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Conversational Threads

Serger: Bernina, BabyLock OR ???

lilbur | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

Hello all! So happy you are here for me to ask questions!!!

I don’t know how I did it but it seems I have sewn for 54 years without a Serger … oh my! In any case, I am now looking and can see it is no easy task to pick one. I have read what I could find for recent posts but I am still in a quandary.

After sewing on several machines I found my Bernina 1230 and have been faithfully in love for years. I would not part with this machine for all the money in the world! Therefore, yesterday I went to a local shop and looked at a Bernina 1300MDC. Though the machine was not totally given a demo it was impressive. I then went over to another dealer and looked at a BabyLock Evolve.

I was amazed by the Jet-Air threading and the fact that it seemed to do a fair amount without changing feet. In fact, I was totally bowled over at the rolled hem and gathering … oh but I have lived in the dark ages for tooooo long :O

I know that any machine choice is so very personal but I would love to hear what your comments might be. I truly can’t get a handle on any one machine out there that is the end all machine.

Many thanks!
Sherry
Oceanside, CA

 

Replies

  1. Pattiann42 | | #1

    For me, it came down to ease of threading.

    I bought the BL Imagine.

    What you use the serger for and which brand/model provides that need would be key in making the selection.

    1. lilbur | | #2

      Thanks so much for replying!

      I want one mainly for the cover stitch capability but do not want to limit myself now that I have seen all they can do ... not to mention the ease of threading. I'm not concerned about threading but why not have that feature if it is available.

      Has your machine been dependable?

      Sherry

      1. sewslow67 | | #3

        Hi Sherry:  I have used sergers for years and currently have two of them:  The first one is a Pfaff that does both serging and coverlock.  It's a wonderful machine and very versatile, but ...I really dislike threading it (even though it has an "easy-threader" style).  Because of the threading, I rarely use it.

        The second one is the Baby Lock Imagine, and I use it constantly!  The air-threading is perfect for me, and I'm now thinking about getting the Baby Lock Cover stitch machine (with the same, air-threading feature).

        The one feature I do really like about the Pfaff one though, is the number of feet that you can get with it do do special stitches.  That is a good feature as is a book I have with tons of examples of ideas using different threads and stitch settings. 

        I hope these thoughts help you a bit as you make your decision.

        1. lilbur | | #4

          Hello & thanks so much for replying!

          Yes, you have really helped. Though not totally afraid of threading, that is the one thing most talked about. I would guess for an old lady like myself I need all the "easy" I can get :o)

          I do know one thing that surprised me yesterday at the BabyLock demo was the small suitcase full of feet you could get for the Evolve ... oh my! It looks like one could serge forever with all those feet :O

          I was impressed with the dealer at the price they were giving me and saw they were willing to deal. Even though an expensive machine I would be getting a lot of extras for my $$$.

          Again, many thanks for taking the time to reply!!!Sherry

           

          1. Palady | | #5

            My first serger was a BL and it is a now retired model.  Over the years, it's held up well and I doubt I'd ever let it go.  I had the opportunity to get a BL dedicated cover stitch at a great price.  The only caveat with it is the throat.  it takes some fabric manipulation to do a cover stitch on a piece deeper than 2" or 3". 

            Since you're working through a dealer,  I would think the BL will be worth the purchase.

            NEPA

              

        2. Cityoflostsouls | | #53

          I have the Babylock Imagine and the Babylock cover machine and I bought them because of the threading ease,  I've had several sewing machines over the years-an original Necchi which did everything, a Viking, a little Singer, and two Berninas-an 830 and a 165 Sewing and embroidery machine.  I used my necchi for years and then my daughter used it, the viking was a very neat machine, the quality of the Berninas I don't ever want to be without but its very expensive-including the feet and all the accessories.  That is something most people consider!  There was no question about the Babylock sergers-its the only machine I had a chance of threading.  I was told I did not need the cover machine and they were probably right but being separate makes things simpler.  Now all I need to do is get motivated to use them.  I had it in mind to adorn my own fabric before making anything out of it.

  2. PowellPat | | #6

    I have a BL and it is easy to thread and use. I have no problem working on several different projects at a time because I can switch threads so easily.

