nancy. At this writing you can view the episodes for free on her web site and I imagine you could buy the DVD as well.

Nancy is the spokesperson for Babylock and so the slant of the shows and the book are in that direction. I recently bought an Evolve and this is a nice addition to the Workbook. If you want to do the projects, be aware that some of them use the decorative Wave feature on the Evolve. Personally I am glad to see a book that isn't limited to the least common denominator of sergers, as there are so few of them that address coverstitch and chainstitch.

One reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is that there is no index. The other is that knits aren't covered very well. Most information relates to wovens even though sergers and knits are a match made in heaven. I think there needs to be more about techniques common to most knit garments in RTW, not just in this book but in all of the serger books out today. A good discussion of bias binder feet has still to be written. Until then, sergers will continue to be viewed as an expensive way to keep your seam edges from raveling.

. . .but don't and am embarrassed to ask: Nancy Zieman explains in Serge With Confidence. No longer do I feel locked in a duel between the serger and the just-simply-serge-it projects. Utilitarian turns to decorative and creativity with competence becomes reality with Nancy Zieman's clear and pertinent directions and timely hints. This book is wonderful for this seasoned sewer and wanna' be serger whiz.

This is a nice addition to the serger workbook by Baby Lock. Most of the projects I would not do because they are dated but the fundamental techniques are helpful to those new to serging.

Nancy always does a great job of explaining technique. My problem with this book is that a lot of information is offered about cover and chain stitch which is not available on all machines. Most average sergers cannot accomplish these techniques or projects.

Definitely a worthwhile book to have. It's good for any level of expertise. Great detail and worth every penny. It's a wonderful addition to my serger handbook. If you're just learning to serge, this is the book to get.

Excellent resource for beginners and the more experienced sergers as well. Colored photos and good explanations make this book a winner. There is detailed description of how a serger works as well as close views of different stitches and how they can be used. There are several project suggestions with instructions and photos. A glossary in the back will assist with any unknown terminology.