Any sewing machine recommendations?

dragonsoup

I have finally had it with my old machine ( well it is about 30 years old) and just thrown it out in a fit of pique... It sure picks it's moments to play up and did it once too often today. What should have taken 10 mins took me nearly 3 hours!

I need to replace it wth something easy(ish) to use and above all RELIABLE!! I am looking for something a bit better than a very basic machine but the choice is bewildering. I would like to use it for quilting and a machine embroidery function would be nice if not too pricey.

Any one with a high end machine got any recommendations or even info on the ones to avoid?

Rikki

There is a thread running on OS called Home Sewing. People are posting about their sewing machines on there.

Also John Lewis has a selection in their sale.http://www.johnlewis.com/Clearance/Clearance/Home+and+Garden/Home+Electrical/ProductType.aspx

dragonsoup

Thank you but I could only find comments on older models there and for the first time ever I want to have a nice shiny new one which even does automatic buttonholes!! I like the look of the Bernina Aurora 440 but choked at the price...

tootles_2

Have a look on the Janome web site, I have had several Janome machines and been delighted with them, Bernina are very good but expensive........if you do a search on ebay you will find several retailers...... I am a quilter too and have a Janome 4800QE which I think several people have on sale, there is a dealer in London who had one at £399.

http://www.sewingmachinediscount.co.uk/home/results.asp?pic=yes&manufacturer=Janome&category=Sewing%20Machines&gcid=S16738x002&keyword=janome+machine+sewing

ivyleaf

If you don't mind buying by mail order/online, https://www.jaycott.com are meant to have a good selection. Haven't looked at their website myself yet! I know a few people who have Janome machines and seem very happy with them. Good luck in your search, I'm sure you'll soon find just the right one for you!

ivyleaf

kylah16

Hi Dragonsoup It might be worth having a look at http://www.coopersewingmachines.com.
When I was looking for a sewing machine fellow forum members reccommended this site and I find it to be very cheap, I got my sewing machine for £89.99 with 32 stitches.
Worth a look as they sell loads of different sewing machine brands. I'm just an amateur so I wouldn't want to reccommend a specific sewing machine.

MATH

I would recomend going to a small old fashioned sewing/fabric shop where they sell reconditioned machines. These shops are usually run by some old geezer in a colourful knit, sporting a tabacco stained tash and blessed with an eye for the ladies. You can often pick up a little used good solid machine for a fraction of the price when new. As well as corney chat up lines Old boy is also a great sourse of info and will be adept at matching your needs and machine in a perfect marriage. I could post the name and address of the shop I'm thinking of but it's a local shop for local people! heheheh

MrsMW

I know a shop like that MATH. The geezer always manages to have to squeeze past the ladies while he's selling his wares.
Seriously though a second hand one is an excellent idea, I had one for years and got rid of it for a newer model which turned out to be a bad buy and no better than my old one.

MATH

I got the idea from my neighbour who is an interior desiger and curtain maker to the stars (I ain't making that bit up she really has run up blinds for some majo daytime/soap celebs) I can't name names cos the lane will be clogged with paparatzi and it's binman day tomorrow!

When I needed a machine she recomended as fairly basic second hand work horse at it's as strong as an ox. It has to be Mrs MATH says I drive it like a formula one racer. hehehe

meadowcat

dragonsoup wrote:

Thank you but I could only find comments on older models there and for the first time ever I want to have a nice shiny new one which even does automatic buttonholes!! I like the look of the Bernina Aurora 440 but choked at the price...

Anyone have access to Which online? The last time I looked, I think they were recommending a Janome machine.

One thing I would advise is, if you are buying a computerised embroidery machine, make sure you are dealing with a reputable agent because repairs can be costly and they are much more likely to go wrong than the old trusty Singer machines that just went on for years.

Bernina have a very good name. I have heard the stitch quality is excellent.

I can really only tell you about my Husqvarna Orchidea. (no longer a current model) To do a buttonhole you use the buttonhole foot, press the programme for buttonhole type you want, enter the size of the button in mm and away it goes. It does so many things I wouldn't know where to start to tell you. I have the software that enables me to download embroidery designs, but I have never mastered digitizing my own designs

Zed42

I have an Elna 2007 and love it .... I bought it about 3 or 4 yrs ago, and I bought it on the basis that my mother bought an Elna 35yrs ago and it's still going strong.

It isn't the fanciest machine in the world, but it does button holes etc etc. .. oh and I noticed it was on sale in John Lewis at the moment.

HTH.