Singer sew & serge scam?

[Lady Anna]

I was just wondering if anyone has come across these?
I was in Hancock today and they were advertising a singer one day sale... brand new 2008 singer sew & serge machines for $99. As someone just starting to sew i thought this would be a great machine to get, if it's legit. Also, if anyone has ever bought one from one of these sales and if they felt it would be worth it as a first time thing.  I looked on line and found several articles on a bait and switch type thing they do at these. That bothered me a bit, so I thought i would ask. They do not mention the model number of the machine just a description. Thank you in advance for any replies and help. 

[Pascal]

Well, it's not really a serger -- just that it can do an overcasting stitch (just like any other zigzag machine).  It's not that great a machine -- but you're not going to find a really good machine for $99 unless you buy a used one.  Pretty much everything new at that price is plastic junk -- it might work, but you'll fight it a lot.  Just my opinion ...

[peggyelizabeth]

not sure about that machine, but my mom got a great student model Singer for around $100 a couple of years ago. It was brand new, at a one day sale by an authorized dealer. Sure it's not fancy, but you'd have to try pretty hard to break a student machine and it's ridiculously easy to thread. If you're gong to be in the area that day, you might want to see what they have.

[gypsylakat]

Was it the salesguy that has 3 differnet models the "proffessional" grade one a middle version and a low end model? If so MIL just bought the middle model (Singer Inspiration4210 I think) and it works ok. I wouldn't call it a scam, just a salesguy who's rented out some space.

[gem]

Here are some customer reviews:
http://crafts-sewing.hsn.com/singer-sew-and-serge-computerized-sewing-machine-with-100-stitch-functions_p-3665011_xp.aspx

FWIW, there are inexpensive machines, and then there are cheap machines.  My machine is a Brother that only cost about $85, yet it's an absolute workhorse.  It's limited in what it will do, but it does it very consistently, very sturdily, and very well.  I haven't heard a lot of good things about any modern Singer machine, and it would probably be my last choice of brands--particularly in a lower-end machine (especially after the issues that Kiss-me-Kate is having getting hers to sew a corset).

That said, take a couple of scraps of denim, and a piece of chiffon or tulle (ie, something very heavy and bulky, and something very lightweight and floaty) with you to the store, and try the machine out for yourself. Also, make certain you understand the return policy (I might be tempted to bring a machine home and put it through its paces for a couple of weeks, if I knew I could bring it back for a full refund, no questions asked).

Good luck!

[Mythrin]

I have a Singer Student simple zig-zag machine that I got at one of those "one day sales" associated with Hancocks.  It is a basic machine but that thing will sew through concrete if I ask it to.  I have sewn so many hemp corded bodices that I have lost count and that requires sewing through the heavy hemp to lock them into the channels and it keeps on going and going and going. I have also made scades of thin floaty fairy things. 

I got it some 3 years ago and just yesterday had it tuned for the first time.  It probably did not need it but with me about to start sewing for my daughter's Aug Wedding I wanted no surprises. For me the 150ish I think I paid was a great well worth what I have gotten out of it.   

[escherblacksmith]

We got a deal from these guys (kens).  Everything we had read said that if you want a good sewing machine and serger, you need to buy 2 separate machines.  I believe that part of the fun of a specific serger machine is that it cuts and binds the cut edge at the same time.  You may want to check around and see if there is a dedicated sewing shop in town, they can usually give you specs about what is out there and give good deals on used and refurbished.

The ones we bought have worked for us, but, we haven't put all that many hours of use through them.  Strictly hobby stuff.