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Lauren the new Baby Lock model, that is. (Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 5/30/09 11:06 PM ET
I was talking with my nearest Baby Lock dealer and she told me about the new Lauren in the A-Line series. It costs about $350 - $399 and comes with the same warranty as the more expensive models. I cannot find any comments about it on-line. Since I am a beginning "sergerist" (sergeon ?) I am looking for an easy to use, but not too expensive, but still durable (not all plastic) machine. The next machine up the price scale is $699 so you can see there is quite a difference.
As we say down South ... give me a holler if you've tried out one of these - or know someone who has. Thanks !
As we say down South ... give me a holler if you've tried out one of these - or know someone who has. Thanks !
Posted on: 5/31/09 0:35 AM ET
In reply to Snoo
This model is the same as the Simplicity SL390 Frontier and the Sewing With Nancy SWN10 EZ Lock Serger Machine, both available either through online sources for about $100 less.
My first serger was a Simplicity and it was a great serger to learn on. I even serged together two huge pieces of golf grass on it to make a carpet for a screen tent! I remember it had a 4 thread mock safety stitch. However, I got very annoyed at the tension dials, which would move quite a bit while serging and I was always having to reset them. You do have to change the plate for a rolled hem, though. A small extra step. Other than that, it did the job very well and was a good introduction to serging.
-- Edited on 5/31/09 0:36 AM --
My first serger was a Simplicity and it was a great serger to learn on. I even serged together two huge pieces of golf grass on it to make a carpet for a screen tent! I remember it had a 4 thread mock safety stitch. However, I got very annoyed at the tension dials, which would move quite a bit while serging and I was always having to reset them. You do have to change the plate for a rolled hem, though. A small extra step. Other than that, it did the job very well and was a good introduction to serging.
-- Edited on 5/31/09 0:36 AM --
Posted on: 6/1/09 11:07 AM ET
In reply to Snoo
Have you checked out the manual yet at the Babylock website. It looks like a sturdy machine. I am not sure if it has differential feed. It does not have the jet air threading but may be easy to thread. Babylock sergers are known for their ease of use. Check it out .
Babylock Lauren
Babylock Lauren
Posted on: 6/1/09 11:17 AM ET
In reply to Snoo
Yes the Lauren does have differential feed and is a manually threaded.
I have the Babylock Eclipse SX, which manually threaded although the threading instructions are different. Threading is through a closed looped system using a thin wire threader. I got this model because it was easy to thread and I do like adjusting the tensions manually.
Good luck.
I have the Babylock Eclipse SX, which manually threaded although the threading instructions are different. Threading is through a closed looped system using a thin wire threader. I got this model because it was easy to thread and I do like adjusting the tensions manually.
Good luck.
Posted on: 6/1/09 11:39 AM ET
In reply to Snoo
You may want to check out this thread.
I would add that the Lauren requires ELx705 needles. These needles are used on some coverstitch machines (the Lauren doesn't do a coverstitch.) I have the Babylock BL450 serger which I believe is an older version of the Lauren. My serger came with the ELx705 needles but the manual indicated a different needle type so I e-mailed Babylock for clarification. Babylock replied that in addition to the ELx705 needles, I could use Organ HAx1 (size 75/11 or 90/14) needles in my serger.
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I would add that the Lauren requires ELx705 needles. These needles are used on some coverstitch machines (the Lauren doesn't do a coverstitch.) I have the Babylock BL450 serger which I believe is an older version of the Lauren. My serger came with the ELx705 needles but the manual indicated a different needle type so I e-mailed Babylock for clarification. Babylock replied that in addition to the ELx705 needles, I could use Organ HAx1 (size 75/11 or 90/14) needles in my serger.
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“If you can dream it, you can do it.” ~ Walt Disney
Posted on: 6/1/09 8:26 PM ET
In reply to Carmen C
So Carmen, wouldn't it be better - if I had a choice - to check out a serger that just used "regular needles". If I ran out, I wouldn't want to have to drive a great distance to find them or have to try to order them . 
I do like the warranty that BL offers, though - 5,10,25 years. One of the best warranties I've seen.
I'm just thinking that the best serger will just jump out at me and say - pick me ! pick me !

I do like the warranty that BL offers, though - 5,10,25 years. One of the best warranties I've seen.
I'm just thinking that the best serger will just jump out at me and say - pick me ! pick me !
Posted on: 6/1/09 9:25 PM ET
In reply to Snoo
I didn't like the idea of having to use the more expensive special needles (ELx705) in my serger so I decided to go with Babylock's other recommendation and use the Organ HAx1 needles. I can also use these needles in my embroidery and sewing machines. They can be easily ordered online or your local dealer may carry them. They're also very economical so you may still wish to consider the Lauren.
Good luck with your search for the serger of your dreams!
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Good luck with your search for the serger of your dreams!
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“If you can dream it, you can do it.” ~ Walt Disney
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