    However, be aware that the easy jet-air threading means that you can't adjust the tension on each individual thread position. Other machines have a tension adjustment dial on each thread position. This gives you much more flexibility for decorative stitches and allows the use of heavier threads and ribbons. The BL has one screw that allows for limited tension adjustment on all of the threads together.

    This has been an obstacle for me when I am trying to achieve a special effect or I am using an unusual thread. I once took a serger class to learn to use specialty threads and ribbons. The BL tension limitation prevented some of the techniques.

    The BL is my first and only serger. Had I been more knowledgeable about sergers, I probably would have chosen a more traditional machine...and one that does a chain stitch!

    Good luck with your serger search.

    1. lilbur | | #7

      Thank you both for your input. I find Pati's especially helpful. When I looked at the Bernina they had it threaded on one spool with a fuzzy thread for a fuzzy look edge. I didn't realize that fixed tension might hinder the use of different threads!

      Sherry

       

      1. PowellPat | | #8

        You can use many threads on the BL, even fuzzy ones. I regularly used Wooly Nylon. Although, as you mentioned, some thick threads and ribbons can't go through the threading port. But the BL limitation I have most difficulty with has to do with tightening some thread tensions, i.e. the looper threads,  and loosening other thread tensions, i.e. the needle threads,  to get special effects.

  3. Betakin | | #9

    I think trying out the different models and brands might help you make your decision. If you want a combo serger coverhem machine there are some that have automatic tensions but you can still adjust the tension if need be for special threads. These sergers are so easy..just dial one of the many stitches you wish to use and tensions are set. and they take many types of deco threads and are heavy duty. Also with the combo serger/coverhem models some convert much more easily back and forth between coverhem and overlocks stitches than others. There are some no bells and whistle basic low price models that are still work horses.

    Sergers also vary by the types of knives they have, maybe the  knife is right up high next to the needle or they might have a recessed knife. Usually the sergers with a high knife it needs to be pushed to the side and rotated to disengage it where with the serger models with the recessed knife, these knives are usually dropped to disengage it.

    Some sergers have a small arm space or D area..usually these are the sergers with the higher type of knife. These sergers make it easier to control stitches in tight areas and when doing curves. The bed area is not too important for just doing overlock stitches because these stitiches are done on the right edge of the fabric. When doing flatlock stitches these stitches can be done in the body of the fabric. The same with coverhem and chain stitch. These stitches that can be used for deco work might require more room to the right on the bed of the serger where a larger D area is needed.

    Different brands have their different nice features. Bernina has a serger with the nice micro thread control that helps the stitches hug the edges. Some of the Pfaff and Elna models have the auto tensions and are heavy duty and take many threads nicely and have a good size bed. Some of the Elna coverlocks have a tilt needle bar for easy threading. Babylock has the whoosh air system which is fast and easy for threading. The Babylock CS machine also has the air threading but it only has one looper and this machine is quite pricey. I love Babylock and sold them way back when but to pay the extra to air thread one looper is a personal choice of some.

    Janome and Elna have new combo coverlocks that not only do coverhem but also do top coverhem stitches. I think the Pfaff 10 thread model also does top coverhem.

    Sergers sound different between different models in the same brand and some vibrate and some take many more steps to use to convert stitching. Like does it require a plate change, plus a foot change to do blindhem or coverhem etc. so it is best to test sew if possible before a purchase IMO. Sergers are so much fun and such a great addition to your craft. I hope you love the model you decide to purchase..and have fun.


    Edited 2/22/2009 1:56 am ET by Betakin



    Edited 2/22/2009 1:59 am ET by Betakin

    1. PowellPat | | #10

      Very nice reply. You made some good points that I will keep in mind when I am looking for my next machine!

      1. Betakin | | #11

        Glad to have helped in anyway with my long post (sorry,  LOL..but I get a bit long winded in the wee hours) .

        1. KharminJ | | #12

          I'd say, "That's OKAY!" Betakin. "Which Serger" is almost as complex a decision as buying a car, and just as personal. You bring up some excellent points that it's easy to overlook, or not even think of until "the wee hours" when you really, really want to do something that your new machine isn't designed to do! Kharmin"Let your light shine, so others can see!"

    2. lilbur | | #13

      Oh how I LOVE the Internet and Forums available out there. I can't thank you all enough for giving me some helpful advice on this serger search.

