Dear Vicki: You had a question some time ago about which is the best serger. I have always wondered if I wanted one, so I went to a dealer and looked, and I got excited by the store, just like you said, and bought one. Now I wonder if you have any ideas for fun ways to use my new machine.

Dear Cindy: First of all, congratulations for buying from a small local business! In your letter you also mentioned that you have a granddaughter who you like to sew for, so I found a new cute top for her that will really use your new serger — all

—Cindy C. those ruffles just cry out for a narrow flat hem with some fancy threads, and that will be so fun for you. The pattern is Kwik Sew 3698, for kids. There is also a ruffled skirt included.

Dear Vicki: Has anyone else had this problem? The new polyester thread is melting away under my iron. I have used Dual Duty cotton-wrapped polyester for 40 years, and it was perfect and no trouble at all until this winter, when they changed the thread. Now it is poly-wrapped polyester. I can’t be the only person in the country with this problem — help. Sincerely—Susan A.

Dear Susan: I don’t know if you are the only one. Let’s find out. Readers, please let me know if you have had this experience.

I contacted Coats and Clark, makers of Dual Duty thread, and they said that the melt temperature of polyester is 500 degrees and that home irons only go up to 450 degrees on the hottest linen, cotton setting. Here is what I think may be happening to you, Susan. I think it is possible that the thermostat on your iron has degraded and is no longer accurate. So turn it down.