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From: MaryW
Date: 10-21-2004, 03:53 PM (1 of 3)
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I am posting this for Cam's Gram. Please respond if you can, thanks. I am finally going to buy a serger, and would appreciate some input. I've done some research on them but my only use experience was at a seminar a couple of years ago -- I don't remember the brand we used. I use a Viking and a Janome (I love both of them) to sew clothing and home decor/drapes, etc. I know that a higher thread capacity offers more finishing options, and I know that it's better to have a machine that allows you to use 2, 3 or 4 threads because I do a variety of sewing, but that's about it. I can't afford a high-end machine, so would appreciate your input on which machine would work best for me. I live fairly close to Chicago so getting to a dealership to try one out is not a problem, but since I work full-time and care for my toddler granddaughter a lot, besides trying to spend some time at our cottage, I'd like to target my try-out trips! Thanks for any help you can offer. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 10-23-2004, 04:33 AM (2 of 3)
| Mary, since you love Viking and Janome I was going to suggest a Viking or Janome serger. Their users also seem to love them. Janome is not at all expensive and is very durable. You mentioned you didn't want to buy a high end serger and Viking has a one at only $399. I think the model number is 901. The knives on this Viking are a bit different in location than on the Janome. Viking of course has some bigger more expensive sergers. The sergers at Sears are Janome. If you are close to a Viking dealer and a Sears I suggest to go sit and try them and see which you are most comfortable with. I had a Babylock for over 10 yrs that was a wonderful serger. If you don't want to buy high end you might want to consider used. Dealers usually have good reconditioned used ones they set out that are trade ins. I can recommend my Elna 744 which has auto tensions and tilt needles and does 3 coverlock and a chain stitch but you might want one a bit less expensive. I have a Janome New Home that I purchased for $199 with free shipping on line. There is a big difference between both of my sergers but both serve me well. I would consider what ever you are most comfortable with and which is the most sturdy and has ease in use. You would do better to have a 4 thread at least and one with differential feed and one that does not need to change the plate to do a rolled hem is a time saver. Pfaff is also a good serger. I have a Pfaff 4842 on consignment at a dealers where I purchased my Elna. I only put it out for sale to make up the cost of my Elna which has the coverlock stitches that the Pfaff didn't have, but I am thinking of getting the Pfaff back..not sure yet, I sure do not need it but I know it is a good one. I hope you find one that you like please let us know if you do. Ky |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: cam's gram
Date: 10-28-2004, 04:22 PM (3 of 3)
| Thanks for your thoughts -- I live fairly near a Viking dealer and will be "test-driving" their machines this weekend. There are a couple of other models that looked interesting at their website, so I will keep researching for a while. |
User: cam's gram
Member since: 10-20-2004 Total posts: 22 |
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