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Sprite64

Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 2879
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 9:18 am Post subject: Choosing an overlocker - help! |
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Ok, so I haven't done masses of sewing since I got my lovely Janome 525s a couple of years ago - but I do enjoy it and want to do more. I used GS's overlocker a while ago and was very impressed. I know my Dad is going to be asking me what I want for Xmas soon - and as it's my birthday in early Jan I thought I might ask for a combined crimbo/birthday pressie.
Now, I'm probably not going to be using it every day - or even week - but I want something good quality which is going to last. As I don't have much experience of using them any advice would be welcome. We made a skirt at GS's and it was great - SO quick to do - so I think I'd probably make more clothes if I had one as it gives such a strong, professional finish. I'm really not sure what my budget is - so say from £200 to £500.
The Babylock Eclipse Overlocker looks amazing - but a bit expensive and maybe it's OTT for what I'll use it for. At the other end of the price range I was looking at a Janome 9200D - I've been very pleased with my Janome sewing machine.
Right - must do some work! Any tips,ideas etc. very welcome!
_________________ Sharon |
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GrannySmith CRAFTAs '07 Admin and Mod Award

Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 2660
27 November 1962 Location: Wiltshire Farm
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 9:32 am Post subject: |
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Mine is a Bernina 800D.
A very good machine, I think you will be fine with this one. |
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Sprite64

Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 2879
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 10:55 am Post subject: |
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Thanks GS - thought you might reply! I was looking at Bernina too - couldn't remember what you had. _________________ Sharon |
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melody yarns Site Admin

Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 8688
Location: UK
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 11:36 am Post subject: |
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Mine's a Riccar and I've had it for around fifteen years. It's still excellent and good quality, but from what I remember, it was expensive. _________________ Melody's blog
Ravelry name ~ melodyyarns
22 out of 24 completed in 2009 - only 3 to go!
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jessica

Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1691
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 11:46 am Post subject: |
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| Riccar too, great machine. |
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CJ CRAFTAs '07 Best Frogpond Exit

Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 4683
Location: Shropshire
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Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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Sprite, did you ever get an overlocker? I'm looking at saving up for one, and was just wondering if it's worth it?  _________________ Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL |
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Sprite64

Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 2879
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Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 9:09 pm Post subject: |
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| CJ wrote: | Sprite, did you ever get an overlocker? I'm looking at saving up for one, and was just wondering if it's worth it?  |
Hi!
Yes, I did. I got a Bernina 800DL - mostly because I'd used one (grannysmith's!) and also I read they are a good choice for the beginner. It's a solid thing. I really love it - although I'm ashamed to say I haven't used it much. I just haven't had time. Having made up a skirt with GS's help in such quick time I really wanted one! I got mine from a local sewing machine shop for £329
It seems like a nice machine - I didn't think it was too hard to thread - you just have to be patient and follow the instructions carefully. It came threaded but I actually found it easier to take all the threads out and do it from scratch. You can apparently just tie on the new spools and pull them through - but to be honest, I wanted to learn to thread it properly. I bought 4 spools of thread each in the colour to match the markings on the machine and just went through trying out the different stitches in the book. The shop I bought the thread from were telling me that lots of people can't thread their overlockers - they take them back to a shop to get it done. I suppose I can understand some people are afraid of mechanical things - I quite like them. Must be all that lego I had as a kid
You've reminded me - I must have another play with mine. Haven't done any sewing for a while - my sewing table is also my yarnimal-production table. I might plan a project or 2 for the easter break. _________________ Sharon |
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CJ CRAFTAs '07 Best Frogpond Exit

Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 4683
Location: Shropshire
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Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 9:12 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks.
I had a look at the one you got and it looks lovely, but a bit out of my price range unless I go back to work. I've seen a couple of janome and brothers which look quite nice, I think I'll have to get my mum to take me to john lewis when I next go down south, so I can have a play.  _________________ Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL |
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Blossom Hunk a Day Queen

Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 4648
Location: From Here To Kniternity...!
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CJ CRAFTAs '07 Best Frogpond Exit

Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 4683
Location: Shropshire
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Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 9:43 pm Post subject: |
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ooo, we have an aldi somewhere in Bangor, so I might have to pop in. Thanks Sarah.
that one looks ok for what I need 
_________________ Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL |
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