Which Sewing Machine?

[Snadger]

Jethro Tull made a good one!

[binley100]

o....It really hurts when you sew your finger.

Totally agree and it hurts twice. Once on the way in and then on the way out!
Also if you ever use a ruffler foot (for making frills) make sure your fingers are kept well out of the way.

I have had a jones machine for many years (used to make dance costumes) and although it's not a fancy all singin all dancing one it has stood the test of time and stresses I've put it through.

[Two_Sheds]

I worked for a charity shop ...Sadly most of the machines were just dumped at the tip.

that's shocking.
Couldn't someone with a bit of nous have eBayed them and given the profits to the charity?

[miffy]

I have a Bernina sewing machine which i have had now for twenty years. It is a solid piece of kit, totally reliable, tough as old boots and has never let me down.
Re sewing machines at the tip, charity shops do sell them we do at Emmhaus if you would like to look into that all you need to do is to go into your charity shops locally and ask them to look out for them for you.
I also know that charity shops and our local tip collect sewing machines and they are boxed up and sent over to India and Africa to support the local economies over there to enable people to set up their own workshops.

[Alison]

I inherited a lovely old Frister and Rossman from my gran and it was used to make things from curtains to bridesmaid dresses. Over time it developed a few problems and I took it into an excellent little sewing shop in Warrington who sadly comdemed the electrics (to be honest I had my suspicians!). I thought about it for a bit and had a good look about on line but eventually went back to the shop and spent most of a morning having a go on loads of machines (new and reconditioned) ranging from basic to really fancy. The owner was wonderful and let me play with a load of stuff which she knew I'd probably never buy but was fun to try. Eventually bought a new Silver (which I'd never heard of previously) which had a really good strong motor so could cope with thick materials but also had some stitch options. As it was an independant type shop she threw a load of other stuff in for free (additional needles, a free service in the first year, some cotton, an free foot and an extended sewing platform). Was well impressed with the level of advice and service and you'll never get that if you buy one of the Lidl / Argos offers.

Re learning etc, I learnt off my mum as a child but am not totally convinved about books as a start point for this. The same shop had a load of fliers for classes and a friend of mine did one at her local college last year. Might be worth a look, it wasn't expensive and apparently great fun

[WrexTheDragon]

I have a Janome that I got from Coopers.

A great company for customer services and quality.

[minskey]

In the real world I design & make costumes for everthing from Burlesque to Circus. I have made allsorts from a pink velvet saddle cover so that Julian Clery could ride a horse in a panto to Las vegas Show Girl glamour. Used lots of machines but learned a long time ago (30 ahem years!) that Janome in all thier shapes and forms are the most reliable, and if you do need parts or anything else the customer service is second to none.

You could say I like them

[jaykay]

I would try and find a retailer near you and go along to try a range of machines. Lots of today's new machines will have features and stitches that you may not use so you need to decide whether you want to pay for this (a basic machine with up to 20 stitches should be more than enough).

The shop near me sells reconditioned machines and you would be able to try them out before buying (prices from about £30) then at least you know the machine works properly. Getting a second hand machine that needs servicing/timing resetting etc could work out more expensive.

Good luck and have fun trying out a range of models. You'll find the one that's right for you!

[Flummery]

Jethro Tull made a good one!

Now that would be SOWING Snadge!

[Two_Sheds]

My wife bought a Janome model after a fair bit of research. I think they are sturdy and well recommended

I do a lot of sewing and have 2 Janome machines.

I've got a New Home machine (companies now called Janome)

I've just got a Janome, which I did a lot of research on before buying: it's great.

I got a secondhand, reconditioned, Janome/New Home

I do a lot of sewing and bought a second hand (though hardly used) Janome

I have a Janome

... learned a long time ago (30 ahem years!) that Janome ... are the most reliable

I think that's decided then

[Jeanied]

* Gosh, I wish I could multi-quote like that!^

[Bren In Pots]

When you see all the recommendations lined up like that its got to me a Janome

[vicky]

I think I've got your hint TS! Thanks, it gives me something to start from. And now I know what a wealth of information and help there is on the vine I'm sure I shall be back with many more questions

[miffy]

Sewing Machine - Supply Janome sewing machines Singer sewing machines Pfaff Brother Elna Baby Lock overlock Steam press & Horn Cabinets
This site has a sale on at the moment for the brand you are interested in.
My Bernina is Swiss and i have had it for twenty years and it is as tough as old boots, a comparable model from them today is £595.

[Two_Sheds]

Miffy, that's who I bought mine from, the best price anywhere.
I got a free pack of scissors & threads with it (don't let that sway you though: they are poor quality threads, they lint up the machine )