I have a Singer serger that I got a number of years ago and have definitely gotten my money's worth out of it over the years, with making kids' clothes when mine were growing up, and now with my grandson. I don't use it that often, but when I need it - I need it. I made a bunch of receiving blankets with curved corners (so I didn't have to stop and start) in a new born size, and as my grandson got bigger (he's now 5 months) I made a larger size. He loves to be swaddled when going to bed, and so even at 5 months he's wrapped up like a little "samosa". I would not sell it for anything. I may not use it for another year, but it's there when I need it. As far as the threading goes, I'm a visual person, and there's a picture on it with colour coding for the threading of the various threads. I have no problem threading it, and have never had to get out the book to do so. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!