I need help buying a sewing machine please

kylah16

Hi, I'm new to this forum so I hope I'm going the right way about this.

I want to buy a new sewing machine asap.
I am quite new to sewing so I'm not sure what is good value for money and what isn't. I don't really want to spend more than £100 and I will be using it to sew clothes (including denim) aswell as home furnishings such as curtains and cushions (Once I learn how!!! Am currently reading sewing for dummies!!!). I like customising clothes and making cushions etc and want to start selling them.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, even though I'm not that clued up I don't want the most basic of sewing machines as i'm seeing this as an investment and hopefully will be able to use the more complicated features in the future.
Thanks!!

helenhugs

http://www.coopersewingmachines.com/home/home.asp?ref=InFabrics
I thoroughly recommend this site, like you I am new to sewing but they recommended the toyota (which is an upgrade to a model worth £300+ (cant remember the exact amount)) It cost £99 including deliver & arrived the very next day. the gentleman on the phone was extremely friendly & helpful.
hope that helps
Hugs
Helen

calleyw

I bought a second hand one that was £95 and was told it was about 6/7 years old. But when it was brand new it would have been a very expensive £200/£300 one.

Personally I would say go and look and try some before you buy. John lewis sale machines from £99.


Yours


Calley

kylah16

Hi I just found this site and bought the silver viscount for £89 before I seen this reply. It seems to do so many things and the guy I spoke to said this was a good choice and that I could return it in seven days. Do you think I made the right choice? (A bit worried now)
Its the silver viscount 8160 for £89.95 if you want to have a look http://www.sewingmachinediscount.co.uk/home/productzoom.asp?id=898, lol I just had to phone back and make sure he charged me £89.95 for it and not full price!

Dora_the_Explorer_5

It sounds like a good basic starter machine. Happy sewing, and if you really get into making things perhaps you could upgrade in a few years? My machine is donkey's years old and I've used it for making clothes, all soft furnishings and some embroidery.

kylah16

Gosh I'm like a big kid I can't wait for it to come so I can get started. It comes with £30 worth of scissors aswell.

eileenfromplaistow

I think Silver is the current name for the old Knitmaster - I have had a Knitmaster knitting machine and it was easy to use and reliable. Also years ago I bought my first sewing machine from these people, and I liked them then, and the machine lasted a very long time. Enjoy the sewing - the more you practise, the easier you will find it to use.

kylah16

Does anyone know of any good sewing websites?

Dora_the_Explorer_5

You could trying google, it'll occupy you whilst you're wating!
The machine will come with a handbook which will help you get started. Why not try out all the different things it does on an old pillowcase? Try a bookshop for a good basic sewing book or WHSmith, Ottakers etc and your local library might have a section on sewing. Have a look in your local fabric shop, it will have pattern books for clothes, soft furnishings and they will be graded according to how much experience is needed.
Don't forget to get sewing thread! This is something I wouldn't economise on, as the cheap thread breaks and gets knotted far too easily.
Hope this helps - Dora

rabialiones

do these machines really come with 15 year guarantee?

kylah16

Hi, I cant remember specifically asking about the duration but the guy I spoke to said if it needs fixing then just send it to them in its original packaging and they'll fix it free of charge.

Also with regards to not getting cheap thread is there any brands anyone would reccomend and not reccomend and is it cheaper to buy sewing supplies and stuff on ebay or in shops?

Thanks