      I'm not quite sure if I will take the plunge or not. It is a big hunk of change to put out. The price isn't always my first consideration. I want dependability like I have in my Bernina 1230 so I look to that one first.

      I know the biggest thing I wish for is the ease of hemming those knit and fleece fabric items. At this time I don't know if I would ever get into anything deco but who knows what will strike my fancy! I am a Renaissance Woman who has a million different interests, there are not enough hours in my day!

      From what I saw the throat area doesn't seem big on any of the machines but I know I haven't seen them all. From my little run at the BabyLock Evolve I was impressed. It was much quieter than I expected and ran smooth. I didn't hear the Bernina run and may go back for a better demo. A friend has an older Bernina serger and her only complaint is the time it takes to thread. She bought on a whim at a sewing show and said, from what I told her of the BabyLock and all that I could get for the price, she'd probably buy one next!

      I will certainly write back with my other impressions of whatever other machine I may look at ... and ... if I take that dip or not!

      Sherry

       

       

      1. MaryinColorado | | #14

        Good luck in your search, I hope you will find the perfect serger for your needs.  I have had the Husqvarna/Viking Huskylock 936 for over a decade.  I love this machine!  Yes, it takes a little time and practice to get the hang of any new machine we buy.  This serger is still their top of the line after all these years...and they haven't changed it a bit. 

        I kept a notebook with all the info on each serger, test drove with a variety of threads (my favorites are 12 wt. Sulky cotton blendables and YLI Perle Crown Rayon, oh and that sparkly Glamour.  Then there's the array of embroidery threads that make a beautifully rolled hem).  I could go on and on about the importance of being able to adjust all of the tensions on a serger.  Watch out for any vibrations, I'd avoid lightweight sergers. 

        http://www.lindaleeoriginals.com is the site for the "Serger Lady" she has serger specific patterns, a great serger workbook, co wrote Serger Secrets which is my favorite book on serging. 

        http://www.patternreview.com has machine comparisons done by their owners, sewists like us, which can be very helpful

        http://www.nancysnotions.com and http://www.clotilde.com both have products re serging

        (books, dvds, patterns)

        If you like heirloom work: http://www.marthapullen.com has a Serging for Babies book by Cathy McMakin and I believe another on just heriloom serging.

        Think about what you want in the serger.  I do 2 or 3 thread rolled hems which can also be used for "faux pin tucks" and for lace insertion.  You can make lovely cording and braid from threads, make your own piping, bias binding, and belt loops, complete construction without a sewing machine (curves can be difficult so most won't do set in sleeves on a woven garment with the serger).  You can do piecework and small quilted items.  It is difficult to do a large quilt because of the harp size unless you find instructions for quilt as you go methods.  I love using the "wrap stitch" with varigated 12 or 30 wt. cottons on a quilt instead of making binding.  It looks like decorative piping all around the edges.  Very quick and easy.  Crazy quilting is fun with the three thread overlock and decorative threads..makes darling Christmas stockings!  Then there's the wondrous coverstitch for knits...and decorative sewing with deco threads...love to embellish with it too.  The chain stitch is great for basting and is quick and easy to remove and great for embellishment.  Both sides of the flatlock are fun for embellishment, you can even do ribbon insertion with the flatlock stitch.  Gathering is a breeze too.  Oh, and the most often used purpose?  When you buy new fabric, run a speedy serged stitch across the cut edges to prevent ravelling in the washer. 

        Soon you may be wondering, as I did, how you ever managed without your serger.  But:  one person may use their serger every day and another might spend the money and leave it lonesome in the corner...it requires thoughtful consideration and test driving as any investment.  Good luck!  Mary

         

         

        1. lilbur | | #16

          My oh my, it has been a long time!

          I have been away from sewing, only hemming, for some time. I guess you would say I'm from "back in the day" ... that is, before sergers and before the Internet. I see all the sites you list and it brings back such memories. I used to get all the catalogs, all the magazines, etc. ... then along came computers and I was hooked on digital photography, greeting cards and desktop publishing, with some genealogy thrown in for good measure. I am happy to see most are still around and melding well into the computer world we live in.

          It is so nice to know you are all out there to lend a hand when needed. I have never been disappointed when I inquire to a Forum. It's so nice not to have to wait for an answer via ssae ... stamped, self-addressed envelope for you youngins :o) ... or not making the Letters to the Editor.

          I still haven't decided if I will purchase this "new" invention but I feel much more confident to make a choice!

          Many thanks!Sherry

           

          1. MaryinColorado | | #17

            Enjoy the journey!  Some dealerships might allow you to use one of their machines to take beginnig or "know your serger" classes and maybe even the advanced serger classes or serger club.  There are usually minimal fees for these classes (free often when you buy a machine).  Just another thought on helping you with your decision.

            I might get into geneology this year if I can get more info from family for a basis.  It sounds as if you really utilize that computer!  Mary

          2. lilbur | | #18

            Good morning Mary!

            I thought I might go sit in on one of those classes as you suggest and I may do that. I had some other things to do and this am clipped our Cocker ... whew ... I'm gittin too old for this :O

            As to genealogy, I did most of my research before ever having a computer. Then tried several different programs to enter info and found a wonderful one only to have them sell the Windows version to a game company and they dropped it. I finally found another I liked transferred my thousands of names but as yet have not cleaned up the info. If you go to Ancestry.com I believe they have programs but there is a freebie or cheapie from the LDS that you know will always be there!

            Again thanks for the help and I will let everyone know what I do. I am just hesitating making a decision ... just my personality!

            Sherry

            PS... where in CO? Our son, wife and grandson live in Westminster!!!

          3. MaryinColorado | | #19

            I'm just a few miles south of them, in the next town!  Small world, isn't it?  We probaby pass by each other often on the streets and while shopping.  (If they sew, The Quilted Moose in Olde Town Arvada is a wonderful shop, the owners are wonderful people.)

            Thanks for the info on Ancestry.com, I'll see if they have any useful information.  I'm trying to get birthdates and more info from family before pursuing any further.  I just discovered that my father's family line ends with my children's generation because the boys with that last name aren't having children.   Mary

          4. lilbur | | #20

            Yep, small world! We are hoping for a quick visit the end of March if the weather holds. We have been in Oceanside, CA for a year now. We came down to care for my husband's parents. Mom passed away last month. She had Alzheimer's, a horrid disease.

            Thanks for the info on the fabric shop. I like old town Arvada very much! Cheri is more into scrapbooking.

            Sherry

             

          5. lilbur | | #21

            Say Mary, do you have the book ABC's of Serging?

            Sherry

             

          6. MaryinColorado | | #22

            No, because the first book I got was Serger Secrets and it has so much in it, I still haven't tried all the techniques after all these years.  I also have Make Friends With Your SErger by Linda Lee Vivian from Linda Lee Originals which is great.  She is coming out with a new book soon.  Then I have Serging For Babies by Cathy McMakin (with patterns inside) from http://www.marthapullen.com  and when I bought my Huskylock 936 I bought the large 3 ring binder book for it that the teachers use. 

             The book Secrets for Successful Sewing by Barbara Weiland has the best color photos I have ever seen with explanations of the stitches and threading.  It has excellent information for both sewing and serging with so many techniques...even machine beading by machine or serger. 

          7. lilbur | | #24

            Thanks Mary! I'm checking out Amazon right now on several books that sound good.

            Sherry

             

          8. MaryinColorado | | #26

            I know what you are going through trying to decide if it is the right investment.  I would love to get a long arm quilter, but not ready to spend the money on one for a good long while...and I am having so much fun creating as my Muse is really inspirational right now so I don't want to invest the time in research just yet. 

            I always made clothing and dolls and just started getting into quilting about a year ago and love it, especially the artquilting.  Now I'm learning to incorporate beading too.  I also love drawing and using inks on fiber, which is really fun.

            If you'd like to get together next time you are in Colorado and go to a quilt shop or something, send me an email.  It was 77 degrees here today!  I imagine California is a beautiful place to live!  I'd love to live near a lake or an ocean!

             (There is a really nice sewing dealer in Longmont called Quality Sewing, my daughter in law just bought a Viking Designer SE from them and I had my Designer I serviced there this time.  Wonderful owners!  They sell Pfaff and Viking machines.)

          9. lilbur | | #27

            Here again researching like crazy! I was looking at the stitches the Bernina 1300 does and bowled over! I bought the Bernina Serger book when I went for a demo a week or so ago, time passes so quickly :O It pertains to stitches most sergers do as well so I felt okay about it.

