Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Lise
Date: 08-23-2006, 11:14 AM (1 of 22)
|
Does anyone know the make and model of the serger N.Z. uses on her show ? It's one of those air threaded ones that practically does everything by itself - no fiddling with tensions etc. I suppose even if I find out ,it will be out of my reach financially but I have an almost unused Elna to trade (Just looked at it to find out the model No. and all it says is "Elna" - no number ) but it's recent. Lise |
User: Lise
Member since: 07-24-2000 Total posts: 231 
|
From: Lise
Date: 08-23-2006, 11:44 AM (2 of 22)
|
Hi again, My Elna is a 744. Lise 
|
User: Lise
Member since: 07-24-2000 Total posts: 231
|
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 08-23-2006, 01:36 PM (3 of 22)
I no longer get Sewing With Nancy on my local PBS station  , but the last time I saw her show, the serger she was using was made by Babylock. I don't know the actual model number though.
|
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-23-2006, 06:53 PM (4 of 22)
Nancy uses a Babylock serger and it has the coverstitch capability, but I do not know the model number or name, and I don't think she has ever mentioned it on the show..She even has one of those machines that are made just for felting now..Imagine That ! ! ! 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: MartySews
Date: 08-24-2006, 05:42 PM (5 of 22)
|
Nancy Zieman uses the Babylock Evolve on her current show. Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
|
User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
|
From: Kylnne2
Date: 08-26-2006, 03:37 AM (6 of 22)
| Lize, if your Elna is a 744 it should have the large numbers on the front of the serger. You posted your serger is almost unused and you wish to trade it in? I have the Elna 744 and I love it for the automatic tensions and many stitch programs and the 3 different coverhems and being only a 4 thread. I find the tilt needle bar also a blessing when threading and changing needles compared to other sergers.I have owned several sergers and love this one the most. It converts easier to coverhem than most Cover hem sergers and also you can stitch off the fabric easier with cover hem stitches because of the needle tension release. I also like the back tack feature to insert the thread chain into the seam. I have checked out sergers with 8 threads for deco stitches etc. and I didn't care as much for them and they are rather noisy compared to my Elna. I don't mean to be nosy but I like my serger so much that I am interested in why you wish to trade yours in. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Lise
Date: 08-26-2006, 09:24 AM (7 of 22)
|
Hi Kyllne , First of all I too would have thought that the model # wouldhave been on the front of the machine but it is not and since it hadn't been used in a long time the manual wasn't in plain sight. The reason I'd like to have what Nancy has is that it threads almost automatically in any order - I have great difficulty threading the lower looper on the 744 and although it looks easy on the video I don't find it so easy. I must admit that once I get it going it is many times better than the two Janomes I had before - no fiddling with differential etc. Maybe I'll have another go although I know I am going to become very frustrated threading that darned lower looper - all you do with Nancy's is just stick the thread in a hole and it gets sucked in to the proper place immediately. Lise
|
User: Lise
Member since: 07-24-2000 Total posts: 231
|
From: Bekka
Date: 08-26-2006, 12:53 PM (8 of 22)
|
I threaded my serger once and that was when I bought it. If I need to change thread colors I snip and tie new cones, turn my tension to 0 and pull through, reset tensions and thread needle. Even my daughter does it that way when I ask her to do it for me.
