Replies

1. 
   oliveoyl | Oct 12, 2005 07:03pm | #1

   IMHO you have to try different sergers to see which one you like. It depends on the fabrics/types of garments you will be sewing. I have a very old Bernette that I absolutely love and bought a new Bernina (based on having Bernina machines for 35 years) and absolutely hate it.

2. 
   sandyfeet | Oct 16, 2005 12:15am | #2

   I have a Viking1001L - top of the line, but now 11 yrs old.  It works VERY well, but  is a bit of a chore to thread.  Now that I've retired and patience is no longer one of my virtues, I have just purchased a Babylock Imagine serger because it THREADS ITSELF!  It is wonderful.  So, if you have patience, you could try a used Viking and if you don't the Babylock is definitely a treat.  I paid around $1,000 for each of them.

1. 
   SallyVA | Oct 16, 2005 03:40am | #3

   I've always thought about getting a serger, but they're so expensive & I've never used one.  But today I got a Singer mini-serger for a buck at a yard sale.  However, there's no manual, and the woman couldn't remember how to use it.  It does run though!  Do you think the monthly sewing machine repairman at my local fabric store can give me a clue, or is there another way I can learn how to thread & run this baby?

3. 
   scubagirl608 | Oct 16, 2005 06:47am | #4

   The other people posting are correct. Just because you liked a brand you bought 20 yrs ago, it may not be that great anymore. Anyway, I bought a Janome and really like it because it tells me on a display all the settings I need for a particular stitch. You have to decide what is really important to you--easy to thread, cover stitch, electronic display. When I watched demonstrations, I thought they were ALL hard to thread. But you learn and it's not so bad. My friend bought a Kenmore and loves it for sewing all kinds of costumes for her kids. I have not heard good things about Singer sergers.

   I don't recommend getting one on the internet because you don't get any personal service that way. The shop where I bought mine gave me personal lessons, and helps me if I have some difficulty doing what I want with the machine or service that I need.

   Keep asking around. Ask women you meet in the fabric stores.

   Becky