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From: Magot
Date: 01-17-2005, 03:10 PM (1 of 24)
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My ever loving hubbly has agreed to buy me a serger for my birthday. My researches have led me to the Brother 1034D at £189 (3 or 4 threads, dif feed, sleeve arm, adjust for roll hem +some feets) or a Janome Mylock 744D @£239 -(2,3 or 4 sts, diff feed,sleeve arm, easy lower threader, roll hem, variable stich and cutting length) Test driving around here is tricky - local shop stocks Necchi - well out of my price range, In Cambridge I can try out the Janome at one shop (that's all it stocks) and possibly try the Brother at another - but the only time I have ever gone in this shop I have been made to look and feel a fool by the assistant so I am loath to go back. I am leaning towards the Janome mostly due to brand loyalty (my sewing machine is a Janome) but I don't do a lot of garment sewing and am wondering how much I will use it to make the investment worthwhile. My machine before the Janome was a Jones (now Brother)and is is like comparing a mongrel to a grayhound - but it was a Very Basic Model. Any thoughts? I don't/haven't sewn with knits but it could happen! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: MaryW
Date: 01-17-2005, 05:43 PM (2 of 24)
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Jan, if you plan on doing more clothing in the future I would say, go for it. But, if you play around once in a while with a quilt patch and a craft once in a while, then no, not worth your $$$. Knits love the serger, I think garments are where you would really get more use out of a serger. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-17-2005, 08:19 PM (3 of 24)
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Yeah I bought a serger(Compulock) thinking I'd use the heck out of it...nope..it's a door stop...I use my embroidery and quilting machines like mad...(10000, 300, 6500). The serger is great if what you do is clothing, but if you quilt a lot, it's not worth the money to buy one..
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 01-17-2005, 10:10 PM (4 of 24)
| Jan if you learn how to use the serger properly like I haven't yet, you can do other things with a serger besides sew seems. I finished the edge of a fleece blanket with wooly nylon and it came out really good. Zip Zip and it was finished. Also for napkin edges or fancy lace borders on the edge of things which makes them come out professional looking. There is a lot of things you can do if you learn how to use all the features. That is my next class I'm taking at my sewing center is how to use my serger to it's fullest worth. When I learn some techniques I'll share them here with all of you. I have a Euro Pro I got purchased from the shopping network but I think most 4 thread sergers do the same things. The babylock has an air threader which make threading a breeze. I use my serger all the time but I also sew garments so you'll have to weigh the pro and cons of what you are going to use it for then decide. |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: Magot
Date: 01-17-2005, 10:45 PM (5 of 24)
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Tony was thinking about the serger because he was so impressed with the suit I made last year - he can see that the two machines would complement each other. Most of my garment sewing at the moment is re-enactment stuff, where anything that is on the outside has to look like it is hand sewn (eesh) but has to be incredibly durable! This is likely to be my next project http://www.ninyamikhaila.com/frenchhood.html so a lot of it will be hand sewn but I can see where a rolled hem would come in useful on the veil. I've just had a satin blouse I made fall apart because the material unravelled so much even though I zigzaged and encased it in binding - this is where I was thinking a serger would come in handy - I was tending to think if I had one I would do more garment sewing - I do enjoying sewing for me and the house not just quilting. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-18-2005, 12:36 AM (6 of 24)
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I use mine for making 9-patch squares a lot.. Mine makes a perfect 1/4 in seam when I use 4-thread .. 2 needles and 2 loopers.. I just accidentally discovered that is was 1/4 inch by laying a seam I had just sewn on my Janome over beside the serger and it went down on top of the serged seam and they matched exactly..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 01-18-2005, 12:41 AM (7 of 24)
That's cool Libby,  Now no more guessing if you're sewing straight Just don't let the knife hit the fabric and walaaaaa you got a perfect ¼ inch seam.
