Date: 11/7/09 12:47 PM

Calling all sergers. I've been given the go-ahead to buy my first Serger and do not know which one is easiest to use, most reliable, smooth sailing and not the most expensive to get. I would love to purchase it from Hancock's online because they are having a small sale on them but I will order from anywhere in the US.

Thanks for all input!

Denise

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Denise

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Date: 11/7/09 2:42 PM

I'm no serger expert, but I have the Kenmore 16677 that's made by Janome, and I love it. I believe it is very similar to the Janome 9102D serger sold by Hancock's. When I was shopping for a serger a year ago, I compared the two and couldn't see any real differences other than cosmetic. There may be some internal differences, but the technical specs seemed identical. The Kenmore serger is $229, and is often on sale for less. I've had no trouble at all with it, and I have definitely not babied that machine. I've run everything from silk chiffon to fake fur through it, and it never complained.

I also know several people who have been very pleased with the Brother 1034D serger. If I didn't already have a serger, I'd seriously consider that one, especially if I could get it from Fabric.com using one the 25% off coupons available on the web.

It might be helpful to check out some of the serger reviews here on Pattern Review before you make a final decision.

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Susie

Getting back up to speed with sewing after 20 years...
Bernina 930, Lady Kenmore 89, Janome 300E, Janome 11577, Kenmore 19233, Kenmore 19606, Janome Hello Kitty

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Reply to denisedh
Date: 11/7/09 2:51 PM

HI Denise
I would go with the kenmore 16677 or the Janome 9102D ,I have a Janome and it has never let me down, easy to use and belive me mine gets used alot
hth

bluenines1

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yrds in 2009..... 6
yrds out 2009.....23.5
Item sewn .....14
stash fabric 335.75yards as of jan 2008
Stash Fabric 350 yards as of jan 2009
23.5yardsstash fabric sewn 2009 patterns new 6(20 bwofs) patterns in stash (250)
projects completed (0 ufos) new 8
http://bluenines.blogspot.com/

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Date: 11/7/09 8:32 PM

Susie and Bluenines1,

I really appreciate the advice and am looking through other posts about sergers. The Janomes really do look like they are user friendly - but so do most of them. I thougt I would need lessons to learn how to thread and use one but now I think I will be OK with the written ones. The fact that I can use sheers with one is very encouraging to me because lately I am making retro dresses (the 20's) with slipdresses underneath and a sheer overdress - this will help me a lot! I also am working with lace inserts and I think the serger will help me sew the inserts between the silk or chiffon panels.

I appreciate you taking the time to help me!

Denise

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Denise

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Date: 11/7/09 8:47 PM

Denise, if you are working with lace inserts, I recommend the book Serger Secrets. It has some excellent chapters on doing heirloom sewing and lace work with a serger. It also contains basic information about serging, which might be helpful to you. I bought the book last year when I first got my serger, and it definitely helped. If you live near a Joann's, they usually have the book in stock. I think I used their 40% off coupon for mine.

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Susie

Getting back up to speed with sewing after 20 years...
Bernina 930, Lady Kenmore 89, Janome 300E, Janome 11577, Kenmore 19233, Kenmore 19606, Janome Hello Kitty

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Subject: Topic moved Date: 11/7/09 9:16 PM

This topic has been moved from Sewing Machines to Sergers, Coverstitch and Blindhemmers

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Carolyn
http://arkansew.blogspot.com/

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Reply to denisedh
Date: 11/7/09 9:33 PM

I have a Kenmore serger 385.16644 and it is great. I've had it several years with no problems. I also have an industrial but find myself using this Kenmore more often. I did have a Riccar but my favorite of the two are the Kenmore's, of course I love Kenmore machines. That is the only ones I have had so I might not know what I'm missing.

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Date: 11/8/09 3:09 PM

Hi again Susie and bluenines1,

I have not purchased one yet - but every spare minute I have had since I posted the plea yesterday has been spent combing this board, online sales sites, Sears, Janome.com and you name it.

Research has confused me but also helped me to realize that I am not going to be happy with anything but a SELF THREADER - so my price has had to go way up. I am now thinking of Janome Babylock Imagine but what a price hike!

Thanks and I am still open for input from anyone!

Denise

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Denise

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Reply to denisedh
Date: 11/8/09 6:58 PM

I scoured message boards and reviews and kept coming across people 100% sold on their Babylock Imagines. I did a crazy thing and bought one without ever having tested one and also bought it used off Craigslist across the country for $600. I would say it is probably one of the best purchases I have ever made. I've had mine for a few months now and love it better than ever. No problems with threading or tension and it can easily transition from delicate fabrics to bulky fabrics without any adjustments whatsoever. It has brought the joy back into my sewing.

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Date: 11/8/09 9:31 PM

I may also be in the Serger market real soon and read about some threading problem w/the Janome. My dealer thinks the Babylock Air thread may be the best for me. I have unsteady fingers for all the threading so need the easiest for the cheapest price. I have two Janome machines though that I love.

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It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. ~ Franklin D Roosevelt 1882

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