[Mickiswing]

I have a bit of a conundrum and thought I'd get some help brainstorming on it.<br><br>
My bday is coming up, and I usually get around $200 for birthday money from inlaws, parents and DH. I really would like to use this to get a serger, but I don't know how I should do it. I have two options:<br><br>
1 - get a cheapie serger from Walmart for around that price<br><br>
2 - I'm storing my grandma's broken Bernette serger at the moment and she said I would be more than welcome to use it if it was repaired. Should I invest the money in fixing it, knowing I'll eventually have to give it back?<br><br>
I really want to make some nursing pads and want to serge them, and I also have a whole stack of wipes, and doublers I don't want to have to T&T. I just want a serger!<br><br>
What would you do?

 

[Sophiasmomma]

Id say go for the new serger! I wouldnt recommend the cheapie from Walmart though. I bought the 192.00 Singer one from them and it couldnt handle more than a few layers.. NOT good for soakers/pads.... So I returned it and found at Sears they have one thats about 250.00 I waited for a sale and got it for I think about 205.00 or so.. It works awesome and its like having a toy that I take out and play around with! have fun and Happy Birthday!

 

[JLav]

I would also opt for buying yourself a new serger...that way you get to keep it. I haven't heard good things about the Singer sergers from Wal-Mart, I have a Singer sewing machine from Wal-Mart and I hate it. I lucked out and got a really good deal on my Juki...I would check out Ebay and see if there's anything good. I've also heard good things about the Kenmore machines at Sears, probably a better route to go than a Singer from Wal-Mart, imo.<br>
Good luck and Happy Birthday! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

 

[boingo82]

I would go #3..find a good used serger either at a yard sale, on eBay, on craigslist, etc. You could get a REALLY NICE serger for that much if it were used.<br>
Use the reviews at <a href="http://www.patternreview.com" target="_blank">www.patternreview.com</a> to sort through and figure out which one to get. You will also see why NOT to get the WM one.

 

[LoveBaby]

I'm gonna be the voice of disent here. What kind of Bernina is it?! Bernina is know for it's longetivity and awesome performance over a loooooong time. My aunt has had hers for over 20 some years, gets it serviced regularly and it still works like the day she bought it. Plus..she could re-sell it for almost what she paid for it..even after 20yrs. I'd definately look into fixing your Grandma's. I looked at a bunch of different ones and finally found an awesoem deal on ebay for a Bernina for $165. It's been the best thing I've ever purchased!! Bernina's are still made w/ all metal gears/motors, so they hold there value and just have more lasting power than any cheaper ones made w/ plastic!

 

[Kerlowyn]

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/yeahthat.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="yeah that">:<br>
Take the Bernina to a Bernina dealer, have them tell you the condition it is in. They will let you know about how much money it will cost to recondition it.<br><br>
Berninas are awesome, because of what jloveladycmc said...all metal.<br><br>
Otherwise, I would get a reconditioned, older serger from a reputable sewing machine dealer.

 

[JennInSeattle]

I just got a reconditioned serger for $200 from the local sewing and vac store and it's wonderful, I'd go with that route because I wouldn't want to give the Bernina back (but I love the Bernina sewing machine I'm borrowing!). <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[Juliamine]

I wouldnt go for the Walmart cheapie either. I got a nice used Elna 5 thread from a sewing machine store. Regular 500, got it for a amazing 149.00! I got a cheapie sewing machine for christmas, and it didnt sew layers well, get something quality!