| Baby Lock:BLE3ATW Imagine Wave (Serger) |
| Viewed 1612 time(s) |
6 more reviews for this machine |
Review rated Helpful by 3 people Very Helpful by 6 people |
| Reviewed by: | joycea | 
| | About joycea | | USA | | Member since: 9/26/10 | | Reviews written: 2 | | Sewing skills:Advanced | | sewing machines reviewed: 2 | | Bio: more... |
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| Posted on: | 11/28/12 0:35 AM |
| Approx price paid: | $1600 |
| Had this machine for: | 3 months |
| Recommended? | Maybe |
| Online Merchants: | Amazon.com |
 | Features
- Needle Threader
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- 3 Thread Serger
- 4 Thread Serger
- Differential Feed
- Rolled Hem
- Auto Threading
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What joycea likes about this machine
The machine does produce good and consistent stitches. I have not tried all of them having it so short a time. Threading is somewhat simpler but the thread is not always pulled through the first try. What joycea does not like about this machine
I am shocked at how much I do not like as I have wanted this machine for some time and tried it out numerous times. I find that while air threading does help, all the steps needed to thread are frustrating like moving levers, etc. The needle threader is finicky and I wonder how long it will last. Replacing a needle is difficult as I was use to my Elna 744 tilt needle. The machine actually feels flimsy next to my Elna and I wish I had not sold it shortly after buying this machine. That machine was built like a tank. I do not like that the cutting blade does not go completely down. I am worried about using decorative thread as the holes to air thread it are so small. The directions in the book are not clear. I wish there was a DVD for this machine. I feel it is over rated and I fell for the hype. |
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I'm truly amazed to read this! My Imagine has been a little champion!! It sounds to me as if your dealer did not adequately train you on the machine. Case in point, how to use a thread cradle in your decorative thread example. For needles, just aim the point down to where it will stitch and insert up. Don't forget to tighten the screws that aren't clamping a needle too. The machine comes with a vinyl coated quick step guide for each function. You don't really need the full manual after a short while. Nothing takes more than a few seconds if you follow that guide sheet, or a bit longer if you must move the needle positions, once you've had the training. I've had mine a long time and it's held up wonderfully. The needle threader is so sturdy - the best ever! Just move the little left/right button so it knows which needle you want threaded. I really miss this feature on my Evolution. And I would hate to go back to manual looper threading - I can get the whole machine changed over in around a minute. It's actually fun to do. The tensions are automatic - yeah! - and the stitches very professional looking. I especially appreciate the rolled edge stitch. So I encourage you to get more thorough training and hope you will learn to love yours as much as I do.
11/28/12 1:41 AM
So sorry you spent a chunk of money for a machine you don't love. I have to say I'm with KPM and love my Evolution but also agree your dealer let you down if you didn't get enough lessons to leave you comfortable. I hope you learn to love it.
11/28/12 6:07 AM
I have the Imagine Wave and love the machine. I don't have any of the problems you have listed. Also, my machine came with a DVD and it features a lot of the specialty feet and techniques. If I had to thread a regular serger, I wouldn't be using it as much.
11/28/12 7:34 AM
I found my new Enlighten hard to use at first, after having an Elna 945 for 12 years. But now I'm very used to it. Love it and wished I'd got one sooner. Keep persevering with it.
11/28/12 9:28 AM
Wow...I'm as shocked and amazed as KPM is over reading this! I find the BL sergers to be absolutely superb and wouldn't give mine up for love nor money. It sounds like you do need to go to your BL dealer and get them to show you how to properly operate the machine. If you're just not interested in learning it, you should be able to sell it quickly -they're in very high demand and rarely ever come up for sale used. Best to you whatever way you decide to go.
11/28/12 12:02 PM
I'm really surprised that you aren't happy with the serger! I have the BL Enlighten and I absolutely love it! After I purchased it I thought, wow that really wasn't all hype, this is a fantastic machine. It would be worth it to go back to your dealer and get some lessons on it. It truly is easy to use and I've played with decorative threads quite a bit on it with no trouble. Ask the dealer to show you how. I used to dislike serging and now I love it because of my Babylock!
11/28/12 12:27 PM
I had an Evolve for a number of years and finally, very happily, sold it and got a Juki 654. I found the Juki just as easy to thread, and much sturdier overall. The Evolve jumped around on me when I was serging, and sometimes had trouble going over multiple seams. For example, I always had to sew down the side seam of pants when I had pockets in the seam before serging so it would serge smoothly. The Juki, on the other hand, never jumps around, and easily serges anything that fits under the presser foot. So I understand the disappointment of Joycea. I think perhaps cutting blades that come down, like the Juki's, do a better job than those that come up, like the BLs.
11/28/12 8:09 PM
For me, my Evolution was a step up from my $249 serger. But for you, with a great performing Elna it seems it wasn't such a great idea. I agree that the threading diagram could be better. I could figure them out except for the coverstich- both the manual and the protected sheets font dont show just how the thread is wrapped around that side tension control- they should have enlarged that one area. I know how you must be feeling. I had a similar experience with a Bernina that I just didn't bond with yet everyone commented on my Review that I should be loving it! After some time, if you still feel it isn't the right machine for you, it will certainly be beloved by someone else and then you can find that something you like better. I don't regret letting go of my Bernina in the least- it made someone else very happy. I think you gave folks something to think about when writing what you don't like about it- afterall it's your review/your opinion.
11/29/12 6:15 AM
I just purchased this machine. It does come with a DVD. Ask Amazon about your copy of the DVD.
12/4/12 6:53 AM
I'm sorry you're having difficulty with the machine. It's so frustrating to get a new "toy" that you've wanted and then not enjoy it as you'd hoped. But, still, I have the Enlighten and you'd have to pry it from my cold, dead fingers I love it so much. I have never serged as much as I do now just because it's so easy (I had a very frustrating Janome 1100D before). I think once you thread it a few times all the levers will become second nature and you'll have no problem at all getting started when you have to change threads. If I were you I'd go back to the dealer and make them sit down with you until you've gone over everything that machine does and are comfortable with it. For what we pay for these Babylocks, it's the least they can do! Good luck!!!
12/21/12 10:34 AM