Replies

1. 
   Guest | Jun 13, 2002 05:36pm | #1

   right now you say you only want to do edges and add pearls, but once you see what a serger can do, you'll want the best machine for all sorts of other things.

   Top of the line sergers are very expensive. New Babylocks are threaded by an air system and are the ultimate machine for those who don't want threading hassles.

   Elna's are famous for being next easy to thread. I own a discontinued Elna and have given upgrading alot of thought.

   most four thread machines will do rolled hems beautifully, the elna 744 also does a coverstitch, something usually only found on five thread machines. (the top Babylock has 8 threads and many stitch possibilites.) The Elna 945 lets you program stitches.

   So my point is don't sell yourself short on what the serger can do, they are amazing machines and will really transform the look and ease of what you make. Often when I make something, only the hem and top stitching will be done on my regular machine. and if you get the Elna 945 or Babylock Evolve, they can even do that.

   Let us know what you finally get.

2. 
   karentj | Jun 13, 2002 05:59pm | #2

   Thanks Diane

   One more question, would I be okay to spend around $800 now, or am I better off if I wait and go up to the next level, which seems to be around 1000 - 1300 dollars?

   I just don't want to get something that has so much on it that I won't be able to use it.

1. 
   Guest | Jun 13, 2002 10:56pm | #3

   That would be your call. I know the feeling of wanting it NOW, and I also know the joys of waiting. :-)

2. 
   snivsl | Jun 16, 2002 07:48pm | #4

   I have the Evolve which was reccommended on many sites and I just LOVE it!.

   It is so easy to thread, no threading order, no tension to deal with it is probably the easiest serger on the market.  It is pricey, but well worth the money.  A comparable Elna is just as much (the 945 being the TOL).  If you're not mechanical the Evolve is just the thing.  It also does coverstitches (I did a beautiful one with my first try and I never owned a serger) safety stitches (which is sewing a seam and overlocking in one step with 5 threads an industry standard) beautiful rolled hems etc.  Definitely the Elna and the BL are the two top considerations.

1. 
   user-315747 | Jun 17, 2002 05:53am | #5

   I also am ready to purchase a serger. I have an older Bernina, that I have never been happy with, so as a consequence it sits on the floor of the closet. It was pricey at the time, difficult to thread, made very sloppy, uneven stitches. I do have 2 other Bernina (sewing and embroidery)machines however, that I do like. What about the newer Bernina sergers? Or is there a better serger, easier to use, with a smaller price tag?

1. 
   snivsl | Jun 17, 2002 08:57am | #6

   IMHO the Evolve is the best because of its ease of use.  Because it's so easy you'll end up using it a lot.  My friend has a serger and it just collects dust.  A cheap machine becomes expensive when you don't use it.  This is a machine you'll use and enjoy.  Take it for a test drive and you'll see.  But, with sergers you'll appreciate them the more you use them at home.  I'm very forgetful and the fact that there is no threading order and air threading makes this machine a breeze to go from one type of stitch to another.  It's definitely worth the extra money and will pay for itself in the long run.

1. 
   user-315747 | Jun 19, 2002 04:16am | #7

   I have never heard of the Evolve. Where can I find one to check out or purchase?

2. 
   karentj | Jun 19, 2002 02:24pm | #8

   I saw the Evolve when I was looking at the Imagine (which was more my price range).  The Evolve is BabyLock and holds 8 threads.  Being a Total novice, that is all I can say.

   Karen

3. 
   lin327 | Jun 19, 2002 04:26pm | #9

   http://www.babylock.com  has info about sergers and can link you to a dealer.  I have an Evolve.  It does just about everything, except walk the dog.  It even threads itself!  It's a true miracle machine!

4. 
   user-315747 | Jun 20, 2002 03:24am | #10

   Thank you both for the information. I will look into the Evolve for sure.