Bekka
|
User: Bekka
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 79 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 08-26-2006, 01:05 PM (9 of 22)
|
Bekka that is how I thread mine also. Occasionally I have to rethread because a thread breaks or I'm not paying attention. Then I unthread all & rethread from right to left. once the lower looper is done there is no problem. I have a Janome Mylock 744D. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: Lise
Date: 08-26-2006, 04:08 PM (10 of 22)
|
Thank you Bekka, If I ever get it threaded again I will do as you describe - but it won't be soon ! Lise
|
User: Lise
Member since: 07-24-2000 Total posts: 231
|
From: Kylnne2
Date: 08-26-2006, 04:18 PM (11 of 22)
|
Lise, my Elna 744 has huge numbers that are built into the looper cover door that says Auto tension with huge numbers 744. The manual is the same. On the front cover it shows a skater and a picture of the serger and it says 744. That is why I questioned thinking you might have the Janome 744 and not the Elna 744 coverhem model. As for the looper threading. Both the lower looper and the extra chain looper for chain and coverhem have a little lever when pushed that helps to automatically thread them. I can understand your wanting the air threading system of the Babylock models to thread in any order but with your needle tension release on the Elna you can clear the needle threads and rethread the loopers without a hang up like on other models where needles need to be threaded last. I used to sell Babylocks when the air threading first came about. It is not something that has ever appealed to me but I know that many like the feature. I certainly understand how we need a machine or serger that will work best for us. I have 2 wonderful sewing machines that I love. Both have the needle in the back of the accessory tray and I am fininding it hard to use them because of bad eye sight and hands. Viking sewing machines have the needle right up front and and the accessory tray in the back so I am now looking at a Viking purchase even though I have 2 wonderful machines. I suggest to try before buying no matter what serger you look at. I hope your find one that you love. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Lise
Date: 08-27-2006, 06:07 AM (12 of 22)
|
Hi Kylnne, Thank you for all your expertise - wish I had you here to show me - I do better with a demo than I do with verbal or written instructions. First of all I have examined the serger again and nowhere is there a "744" large or small - the only place it shows is on the manual although the illustration of the actual machine on the cover of the manual shows no 744. Could you have a look at your manual and see if the mchine illustrated has a number. I understood that it was carved in stone that there is only one way to thread it - from right to left , loopers first and then needles so I don't quite understand part of your answer. The thing has me so frustrated that I am reluctant to try again and keep putting it off "for another day". However , I shall print your last note and put it beside "the beast" and wait for a day when I feel inspired ! There is not a Babylock dealer close to me or I might already have taken the plunge - it sounds like heaven just to poke the threads in holes in any order and let the machine do the threading. Thanks again for your help. Lise
|
User: Lise
Member since: 07-24-2000 Total posts: 231
|
From: Kylnne2
Date: 08-27-2006, 03:35 PM (13 of 22)
|
Lise, there is a free video for the Elna 744 that your dealer can get from Elna for you if the dealer doesn't have it already in stock. It shows everything about the use of your serger. I hope you come to understand your serger before trading. You might come to love it's time saving features with the 5 tilt needles and automatic tensions and quick switch to Cover hem. I thought I would edit my msg to say..I did an on line review on my Elna at PatternReview.com and it includes a picture of the serger. There are also many reviews of other sergers on the site including Babylock. I hope this helps. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Lise
Date: 08-28-2006, 12:03 PM (14 of 22)
|
Hi Kylnne again, I got brave and went back to my 744 which had been sitting idle for many months and found that I must have threaded it successfully 'way back then. I decided to try cover stitch which I had never tackled but was frustrated to find that the little thingy to convert is missing !Will have to order a replacement from my dealer. Re the video - I have it but only have a DVD player. Will rectify that soon too. The site you recommended looks good but doesn't seem to want me as a member. I have filled in the application a number of times but when I click on "submit" all that happens is the blank form comes back waiting to be filled in again. Very annoying because I want to read your review. In spite of all this frustration you have convinced me that I should try to become on friendly terms with my 744 before dashing off to the Babylock dealer. Lise
|
User: Lise
Member since: 07-24-2000 Total posts: 231
|
From: Kylnne2
Date: 08-28-2006, 06:10 PM (15 of 22)
|
Lise, bummer that you only have the DVD and cannot watch your video. If it is the little sewing table that is missing for your serger to do coverhem then I would not think it would be too expensive to replace. As for the PR site, in the past one could still read the forum without becoming a member. To post one has to register. They also have paying members that have more access to things like buying patterns, materials and many other special things. I am not a paying member but I enjoy the site tremendously and have gone there for years but have only done the one review on my Elna. Hopefully you will be able to get into the site soon. There are thousands of members and I think PR has more machine reviews than you can find anywhere. They also review patterns and have many discussion forums as this site does. I love sewing forums. I do hope you become well acquainted with your serger. I would be glad to help in any way that I can. I have owned several sergers over the years and I have not found a serger that I didn't enjoy. I do find the Elna 744 to do the most in the easiest manner because of it's wonderful features. Once you get to really know your serger and still want another I suggest to be sure you test the other first. You don't wish to trade in your 744 then later regret it. But having 2 sergers is always nice.. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Brenisback
Date: 11-27-2006, 12:37 PM (16 of 22)
I have a Babylock Serger ...Imagine....I love it!!! because it is so easy to thread...I have a white Serger also ...there is just know comparing it...When I sew... I want to sew...not waste my time fooling around with my machine...but it sound's like you have a pretty nice machine to...there not cheap!... maybe you should give your machine another chance. 
