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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: mozeyrn
Date: 07-31-2007, 09:59 PM (1 of 6)
I cannot afford a BabyLock or Viking.
I can get training on this White machine at Fabric Mart (my biggest need). It's a 2/3/4 with an auto tension system, 3 sets of serger thread (black, white, ecru), workbook, a whole bunch of size 14 needles, video, manual, carry case and the ABC's of serging serger book. The price: $329.00.
I know I'm supposed to shop more for a dealer than a machine but there are NO dealers that carry this model - I checked from the middle of FL to past Miami and only found 1 which is over 90 miles away on the other side of the state.
I'd be getting thru Sew Vac Direct (gasp!) but can get 1 on 1 training and other serger classes at Fabric Mart.
Any thoughts??
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!!
Kenmore 16231000
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005
Total posts: 349
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-01-2007, 07:17 AM (2 of 6)
I know I'm supposed to shop more for a dealer than a machine but there are NO dealers that carry this model

You are supposed to get what is right for you. The most important thing is to have help learning how to operate the machine so you are comfortable with it.
Just threading a serger can be intimidating.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: sue in NE
Date: 08-01-2007, 07:49 PM (3 of 6)
Hi, FYI,
I have a Janome 644D. Yes, you have to switch some things including the throat plate to do a rolled hem. It absolutely works well and does a lot, but ...the dealer wasn't much help, and I had trouble threading it- all the time. The initial free demo (nothing hands-on) was all the 'training'. You should NOT have to pay $100 to learn how your machine works.
Before this, I had a White serger, don't remember the model # but had it for 15 years (3-4 thread with differentail feed). Worked great. Never had a problem with the tension. Real Work Horse. I didn't need much support with the White. :bang: it was damaged beyond repair in a move, or i'd still have it. No local dealer dealer had White [:( . Threading paths were similar in both brands , but did not have threading problems with the White,once threaded.

Maybe talk with some local Shops or a sewing group, or people at work, will help you find a better dealer. An honest dealer will steer you to something in your price range and with support. I
At the moment, I am lusting after the Babylock Imagine with the holes that do the threading for me...i have nerve damage and the beginning of arthritis in my hands, Babylock has a super dealer, here.
sue in NE
User: sue in NE
Member since: 12-09-2005
Total posts: 7
From: MartySews2
Date: 08-02-2007, 08:45 AM (4 of 6)
Several people on the sergers forum (yahoo groups) have White sergers that they swear by. I think what is being offered with that deal will really get you going on the road to serging. Be sure to find out where locally you can take your machine in for servicing since there are not any dealers nearby. Also, you may want to check with your local American Sewing Guild chapter www.asg.org to find out more information. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.
Marty:up:
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007
Total posts: 293
From: westbrook
Date: 08-05-2007, 02:16 PM (5 of 6)
the white 2000ATS is the same machine at the 2900. the only differences is the cover and tension control adjustment controls.

The 2000 has dials and the 2900 has slides.

It is a workhorse machine for the price. I purchased one to take to a college level serging class and am very impressed with how it held up. ALl the banging around to get it from home to class and then back again for 18 weeks. I buy a new serger for each serger class I have taken.

Of the 8 sergers I have I continue to grab my white first. It is a breeze to thread and use. Rolled him is removing the stitch finger and moving the stitch width to "R" for rolled hem or "P" for Pico stitching.

The cutting blade moves up and out of the way by pushing in and turning up.

I liked it so much I bought my 18 year old daughter one last Christmas. I was so busy with all the kids being home, it was 2 weeks before I could sit with her and show her how to thread it. I told her that I had the time the next day to show her how and she laughed and said "Mom! I am already using it.. look what I made!" this is really how easy this machine is to use.

You are aware the White sergers don't do a cover stitch.

The case to fit this machine is the Brother 5300. It can be found on ebay.com from time to time and on Amazon.com. The prices vary with shipping but figure about $30. It is a very large case and the white fits perfectly inside with a bit of room to spare (foot controller, manual, attachments, video all fit inside). This case is rather large for a sewing machine unless you travel with one and want to put in fabric and extras.

The Brother 5300 is NOT large enough for my Viking 936. I have to take the thread bar off to get it to fit inside.

There is a white serger group at yahoo if you get stuck.

HTH
User: westbrook
Member since: 12-13-2004
Total posts: 35
From: mozeyrn
Date: 08-05-2007, 02:53 PM (6 of 6)
Thanks everyone for the input!!
If by coverstitch you mean overcast, my sewing machine does a pretty good one acually. When I've made pockets and overcasted the top edge before folding over it looks great.
I decided to go thru Sew Vac Direct and get the 2900 :nervous: - yes, I'm a little nervous about dealing with them. There was no shipping charges and no tax.
My dh should be home on Saturday so I'm going to register for the Serger Club class Fabric Mart has every third Saturday of the month.
I asked the girl w/ Sew Vac if she could put a note to send the DVD instructional video instead of VHS - it's written on the receipt so I hope someone sees it. I'm thinking since it's a newer model it'll be available. I'll watch the video a couple of times, go thru the manual and hopefully will understand what everyone is talking about on Saturday.
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!!
Kenmore 16231000
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005
Total posts: 349
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