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User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: Pudge99
Date: 01-18-2005, 10:10 AM (8 of 24)
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Hey Mother in Law, Did you know that on most sergers you can disengage the knife? Very helpful if you don't want to chance cutting off the seam allowance. Figured I would share this as I didn't know about it on my serger until well into my relationship with it. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-18-2005, 12:26 PM (9 of 24)
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ahhh Gina - I'm glad to know that - it worried me about slicing off my seam allowance - what if I sewed it wrong- it would just keep getting smaller and smaller!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Duchess
Date: 01-27-2005, 10:37 AM (10 of 24)
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I need help!!!!! My husband gave me a Bernette Funlock 004 serger about 10 or 12 years ago. I have only used it once just practicing. In our moving I cannot find the electrical cord with the foot control or foot pedal..Does anyone know where I could possibly purchase this. The place this machine was purchased went out of business sometime ago. There should be a web site that I could purchase one. Thanks for any info. Duchess
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User: Duchess
Member since: 12-06-2004 Total posts: 10 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-27-2005, 12:15 PM (11 of 24)
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Have you tried here, Duchesse http://sewing-machine-parts-store.com/ I have no idea what they are like but they stock parts for a Bernette serger. We went to go and stare and play with sergers last weekend and I fell in love with the Elna 686 - about £100 over budget but my hubby loves the stitch quality - who am I to argue with him! We go back to the shop this weekend to buy one - wheeee! I've been through my patterns and sorted out a hoody, cargo pants and pj's to make... love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Duchess
Date: 01-27-2005, 02:34 PM (12 of 24)
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Thanks, I will give them a try. Good luck on you new one!! I have not used my old Burnette but once and it will be like starting all over because I don't remember how to use it. I think I would like to trade in Duchess
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User: Duchess
Member since: 12-06-2004 Total posts: 10 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-27-2005, 06:02 PM (13 of 24)
| I think your closest Bernina dealer could find your items for you. You might email Bernina on line and they will let you know your closest dealer. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-27-2005, 06:37 PM (14 of 24)
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If you go on their website and enter your zip code, they will tell you several of your nearest dealers..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: oklahomanana
Date: 01-31-2005, 12:34 AM (15 of 24)
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Hidee, I just got to reading these post tonight on sergers, and I have a Brother 1034D. I have used it to no end on baby blankets for my grandbabies when they were all born. But I am interested now in learning how to do more of my quilting with it. HUM I will have to take my book with me tomorrow to the doctors office and read up on how to do 4 thread. I mostly use 3 and 1 needle. But you have inspired me to try to do the nine patch on it. I am working on a nine patch table runner for my niece. Mine does have where I can disengage the knife so Hopefully that will help me too! I would be one of the ones cutting the seam off. LOL! I value your advice from our advent blocks we are doing! Great job there too. God Bless, Dorene I use mine for making 9-patch squares a lot.. Mine makes a perfect 1/4 in seam when I use 4-thread .. 2 needles and 2 loopers.. I just accidentally discovered that is was 1/4 inch by laying a seam I had just sewn on my Janome over beside the serger and it went down on top of the serged seam and they matched exactly.. One of the best gifts to give a child/grandchild is your listening ear.
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User: oklahomanana
Member since: 09-07-2004 Total posts: 406 
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From: oklahomanana
Date: 01-31-2005, 12:42 AM (16 of 24)
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Libby, One other question for ya? I have been looking at a web site: www.fabricoutletusa.com to purchase some homespun material. I really like their selections they have. But after reading somewhere some advice from Mary W on beware of buying fabric from the net, I am more cautious! I could not find where they are from, and when I took their phone # 704-892-2097 and put it on switchboard.com it comes up unknown. That alone bothered me! But I think 704 is NC area right? Have you ever heard of this place, and had dealings with them> I am not going to purchase with my cc until I feel comfortable with them. I tried calling that number at 930 pm last night which their time would of been 1130 pm and a recording said all lines are busy, please leave a message and a number and we will return your call. I just hung up, I did not want them to have my number or name yet. If you can be of some help on this I'd appreciate it! happy sewing! God Bless Dorene One of the best gifts to give a child/grandchild is your listening ear.
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User: oklahomanana
Member since: 09-07-2004 Total posts: 406
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-31-2005, 12:06 PM (17 of 24)
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Dorene, I just tried to call and got the same message you did.. My son came in here and searched their website up and down and in his opinion it is someone operating out of their home.. I think the 892 prefix is one of the small towns around Charlotte and not in the city itself.. I will find out.. I also will call the BBB and see if they have any complaints on them.. BTW-- I did leave my name and number for them to call me.. I did notice that all the prices are the same --- all = regular and sale prices.. I don't particularly think that is a good sign... I will have to give a better answer later.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: oklahomanana
Date: 01-31-2005, 04:03 PM (18 of 24)
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Libby, Oh Am I glad I talked to you about this company! Thanks so much. Let me know if you find out any more info on them. Mary W's advice is priceless, Huh? So glad I asked someone about them before ordering 100.00 worth of fabric!
One of the best gifts to give a child/grandchild is your listening ear.
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User: oklahomanana
Member since: 09-07-2004 Total posts: 406
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 02-01-2005, 11:55 AM (19 of 24)
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Dorene, I just got off the phone with the BBB here in town,.. She checked all her records, has no info on a Co. by that name.. She checked a master list of some kind of Companies listed in the state.. No luck.. I would advise you to forget about doing business with these people.. I left my name and number and they never returned my call.. The BBB tried to find out about the phone no.. but it is well hidden.. (suspicious, to me) It is a Davidson, NC number.. That is only 10 or 15 miles away to the north.. Almost connected nowadays, Suburbs go so far...BBB said my idea of send no money to them was a wise move.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: mamadus
Date: 02-03-2005, 02:51 AM (20 of 24)
I'm working on getting a new serger... mine is about 20 years old and has definitely seen better days... I'm looking at the Babylock Evolve... my local Babylock dealer has said that he'll match prices if I can bring him written quotes... His original price was $2100...like that's gonna happen!!!  but i've had my web friends working on it and two of them are sending me quotes from their local dealers for about $1600.... still high... but I figure that if I have this one as long as I had my last one, it'll work out to about $100 a year... that's less than $10 a month... I can deal with that!! besides, like Suze said.. the babylocks have the jet air threading!!! Since I'm not getting any younger...that jet air threading should be worth its weight in gold!! so as my short little arthritic fingers get fatter and more arthritic... I'll still be able to thread my Evolve with that jet air threading!! I'll let you know when it finally gets here!!MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: oklahomanana
Date: 02-03-2005, 08:01 AM (21 of 24)
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Libby, I got an email finally from these people and they just wrote this is our address : 206 Transco Road Mooresvile, NC and guess what? Yep on switchboard.com it comes up with ZERO for this address! Nope NOPE Not doing any business with these folks! Ladies remember this site and do not do business with them! They do not enough info and if the BBB says NO then NO! Thanks Libby for all your help on this! God Bless D Dorene, I just got off the phone with the BBB here in town,.. She checked all her records, has no info on a Co. by that name.. She checked a master list of some kind of Companies listed in the state.. No luck.. I would advise you to forget about doing business with these people.. I left my name and number and they never returned my call.. The BBB tried to find out about the phone no.. but it is well hidden.. (suspicious, to me) It is a Davidson, NC number.. That is only 10 or 15 miles away to the north.. Almost connected nowadays, Suburbs go so far...BBB said my idea of send no money to them was a wise move.. One of the best gifts to give a child/grandchild is your listening ear.
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User: oklahomanana
Member since: 09-07-2004 Total posts: 406
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From: iesha
Date: 02-09-2005, 11:51 AM (22 of 24)
 Jan if you learn how to use the serger properly like I haven't yet, you can do other things with a serger besides sew seems. I finished the edge of a fleece blanket with wooly nylon and it came out really good. Zip Zip and it was finished. Also for napkin edges or fancy lace borders on the edge of things which makes them come out professional looking. There is a lot of things you can do if you learn how to use all the features. That is my next class I'm taking at my sewing center is how to use my serger to it's fullest worth. When I learn some techniques I'll share them here with all of you. I have a Euro Pro I got purchased from the shopping network but I think most 4 thread sergers do the same things. The babylock has an air threader which make threading a breeze. I use my serger all the time but I also sew garments so you'll have to weigh the pro and cons of what you are going to use it for then decide.Hi, I,m new to this but, am really having a hard time setting the tensions on my machine I know its only 4 dials but I don't seem to be getting anywwhere. The machine was recently serviced at great exspense so I'm sure theres no major probs. Have you got any tips? or do I just have to keep trying? |
User: iesha
Member since: 02-09-2005 Total posts: 1 |
From: Mother in Law
Date: 02-09-2005, 01:09 PM (23 of 24)
| You really need to play with the tension and stitch lenght and so forth. Depending on the fabric used and the look you are trying to achieve, the only way to find out how to get the best results is to play around with it until you get it like you want it to look. Get a good serger book and play around with the different threads and techniques in the book. Then you will know what you want something to look like when you are ready for a special project when it comes along. |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: Hogmami
Date: 02-09-2005, 01:50 PM (24 of 24)
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When I took my serger lessons when I got mine they had us make a cheat sheet. We took different fabrics, pasted on a board, wrote where all the dails should be set. Works great.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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