SERGERS These are all made in factories in Asia. The companies (Juki, Baby Lock, Bernina, Pfaff) design them, but don't manufacture them.
Here's my advice to buyers: Actually TRY the machine, and see if it feels cheap or rickety in use Don't worry about ease of threading. ANY machine made today is easy enough to thread. It was the very early models that gave people trouble, and gave sergers a bad name. Buy the features and stitches you will actually USE. Plan on clean-finishing edges? A 3-thread machine is fine. SEWING MACHINES The computerized machines have a lot to offer, but there is the problem of motherboards dying. If you NEED a programmable machine, then you'll have to go with the computerized ones. Bernina makes an all-mechanical model that does almost everything, with no computer. And they are famous for their mechanical precision and durability. Notice that even their 30 year old models bring high re-sale prices, if you can even find them for sale. Most sewing machine sales people try to sell you on all the bells and whistles. Before you go to buy, consider what you actually NEED in a machine. How do you use it? If you sew seams in clothing, why do you need 6 alphabets and fancy embroidery capabilities? There ARE machines without those features. Again, actually sew on the machine before you buy. And bring your own fabric to sew on. The dealer will have demonstration fabrics to use, but you need to see how the machine works with the kind of thing you usually sew. DEALERS Some people advise you to shop for a good dealer, rather than a good brand. There is something to be said for this. A dealer with a good repair tech, a helpful attitude and years of experience is a great asset. On the other hand, dealers go out of business or sell, so you can't count on forever with them. BERNINA Personally, I don't think you can beat quality Swiss engineering. If possible, get a model with the oscillating bobbin and a knee lift for the needle. Kim _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
