Date: 10/17/09 8:01 PM

I tried out a Babylock Imagine serger at the CreativFestival yesterday and was blown away by how easy it was to operate. I'm going back Sunday to purchase but wanted to ask which accessories are really valuable and which aren't. There is no dealer near me so I will be on my own to learn the machine. I'm thinking that getting the workbook (or 'Inspirational Guide' as it's called in the brochure) would be a good idea. Can anyone comment on it's contents and/or usefulness? I will be getting the roller cart but am wondering what else I should get at the same time. Thanks so much for any suggesttions

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Date: 10/17/09 9:25 PM

Are you serger savvy?
If you are I really wouldn't bother with the work book. I didn't.

The manual will teach you all you need.

If you can, browse the manual and the workbook and see if you think you need the workbook. Or get them to throw in the workbook for free. I think its about $30 normally.
-- Edited on 10/17/09 9:25 PM --

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Reply to moushka
Date: 10/17/09 9:45 PM

I agree; ask them to toss in the workbook.

Congrats (tomorrow) on your new baby!!! :)

Edit to add: as there's no dealer near you, see if you can grab (or have included in your purchase) a clear foot for your Imagine. It's really nice for precise serging, as you can see exactly where you are. Or rather, where the needle & fabric are.
-- Edited on 10/17/09 9:48 PM --

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I heart Babylock!
And my Feathirteen Flock!

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Reply to LynnRowe
Date: 10/17/09 10:46 PM

Lynn and SSally,

Great info, thanks very much.

I'm not super-savvy but I do know a few things. My old serger is so basic, I feel like it from the Stone Age. I thought the clear foot would be nice to have and planned to ask him to throw it in. I'll ask for the book, too, as he can only say 'no.' I don't think he's quoted me a rock-bottom price so I feel a couple of freebies are in order.

I wish it weren't so darn hard to find out the MSRP on sewing machines, or even the usual selling price. It seems to me there's a lot of unnecessary mystery surrounding sewing machine sales.

Thanks so much for your help!

Sue

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Reply to moushka
Date: 10/18/09 6:41 AM

the workbook is absolutely dummy-proof and necessary if you don't have dealer support. Great walk-thrus of techniques and also uses of accessory feet, if you get them or they're included as a bonus. Love mine. Love my Imagine. Want a coverstitch machine.

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Reply to moushka
Date: 10/18/09 8:15 AM

Moushka, I have the Imagine Wave, and it's a terrific machine -- you'll love it. The workbook is unnecessary. If your dealer won't throw it in, just buy a used copy of Serger Secrets on ebay instead. You can learn everything you need to know from the manual.

If your dealer won't throw in the clear foot, just skip it for now and see how you like using the regular foot. I use the regular foot without any problems and have never felt I needed to see what's under the presser foot.

It's quite easy to get MSRP information on any sewing machine or serger -- just go to to PR's sewing machine section and look up reviews for that model. Not every review lists the price paid, but enough do so that you can get a good idea of what the range is. How much will you be paying for your Imagine?

------
The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale.
Richard Dawkins

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Reply to moushka
Date: 10/18/09 10:00 AM

It's an awesome serger. The book is nice, but not necessary. I would definitely purchase the clear plastic foot. There are times when I want to end exactly where I began and this helps to see it. Enjoy your purchase. Wendy

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Reply to nancy2001
Date: 10/18/09 10:03 AM

Hi Nancy,

Great to hear that you love your machine!

Thank you for your recommendations. I will take your suggestion and check out Serger Secrets even if the dealer throws in the workbook. He quoted me $1499 for the Imagine (without the wave stitch) and I think they normally retail around $2000. Taxes will add nearly $200 to that price. (Remember, I'm in Canada where everything is more expensive!) Since quite a few other machine dealers are advertising forty percent off deals during the show, I'm steeling myself for a little negotiation.

I hadn't realized how fighting with my serger had sucked the joy out of sewing for me until I tried the Imagine. I like things to be nicely finished inside and my serger was so frustrating, I haven't sewn anything in nearly a year. Now I'm really excited about getting back to sewing

OT - your jacket is a triumph!

Sue

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Reply to kayellison
Date: 10/18/09 10:06 AM

Thanks for taking the time to answer. Not being mechanically minded at all, I do love having some kind of instructions to follow. It's wonderful how generous PR members are in taking time to answer questions.

Sue

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Reply to Wendy J
Date: 10/18/09 10:12 AM

Wendy,

Thank you for your reply. I'm definitely going to get the clear foot and also the blindhem foot. Am thinking about the elastic foot, too. Good to know I'm on the right track

Sue

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