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Posted on: 3/29/13 9:38 AM ET
I'm currently looking to buy a new serger and would love your opinion. I sew a lot with knits and would love to have a coverstitch option. I originally started looking at the Babylock Lauren with the idea that I would get a separate lower end coverstitch machine but I'm having trouble finding reviews of the Lauren. While I was at the dealer they also showed me the Diana which can do both but again, cannot find many reviews. Finally they had a 5 year old Imagine Wave that was taken in on trade priced at $500. I loved the jet air threading and auto tension on the Imagine but I'm not sure if that is a good price and that would not leave enough in my budget to also have a coverstitch option. Does anyone know if $500 is a good price for the Imagine? If anyone has one of these machines I would love to hear your thoughts. Finally, for those of you who sew with knits frequently and have coverstitch would you choose a nicer serger and no coverstitch for another year or a lower end serger with coverstitch? Thanks so much for your help!
Posted on: 3/29/13 3:09 PM ET
I think the Imagine wave for $500 is a great price. I bought mine new for $1200 almost 6 years ago and have loved, loved, loved it. The jet air threading to "to-die for" and the tension is always perfect. I've used many decorative threads in the loopers and it always sews with 100% perfection. I'd grab it for $500! You can always add a separate coverstitch at a later time. I like having separate machines, but I know others love the combo machines. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Posted on: 3/29/13 3:13 PM ET
In reply to Sewingnewbie13
The Babylock sergers are expensive. I'd say $500 is a wonderful price for the Imagine if it is in good condition, which I assume it is.
Babylocks are made to last forever and to perform like nothing else. You will not be sorry if you buy one.
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Babylocks are made to last forever and to perform like nothing else. You will not be sorry if you buy one.
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Linda
Bernina 830LE - Brother Dreamweaver VQ3000 - Bernina B-770QE - Janome 6600P - Pfaff 1209 - Babylock Evolution - Babylock Sashiko2 - Babylock BLCS-2
Bernina 830LE - Brother Dreamweaver VQ3000 - Bernina B-770QE - Janome 6600P - Pfaff 1209 - Babylock Evolution - Babylock Sashiko2 - Babylock BLCS-2
Posted on: 3/30/13 0:33 AM ET
In reply to Sewingnewbie13
I have the Lauren. I bought it new about 6 years ago, I think. It's a good basic serger. It has never given me trouble and I've sewed everything from voile to faux fur with it. I've rarely had to re-thread entirely since I usually use the tie-on method, but it's not difficult if you need to.
I sew with knits and wovens about equally and have used the serger on both.
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I sew with knits and wovens about equally and have used the serger on both.
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Stash: 188 yds. @ 11.25.18
Bernina 560
Babylock Imagine
Babylock Coverstitch
Bernina 560
Babylock Imagine
Babylock Coverstitch
Posted on: 3/30/13 8:11 AM ET
In reply to Sewingnewbie13
I think the price for the Imagine is a great one, when you consider that newer, other brand models sell for that. I sew with knits frequently but I don't have a coverstitch; didn't feel I would need it. I use the blind hem foot on my serger for that. It's tough enough trying to figure out four threads, let alone five.
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"Play the cards you are dealt, but choose who is sitting at the table"..AARP magazine
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Posted on: 3/30/13 11:58 AM ET
Get the used Imagine. Ask for a demo, if you have not already done so. It is a great serger.
I use the twin needle/sewing machine to create a faux coverstitch.
Test scraps of the project the fabric to see if any adjustments need to be made to the tension (and presser foot pressure, if your machine has this adjustment option) for making a flat faux coverstitch. Or, you can use this method for a flat, twin needle stitch.
-- Edited on 3/30/13 12:24 PM --
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I use the twin needle/sewing machine to create a faux coverstitch.
Test scraps of the project the fabric to see if any adjustments need to be made to the tension (and presser foot pressure, if your machine has this adjustment option) for making a flat faux coverstitch. Or, you can use this method for a flat, twin needle stitch.
-- Edited on 3/30/13 12:24 PM --
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
Posted on: 3/30/13 12:09 PM ET
Two words... air threading. I personally wouldn't want to use a serger without it. It pays for itself in terms of my sanity when I had a thread break. The imagine is a great serger.
The only complaint that I have with it is the lighting. I wish it was better. As long as you have a good external source of light, you'll be in good shape!
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The only complaint that I have with it is the lighting. I wish it was better. As long as you have a good external source of light, you'll be in good shape!------
it doesn't matter what type of sewing you do. you are sewing, and sewing is good.
Posted on: 3/30/13 12:50 PM ET
In reply to Sewingnewbie13
$500 is a great price for the Imagine. I bought the Imagine Wave (never use the wave stitch) a few years back. It's my 4th serger. And the only keeper. Jet air threading, I salute you! I'd definintely snap that one up and then buy a separate coverstitch. I have the Janome CP, but there are other good ones.
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Impossible you say? Nothing is impossible when you work for the circus!
Let's make Better Mistakes Tomorrow
Let's make Better Mistakes Tomorrow
Posted on: 4/1/13 10:12 AM ET
Don't even think about anything but a Jet Air Babylock. I had a Viking 936 and hated it so much I just wouldn't use it. I have loved my Evolution from the first day I got it. If something goes wrong, it is usually something I forgot. It is a WONDERFUL machine. Think very carefully and buy the best Babylock Jet Air you can possibly afford. you will never regret it.
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I run a real B&B (Bernina and Babylock) love them both but my 590 is the real deal!
Posted on: 4/1/13 1:42 PM ET
In reply to Sewingnewbie13
Quote:
Does anyone know if $500 is a good price for the Imagine?
Does anyone know if $500 is a good price for the Imagine?
If you haven't already purchased the machine, call your dealer and have him hold it for you! $500 is an incredible price on that machine and I have never seen one sell for less than $1000 on ebay. The fact that you are purchasing from a dealer is even better. I'm surprised that the machine is selling so cheap. You will not be disappointed. I just purchased the Enlighten which replaced the Imagine Wave. It's really the same machine with better lighting and whiter casing, but the Wave feature is really cool.
Jim
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Babylock Ellisimo Gold
Babylock Enlighten
Kenmore 1914
Kenmore 1814
Babylock Enlighten
Kenmore 1914
Kenmore 1814
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