She's a Baby Lock Protege that I bought refurbished from a local quilting store (Close to Home, a small CT chain). She was $199. I probably could have found one slightly cheaper on craigslist, but I like the support one gets buying from a small, local store: she has a 90 day warranty, and I can go to the store for help if I'm having problems. Plus, the store has a free serger class for new owners.
I don't know if a new sewer *needs* a serger, but it will give my projects' interiors a more finished look and make hemming (to me, the most tedious sewing task. I'd rip seams over hem any day!) a bit less painful. One would have come in handy for the unlined skirt I just made, and perhaps I will eventually branch into knits with it.
Ok, so she might not be as cool as my aunt's million-stitch Viking Huskylock, but I like her a lot, and think we'll get along quite well.
Hoping to use her to finish a high-waist skirt tomorrow evening!