Replies

1. 
   SewFit | Jun 15, 2008 03:16pm | #1

   I have a White Speedy Lock 1600 but I looked at the Baby Lock Imagine  on Friday and it is my dream machine.  I'll be purchasing it within a few weeks. The Jet Air self threading feature has me sold!

   Edited 6/15/2008 8:16 am ET by SewFit

1. 
   tudy | Jun 16, 2008 12:57pm | #5

   Thanks for the information I was thinking of a JukiMO654DE but will look into

   the self threading serger.

   Tudy

2. 
   sewslow67 | Jun 15, 2008 07:09pm | #2

   I'm with the previous poster:  I have the Baby Lock Imagine, and I just love it.  I had a Pfaff serger before that and thought the stitching was great, but the threading was a nightmare ...even though it was supposed to have "advanced" (read that "easy") threading help.

1. 
   tudy | Jun 16, 2008 12:58pm | #6

   Thanks for the info the Baby Lock Imagine sounds like one

   to look into.

    

   Tudy

3. 
   Razrsmom | Jun 16, 2008 05:29am | #3

   I have a Baby Lock Imagine serger.  I can honestly say that I can't find anything I don't like about the machine.  The jet-air threading is amazing and never fails.  I have had a White serger and an Elna and this beats them all.  I do custom sewing so my machine gets a lot of use and a lot of rethreading.  It's just a jewel!!

1. 
   tudy | Jun 16, 2008 01:00pm | #7

   On the Baby Lock Imagine do you do heavy material?  I make

   tote bags from Upolstery material and need something to

   go through the thickness.

   Thanks.

   Tudy

1. 
   Razrsmom | Jun 17, 2008 05:13pm | #13

   Hi Tudy....I don't do alot of heavy or upholstery fabric.  However, when I do I simply put in size 16 needles and sew relatively slow, especially over seams, etc.   The lady that said to buy a machine that fits your needs was correct.  My sewing is mostly bridal and fashion sewing so this is the machine for me.  Before you buy take some of your heavy fabric samples and go around and try different machines......don't take the salesmans word for it!! 

1. 
   tudy | Jun 17, 2008 09:28pm | #15

   Hi Razrsmom,

   Thanks for that information but my problem is I live in Rural Vermont and there are no dealers in this area short of 100 miles.  That is why I was asking about different brands and if anyone had any luck ordering on line and from whom.  Thanks for the info though.

   Tudy

2. 
   Crazy K | Jun 17, 2008 05:52pm | #14

   I have the Babylock Evolve and when the saleslady demostrated it, she sewed through about 6-8 layers of denim to show the power.  It did it and was fine.  It's something about fact that the needles come down straight that gives it more 'piercing power'.   I was amazed but it really does sew through heavy stuff!

   Ask about it at the dealer.......see what they say.  And, take some heavy fabric and give it a go...........it should work.  I don't know if the Evolve is stronger than the Imagine.......the Evolve is an 8 thread machine that does a cover stitch......that's the reason I got that one.

   Kay

1. 
   tudy | Jun 17, 2008 09:29pm | #16

   Crazy K,

   Thanks for the info. Check my last post and it will explain my problem in more detail.

   Thanks,

   Tudy

1. 
   Crazy K | Jun 17, 2008 11:24pm | #17

   I think you'd be safe getting a Babylock Evolve and it would stitch through upholstery fabric.......and you can probably order online through a dealer that works that way. 

   I do remember the gal stitching through fabric that was thicker (many layers) than anything I would be stitching and it walked right through it.

   Good luck!

   Kay

2. 
   tudy | Jun 18, 2008 02:09pm | #18

   Thanks Crazy K for the information I think I have my mind set on a Juki MO654DE just leary on ordering on line.

   Have a great day.

   Tudy

    

3. 
   Crazy K | Jun 18, 2008 02:16pm | #19

   Good luck!  I think we all have a our 'pets'.  I have several sergers and my first one is an Elna........also have two Janome's (one fancy, one basic) and the Babylock.  The babylock's threading and power are great.  I end up using the Elna mostly tho'......crazy, huh?

   I don't know about ordering online.......never have done it for a machine.  Order lots of other things but I understand your concern.

   Kay

4. 
   MaryinColorado | Jun 16, 2008 06:41am | #4

   You might want to do a search on here for all the threads related to sergers.  We've had lots of input.  The one to choose, is the one that fits your individual needs.  If you're going to just edge finish seams, I wouldn't spend the money on all the bells and whistles but if you want a cover stitch, you'll need to explore further.

   I own the Husqvarna/Viking Huskylock 936 and love it.  I would've gone with the jet air threading, but for me, it didn't work with all the heavy threads and yarns I love to put in the loopers for decorative work. 

   http://www.patternreview.com is a good resource for machine evaluations by owners too.  Mary

1. 
   tudy | Jun 16, 2008 01:03pm | #8

   Thanks for the web site for reviews I will look into it.

   Tudy

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Jun 16, 2008 07:07pm | #10

   http://www.sewingwithnancytv.com has videos you can watch from her tv show.  At the top: click on "techniques" and it will give you three serger classes to watch.  They don't take long and are very informative.  It's from Nancy Zeiman's PBS tv show. 

   If you want to sew with knits, you will probably want the cover stitch capability.  I think the most important aspect is the differential feed, and learning to understand adjusting that.

   Serger Secrets is my favorite book for serging.  There are also several workbooks that are great.  Viking puts out a very good large manual for the 936 that I still refer to. 

   http://www.lindaleeoriginals.com is a good website also, she has a workbook and serger specific patterns.  (This is Linda Lee Vivian, not the other Linda Lee who also writes and teaches sewing related info.)  Mary

1. 
   tudy | Jun 17, 2008 03:03am | #12

   ThanksMaryinColorado. All of this information is great for a beginner like myself. I did just buy the ABC's of Serging by Tammy Young and Lori Bottom.  I presently have an old White Serger and would like to buy a new one am looking for anyone who might have a Juki654DE for info on how they like it.

   Thanks Again,

   Tudy

2. 
   sewslow67 | Jun 16, 2008 04:50pm | #9

   I'm so glad for your mentioning working with heavy threads; wow ...I never even thought of that.  I have the Babylock Imagine and love it, but haven't even tried heavy threads yet.  I still own my Pfaff - though I was going to sell it - but now I may re-think that decision.  It's the Pfaff 4872, so it's a combination serger and coverlock.

   Thanks again for bringing that information to the forefront!

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Jun 16, 2008 07:19pm | #11

   Perle Crown Rayon and Glamour, 12 or 30 wt Sulky cotton blendables are my favorites for both the serger loopers and for bobbinwork. 

   I recently used the Sulky 12 wt. with a wrapped stitch on a quilt edge, everyone loves the look and it was so fast and easy, instead of binding. 

5. 
   gal | Jun 20, 2008 12:58am | #20

   I agree with anyone who says that the Baby Lock Imagine is the machine to buy! I never had a serger because the thought of all the difficulty in threading it just turned me off. With my Baby Lock it's a breeze and dream to sew with! Have fun!