I have a White Serger, which I love. It is good brand made by the people who make Viking machines. It depends what you want it to do. If you want one that does a cover stitch, which is nice to have, it will cost you a little more. I don't think you even have to go as high as $700 to get a good serger.

Seamstresses seem to know more about the features they want & a surprise might not be the best idea. What brand did she have? Maybe that is a link to what she'd like. The basics are 3/4 threaders with differential feed. There are features like unique threading systems, safety features where it won't operate unless all doors & etc are closed. These raise the price. Coverlocks are popular now, but is this something she would utilize? There are 2/3/4/5 thread machines meaning they do things requiring either 2,3,4 or 5 cones of thread. In addition to the serger, she is going to need a new stash of thread. Most sewers like Maxilock which is stocked by Hancock Fabrics & Joann Fabrics. They both have sales coming up for Veterans day & the day after Thanksgiving. This is a frequent 50% off item on their sale days. Buying 4-5 spools of basic colors adds up quick. (Sale price is $1.50-2.00 a cone). I'd spend part of my allocated money there. I lean toward giving her money & stipulating it is for a serger. You can excite your gift with brochures & photos & a stash of thread & maybe other serger notions & let her choose her machine.

I agree with Joan.If she has been sewing for a long time,then i think only she knows what she would like.Ask her what kind she had b4,and if she were to get a new one would she get the same thing??Sewing machines are a very personal thing,and while we mean well,it may not suit their needs,or what they had in mind.
She will appreciate the fact that you all want to do this,but the decision should be hers.JMO
Kathi

I concur... either take her in to "dream" or get a gift certificate.

I can't even imagine picking up again after losing it all. You are a dear to help her!

Tanya

Wow! She is very lucky to have famiy like you to help her out. I agree with everyone who said that she should tell you what kind of machine needs. Good luck with this and i hope everything works out for you and her.

Thanks everyone. We really appreciate it! She doesn't know that we are planning to buy the serger for her. If she did, she would tell us, "no, no all of you have already helped enough." You know how moms are. I have no idea what type of machine her serger was. It was one of the many items that was not just broken, but missing altogether. It's either in the Gulf of Mexico or landed in someone else's home. It's such a shame that our parents are dealing with this at 70 and 80 years old. Thankfully they have some savings, but clearly not enough to cover all their losses. State Farm estimated their covered losses at 7000. If you've seen the pictures, you know that 7000 doesn't begin to help.

Anyway, we like the idea of serger because she can make curtains, duvets, placemats, pillows clothes etc... I think her work is at least as good as what you find in the store, if not better. Of course she's my Mom, so I would think that! The only thing I remember about her serger was that it was a white squarish machine with four or five cone-shaped spools of thread - I think five spools. I realize that isn't much help. I may see if it's possible for us to buy her a gift certificate to a sewing machine store.

Just a couple more questions if you have a moment. Any opinions on Pfaff or Bernina? I know my Mom likes Pfaff sewing machines and one of my sisters has a Bernina sewing machine that she likes. Also, eoes each brand have a separate store or can I find a store that carries serveral brands? If we chose a gift certificate, it would be nice to select a store with more options.

Much appreciated,

SKB

Pfaff and Bernina are both very good machines,and most of your dealers like them are separate dealers.Most sewing machine stores(the better ones) have contract with certain dealers to sell only their product.At least that's the way it is here where i live.

Does your mom still have a regular sewing machine??? Because if she doesn't she may prefer to have that instead of the serger.You can do a lot with a serger,but in some things you still need the regular sewing machine as well.That's why it would be better to let her choose.I know you all mean well,but since she's the sewer/seamstress,the choice should be hers.It can be very dissappointing to get something you like,BUT you wish they had asked your input first,ause your choice may not be her choice.
I don't mean to sound harsh,but these are the facts.Just tell her you guys are gonna do it,and don't take No for an answer.Tell her it's not up for discussion,all she has to do is choose.She'll probably fuss,but just be firm.I don't think any of you will be sorry,nor will she.JMO
Kathi

If she's really stubborn, how about a 'non-refundable' gift certificate. Would she buy she has to use it or you & siblings will lose the money storey?