Friday, November 28, 2008

Enquiry minds want to know

I recently saw on several blogs where individuals have purchased new sergers, coverstitch machines, etc. I have contemplated buying a coverstitch machine as well as a blind hemmer. My serger has coverstitch capabilities but it is somewhat of a hassle to convert machine to coverstitch mode. I have also entertained the idea of buying the Babylock serger that has the jet stream threading and coverstitch capabilities that seem easy to use with a flip of a dial or switch.

I also have read several blogs where sewists have a blind hemmer and use it regularly. I thought it would be interesting to see what others would do if you were in a position to make the purchase.

Look in the right hand column under the About me for a poll for you to take. Feel free to add comments to this post as well about your vote and choice.

10 comments:

  1. Linda, I bought an industrial blind hemmer about 15 years ago and other than using it to hem drapes I haven't used it. I find that for fashion sewing I either make hems that are machine sewed or hand stitched. Actually the "blind stitch" that most regular machines make is not that different looking. Initially I thought it would be a great addition to my sewing machine collection but I really don't use it. Maybe the smaller ones they have out there today would be better than this big one I have.
    Marguerite

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  2. I am so new to sewing that my basic little Brother sewing machine does just about everything I need for now. But I am always very interested to know what other, more experienced, sewers are currently using and contemplating acquiring. I know I will eventually want to possibly buy a serger and perhaps a coverstitch machine. I will be very interested to know what you decide on!

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  3. I have the Babylock serger/coverstitch that you mentioned. Love it! It's a little bit more than flipping a switch, but still no big deal. I always bring my the quick guide or manual out when making the conversion, good reference materials make the job much easier!

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  4. I have a serger with the coverstitch capability. I think if I had to do it again, I would opt for the serger without it and have a separate cover stitch machine - it's just easier to switch your sewing than have to convert you machine over. I will say that I do love my machine and having something that does coverstitching is wonderful - no more twin needles!

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  5. I already bought a coverstitch machine. For me, it was a great investment. I sew with a lot of knits and it makes life much easier. When I bought my serger, I never thought about the coverstitch. I was just buying a serger that I wouldn't outgrow. It is a hassle to switch over so that is why I bought a separate machine. Now I just slide my chair between machines and I have minimal disruption when sewing. I am debating if I want a blindstitch machine.

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  6. I have the Babylock serger with the coverstitch. I recently purchased the Janome CoverPro. I disliked converting my serger for cover stitching.

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  7. I have the Babylock Evolve which does the coverstitch and I have to say that if you sew knits alot (like I do) you'll be much happier with a separate serger and cover stitch machine. Its cool that the Evolve can do the combo stitches though... but way to much of a hassle, when in the middle of a project, to switch over....
    JMO.
    I would love a blind hem... its on my list ever since I saw the Sewing Diva use it on a knit shirt!

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  8. I bought (about 7 years ago) the Babylock Evolve--mainly for the coverstitch capability. I found I didn't love changing it back a forth. I already had a Janome 634D serger, so I left the Evolve on CS, BUT I didn't like how it balked at going over seams AND the harp area was so narrow. SO, I bought a Janome Coverpro 900 off the internet. I was new and I was able to get the warranty. I LOVE it--nice large harp area and a real workhorse over multiple seams. I love having a serger and a CS. I still have the Evolve, but I seldom use it. I just can't bring myself to sell it, tho.

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  9. Linda, I'm catching up on blog reading so I missed the poll. I just bought a Janome CP 1000 (on layaway). It was $400. The Babylock (which the dealer said was top of the line) just wasn't an option for me being $300 more. Originally I had planned on picking up the CP 900 but for $150 more I get a better machine so that's what I did. Would you believe I bought my Janome 300E Embroidery machine and Janome CP 1000 simply because of what Patternreview members have said about theirs? In fact, I don't even think I did a test drive of the 300E. I just watched a sample and said, "I'll take it!" I wasn't even going to test drive the CP 1000 but the store clerk took me over anway to look at it. Having my new coverstitch machine means I don't have to go and buy a new serger. So I guess that saves me money...or does it ;) .

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  10. I have the Babylock CS machine, and it's great. I also recently bought an industrial blindhemmer (brand name is "Reliable"). This one is also super to have. It has already paid for itself as far as I'm concerned, with the ease in which it puts in invisible (yes, truly invisible) hems into wovens of all types.

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