Brenda
People come into your life ...for a Reason a Season or a Lifetime. |
User: Brenisback
Member since: 09-20-2004 Total posts: 228 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 11-27-2006, 07:22 PM (17 of 22)
|
I agree with Brenda. The serger you have is better than either one of the air threading models and easier to use. Those models although very good are not of the quality of the 744. They are easy to use when doing basic functions but get rather confusing when you try to thread for special functions. Bear in mind that N.Z. is really a die-hard Pfaff person. Using the Babylocks was part of the deal when selling her business to Tacony. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
|
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: wghmch
Date: 11-28-2006, 12:25 AM (18 of 22)
|
"Bear in mind that N.Z. is really a die-hard Pfaff person." The tense is WAS, Tom. With what Viking has done to that name, and the way they treated her at her own gatherings, around her own customers, I doubt that she has retained any love for her old brand. I don't live far from Nancy's headquarters, and have heard this from numerous people who know the situation from the inside. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 11-29-2006, 01:17 AM (19 of 22)
|
You may be right Bill. I was not aware of any conflicts but that doesn't mean they didn't happen. At any rate the point I was really trying to make was not what Nancy's preferences are but that the machines TV celebrities are using are not necessarily their preference. Its a job.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
|
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 11-29-2006, 02:43 AM (20 of 22)
| Okay, I HAVE price the Evolve just within the past month thinking that I would like to have one for the very same reason of the "Jet Air Threader". $2000 had been the LOWEST price I have been quoted by a local Sewing Center. It has LOTS of Bells and Whistles on it, you have to remember to move levers and knots a lot in order to get things done. More than what I really wanted to do, BUT it does have the Cover Stitch built right in and a new stitch they are promoting- The Wavyed Edge. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 12-01-2006, 12:54 AM (21 of 22)
|
Its a good machine but I would ask to see how to do special stitches like the flat lock. The Evolve comes with a seperate glossy threading guide for different stitches. Ask to see it. I'm not trying to discourage you. I sold a good number of them that the customers have been very satisfied but there have been some that the customers have told me how frustrating it is. If you are after a coverhem serger you can get a very good one at 1/2 that price. If you are after the one that does "everything" the Evolve and Pfaff 10 Spool are your only choices. Both are good and comparably priced.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
|
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 12-01-2006, 01:18 AM (22 of 22)
|
As for pricing machines with coverhem, Tom is right and it pays to look around. It really depends on the features you want and the price you wish to pay. I wanted a coverhem only machine and the price was the same for one that I paid ($800) for my 4 thread non computerized serger with a stitch program of 17 stitches including chain stitch and narrow and wide 2 thread coverhem and 3 thread coverhem and it has automatic tensions. Newer coverhem only models have come out since and cost about half of what I paid but I do prefer the all in one serger that I have with coverhem built in rather than have a separate machine for coverhem. Many prefer to have 2 separate machines. I don't know if I will ever get another serger but if I do I already have my eye on a 10 thread and the extra feet that I have purchased for my serger will fit it. If I ever did bring home a 10 thread I would serge my heart out with deco stitching..but I just don't have the time for it at present..I am too busy with the machines and sergers I have now. They are so much fun. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-19957.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft