Question for sewing-savy friends

[rallamajoop]

Lisa and I have decided that we've hit the point where it's going to be worth our while shelling out the money for an overlocker (read: Lisa is currently mid way through making this dress, and anything that makes the rest of the job easier has got to be worth a little money). Trouble is, we're not really sure what to look for in a good one without spending exorbitant amounts - so up goes this post to check whether any of our many wonderful cosplayer friends might know more than us about the subject and have some advice to share.

The overlocker we're looking at is going for about $500 at Spotlight. Finding any info on whether it'll be a decent machine is proving trickier than it should be, however, since just about all the pages we've yet found which review overlockers are American, whereas one of the few things we've managed to find out about this brand (Toyota) is that it's sold mostly in Europe. So, does anyone know anything whether this is likely to be a good brand to go for? Or does anyone have any other suggestions about machines we should look for which won't be too far outside a reasonable budget?

Comments

[ebonvarli.livejournal.com]

the overlocker at spotlight is good. its what i have and it takes a good beating!!!!!
i made even horse-related costumes withit.

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

Do you know whether that was one of the Toyota models? I don't remember for sure, but I'd imagine Spotlight probably sells more than the one make. The shop assistant we talked to seemed to think it was a good model, but we're not entirely sure how much basis for comparison she had, so yeah - still looking for any extra info we can find right now.

[ebonvarli.livejournal.com]

Brother family of machines ^^ its in storage at the moment otherwise i wold just look at it lol

[cielrose.livejournal.com]

personally i am a janome fan..i find their stuff is easily replaceable and cheap to maintain

i have only ever had good janome experiences!
the two berninas i have sewn on have only made me upset
having said that i know min has mastered the bernina!

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

Do you know about how much a Janome/Berina overlocker would cost or where to look for them? They're brands we've heard good things about before, but how they compare to the one we're looking at we're not sure yet. ^^;

[cielrose.livejournal.com]

i know spotlight cannington has a section where i saw janome and other brand overlockers..
there is also a janome dedicated store in osbourne park which sells everything janome wise...but for something a little closer there is the sewing machine store next to fremantle spotlight which also sells machines..
as for their prices i don't know but they are mow to middle range from what i hear as far as mainstream brands go...
what model is the one you are looking at?
the beauty of mainstream brands is the convenience of servicing, warranties etc..