            I almost wish there wasn't so much info available as it seems to make decisions harder not easier. No matter what everyone LOVES their machines, some wish the threading were easier or maybe if using a BL that the tensions were more adjustable. I haven't had any "oh don't get this one!" I know that when you say that money does come into it but I'm more interested in the machine I should purchase the dealers always go right to the top of the line! You then, of course, can't be without "all those frills"!!!

            I may go back for a closer look see at the Bernina but I can't say I'm any closer to choosing :o(

            I'm not sure I would have time this trip, if we are able to make it, but seeing a few fabric shops would be super. We may only get there for a couple of days this time. Last time we had two weeks. Thanks for the offer and I'll definitely keep in touch!

            S

             

          10. MaryinColorado | | #28

            Bernina has a nice website too with some instructions online there.  If you make clothing, you might be interested in http://www.kaylakennington.com.  She does a beautiful rolled edge on most of her artistic garments and then instead of traditional seams, she "joins" the edges with a decorative sewing machine stitch.  She uses a Bernina, I believe and has done work for Bernina too.  There is a thread sketch of a woman that she did to advertise their stitch regulater on their sewing machines. 

            I'm a Viking gal myself, but appreciate all the well crafted solid machines out there. 

          11. lilbur | | #29

            I looked to Bernina first as I so dearly love my 1230. I will say the 1300 serger sounds just like my machine but since the gal that did the demo didn't use it much and couldn't figure out the threading, I was a bit scared off. It's a much nicer feeling when someone knows the machine better. I called the other store in Escondido that was mentioned but they had sold their floor model and even forgot to order another one as yet.

            But then I would guess if someone was good at the threading and made it look simple, I'd jump at it then be upset when I couldn't figure it out :O

            Oh dear, not getting any easier. I better figure it out quickly, I'm not gittin any younger :o)

            Sherry

             

          12. MaryinColorado | | #30

            no hurries...no worries! 

      2. Cityoflostsouls | | #54

        If it helps you decide on a serger I made a simplistic sofa cover (a throw really) and it took me 5 minutes to serge the edges.  How long would it take to fold and hem and mitre? 

  4. gal | | #15

    I agree with the purchase of a Baby Lock Imagine. Ease of threading was key for me. After my purchase, I took a "serger workout" class (everyone brought their own machine). We were to learn all the wonderful things our sergers could do. Unfortunately the entire class was spent on teaching each person how to thread their machine - nothing else was accomplished. For me, the class was a waste of money - my machine was threaded in seconds! I don't use my Baby Lock every day but when I do, it's heaven! Good luck in your pursuit of the perfect machine for you. - gal

    1. Cityoflostsouls | | #55

      I agree with you about some of these classes.  It was a  long drive and I quit going.  One class in particular-to make a serger pillow complete with ruffles-was demonstrated on all the different Babylock sergers.  It was nothing more than a sales promotion for Babylock and I had an imagine-all the different instructions, etc. just made it a confused mess for me.  You should just take the lessons given for your particular machine toavoid overload.  At other times I was the only one with my particular machine.  By the way, the little pillow is pretty and hangs on my wall but I'm not the one who finished it.  I gave up.

  5. sewelegant | | #23

    Because you mention your address as Oceanside I was assuming you had been to the Sew Special shop in Vista.  I had their web page on my Favorites column and went to it only to find it gone!  Could it BE? another favorite fabric store has bitten the dust?  I am no longer the avid shopper seeking out each and every sewing related shop in my area so I would not have noticed this before.  I do still see the Bernina shop in Escondido... Bits 'N Pieces... when I drive by.  I do not frequent them anymore either so cannot vouch for their health, but I did join in the Bernina club gatherings up to about 3 years ago and I know they still have several groups that meet as long as there are enough people to make it an interest.  These groups are wonderful places to get the information you seem to be seeking as everyone shares and sews on different machines and now the shop sells several different machine brands so you can compare them.  I purchased my Bernina from them in the 90's and feel they have been friends ever since.  If you have not been there, do check them out.

    1. lilbur | | #25

      Hello there!

      Thanks for stopping by! I have not made my purchase as yet but talking myself into it :o)  I guess when one has done all the sewing I have without one, I wonder about spending all that money. My best friend thinks I'm NUTS as she says I usually make everything look as good on the inside as out!

      As to the shops ... I noticed that Sew Special was very close to me but I "think" when we came down here a year ago it was having a Close Out Sale and the shop is empty now. I did go over the the Quilters Cottage in Fallbrook to look at Bernina's and was VERY impressed with it and their selection. I have recently looked at the BabyLock at Sewing Machines Plus off of Nordahal and "what a shop" ... oh my ... no fabrics but loads and loads of different machines. I read about Bits 'n Pieces but didn't get over there as yet.

      I will say everyone in all the shops are very helpful and nice to deal with. Plus, so many to choose from, something I'm not used to coming from the mountains!

      When shopping for fabric I always check out the quilting shops as ladies have been and will be quilting forever!

      Sherry

       

      1. sewelegant | | #31

        hello again, I would really like for you to check out Bits & Pieces if you have not done so yet, it is right off I-15 heading into downtown Escondido so not a bad commute from Oceanside (but not as close as Fallbrook, no doubt). The shop is filled with samples, books, fabrics and ideas and you would not be disappointed.  I have not been to The Fallbrook shop.  The old Bernina store there closed back in the 90's so I suppose this shop could be new since then.  I will have to keep that shop in mind, I love browsing around well stocked quilt shops.

        1. lilbur | | #32

          I talked with someone from Bits n Pieces and they had sold their floor model Bernina and would not have one for at least a week. I will try to make it over to check it out!

          The shop in Fallbrook is the Quilter's Cottage. Nice selection for a small shop! Nice owners.

          Sherry

           

  6. woodruff | | #33

    Test-drive; test-drive; test drive. That said, I have a Babylock Imagine that I adore. It is a workhorse, SUPREMELY easy to thread (as you know), and the tension thing has never, and I mean never, been a problem. It is dead reliable.

    1. lilbur | | #34

      Thanks so much!

      Sherry

       

  7. lilbur | | #35

    Well girls I did it!!! Yesterday I took some fleece over to see how the Baby Lock Evolve would do and it passed with flying colors ... oh my ... I even forgot all the other questions I wanted to ask, though they did come back to me as the shock wore off.

    First off, she threaded the machine so quickly I had a hard time getting past that one. Then adjusted a few knobs and voila! cover stitch. No changing feet, no readjusting, just done.

    Of course now this am I have buyer's remorse but I will get downstairs, brush my teeth, make the bed, do my workout then get to setting it up and giving it a whirl!

    I signed up for a class on the 14th and will forge ahead into the new world of serging. I understand that once I feel comfortable I can then take a project class which this time around is making a hot dog pillow of all things. I am most positive that my little grandson will just love it :o)

    Thank you all for your help and guidance. I am so happy you were all there for me to turn to!

    Sherry

    1. Palady | | #36

      >> ... Of course now this am I have buyer's remorse ... <<

      But only for as long as it takes for you to realize the wise decision you made. 

      A thought, know there may be a learning curve.  Give yourself time to know your treasure.

      nepa

      1. lilbur | | #37

        Oh I'm lovin it at the moment though I have only made a few pages into the book. I have it set up on a table, curved unfortunately ... opps, best get a new table right :o) and I will say the instructions are good but a tad intimidating. If I hadn't seen the demo person do it in a snap I might be afraid ... but ... I know that I can do it!!!

        Thanks for the reply!Sherry

         

        1. MaryinColorado | | #41

          If you are going to get a table for it, be sure it is sturdy or it will vibrate.  I once tried a folding table with the serger and it made my teeth rattle, tee hee!  So happy to hear you took the leap!  I can't imagine not having my serger!  Mary

          1. lilbur | | #42

            Eventually I will get a table set up. At Tahoe I have an area in my closet to leave my Bernina up. I can put the serger to the side. But who knows, one day I just might get that sewing room!!! I do love that table that lifts :o)

            For now the dining room table will have to do ...Sherry

             

          2. MaryinColorado | | #44

            Ooooooooh, I would love to have that lift table!!!  I'll have to win the lottery to get it though!!!   tee hee

          3. lilbur | | #46

            I'm buyin tickets too Mary. Let's hope we both win :o)

            Sherry

             

          4. Palady | | #47

            >> ... vibrate.  ...  folding table with the serger ... made my teeth rattle, tee hee! ... <<

            You had me laughing as well!!!   With the speed of a serger it does indeed require a sturdy base.  This often is a point missed in the discussion of serger use.  It definitely should be noted to any one asking or considering the purchase. 

            nepa 

          5. MaryinColorado | | #48

            It's a recurring theme for me.  Every time I get a new piece of equipment for the sewing room, I need something else...table, serge protectors, larger ironing board, etc.  I think one of my funniest experiences was when I "reorganized" my sewing room and was very pleased with the layout.  Until I overloaded the circuits running the embroidery machine, the steam generator/iron, and the serger while having the computer on.  I had too many things on the same circuit breaker!  ooops!  After sewing for forty years, you'd think I'd have it figured out by now.  Mary

          6. Palady | | #49

            >> ... overloaded the circuits running the embroidery machine, the steam generator/iron, and the serger while having the computer on.  I had too many things on the same circuit breaker! ... <<

            Thank you for an out loud laugh this morning!  Your happening was just because you were "caught-up-in-a-creative-doing" correct?    Also, you now have more circuits.  Correct?

            nepa

          7. MaryinColorado | | #50

            I have plenty of circuits, just got caught up in the moment and wasn't paying attention to where I was plugging things in.  Thank goodness for surge protectors, it didn't hurt anything, just kind of puzzled me for a moment when everything turned off.  Then I just had to laugh at myself.  I guess the Universe was telling me to slow down and enjoy the process!

          8. Palady | | #51

            Amen!  Just today my washer wouldn't start.  Went through the "check" process.  had to go all the way back to the circuit breaker!  Who knows what triggered it when.

            nepa

          9. MaryinColorado | | #52

            Frustrating, but such a relief, isn't it?  Glad it wasn't anything serious!  Mary

          10. Cityoflostsouls | | #56

            I have a beautiful sewing cabinet but  did not get the side cabinet for the serger (makes me claustrophobic not to have space).  I bought two school desks (steel) that are just the right size and height and have storage space for my 2 sergers.  I painted them white to go with my sewing furniture and computer desk.   I bought one and then looked all over for the second one.  My large cutting table is also white and I have another white computer stand for my 830-its large.  My storage cabinet is white steel.  My way of doing my sewing space is to buy what's useable and replace when you can with just what you want.  Its absolutely right that you need a solid stand for a serger.

          11. Palady | | #57

            >> ...My way of doing my sewing space is to buy what's useable and replace when you can with just what you want. ... <<

            An important mention.  Anyone setting up sewing space would be wise to heed your expreinced comments.

            nepa

    2. User avater
      ThreadKoe | | #38

      Lilbur, you will find your remorse disappearing the more you work with your new machine! Give yourself lots of time and scraps to learn on, and Sample lots of techniques to get a feel for the machine. Go ahead and just play with it! Remember, you have a new toy to play with, as well as a great new sewing tool! Cathy

      1. lilbur | | #39

        I did one row of stitches for an overlock stitch after my first attempt at threading ... and it worked!!!! So this gal has confidence :o)

        I'm in love already!Sherry

         

        1. User avater
          ThreadKoe | | #40

          ~YaY~ That is just Great! :) Cathy

  8. LaetitiaViljoen | | #43

    Hi Lilbur, I have a Bernina 1200 MDA serger. Here in South Africa we call these machines, overlock machines. The Bernina 1200 MDA is very easy to thread and has a so called 'micro thread control' - a wondeful feature which makes it easy to prevent loops at the edge of the overlock stitch or the bundeling of fabric in the stitch. I use a Nina Cover-pro for the cover stitch. The Bernina 1300 needs to be converted from overlock to cover stitch, which seems to take quite a bit of time and effort

    Kind regards, Laetitia 

    1. lilbur | | #45

      Thank you for the input Laetitia but I made the jump to the Baby Lock evolve and so far I am pleased as punch! I'm sure my fear was only hightened by the gal that did the demo and the fact that she mostly quilted and did not surge. I may have jumped too soon but no one seems unhappy with their sergers no matter.

      I'm headed for some serging fun right after I send this off!

      Kind regards from far away!Sherry

       

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