Any sewing machine recommendations?

JadeLD

Right I'm buying a sewing machine, will start with something cheap. There is a rather cool looking red one in John Lewis at the moment - such a sucker for colourful things why should everything be white plastic. Those old school singer ones are gorgeous though.

Anyway, not exactly sure what I'm going to be able to use it for, will start with some mending etc and see how it goes! Will have a good search on the forum for tips and ideas!
Jade

soon2bjobless

Hi - I used to make my own clothes years ago and have now decided to give it a go again. I have seen 2 machines I fancy on the John Lewis website

http://http://www.johnlewis.com/230472538/Product.aspx
Janome at £89 - or

http://http://www.johnlewis.com/230502389/Product.aspx
John Lewis own make at £99

Does anyone own one of these or could tell me which would be the better one - I am only looking to dress make, crafts etc but not upholstery or anything heavy.

Also could anyone recommend a simple pattern to buy on the net for a plain skirt or dress or top in a size 24?

Penelope_Penguin

soon2bjobless wrote: »

Hi - I used to make my own clothes years ago and have now decided to give it a go again. I have seen 2 machines I fancy on the John Lewis website

http://http://www.johnlewis.com/230472538/Product.aspx
Janome at £89 - or

http://http://www.johnlewis.com/230502389/Product.aspx
John Lewis own make at £99

Does anyone own one of these or could tell me which would be the better one - I am only looking to dress make, crafts etc but not upholstery or anything heavy.

Also could anyone recommend a simple pattern to buy on the net for a plain skirt or dress or top in a size 24?

Your links aren't working for me

Penny. x

soon2bjobless

Gawd I am hopeless!! try these......

https://www.johnlewis.com/230472538/Product.aspx

http://www.johnlewis.com/230502389/Product.aspx

soon2bjobless

or even this one

http://www.singerdirect.co.uk/site/productzoom.asp?id=1335

thriftlady_2

I have a Janome but it is a more expensive model than the one in your link. I'm sure that is just because it does more stuff;) I got mine from John Lewis and their service was excellent. As for the machine. I've been very pleased with it. I've found it easy to use and reliable.

This is the model I have. I can't see that many differences- more stitch options (I only use straight stitich and zig zag) a one step button hole instead of a 4 step and a hard case rather than a soft cover. The case is actually quite hard to get on. So, I'd say the model in your link looks great for everyday sewing.

Penelope_Penguin

thriftlady wrote: »

I have a Janome but it is a more expensive model than the one in your link. I'm sure that is just because it does more stuff;) I got mine from John Lewis and their service was excellent. As for the machine. I've been very pleased with it. I've found it easy to use and reliable.

This is the model I have. I can't see that many differences- more stitch options (I only use straight stitich and zig zag) a one step button hole instead of a 4 step and a hard case rather than a soft cover. The case is actually quite hard to get on. So, I'd say the model in your link looks great for everyday sewing.

I agree with most of this This is the model I have I bought mine in JL in Sheffield, and they allowed me to test the machines in the shop.

Penny. x

Aeshna

Hi everyone

I posted in the sewing thread to see if anyone knew of an existing thread discussing sewing machines, so forgive me if I've missed it!

I have discovered, only this year, that I do indeed have some craft in my soul, despite my best efforts all my life of ignoring it completely!! I've taken up knitting and crocheting and have been watching the sewing threads with interest.

My grandmother had an old treadle Singer in a beautiful table and I have very fond memories of her teaching me how to use it. Unfortunately my mother has long since despatched it, at an age when I was too young to appreciate it.

Now, I haven't sewn anything since I was kneehigh, sitting with my Nana at the Singer, so I don't really know where to start. I really don't want to spend an awful lot of money right now and I might find I hate every minute of it!! I've been having a mooch around online and I've discovered that there are a lot of manual old Singers on eBay which are selling for around £20 - couldn't quite believe it actually, but they're obviously readily available. I'm very, very tempted to get one of these, not least because it's the only thing I've ever used, but also because I think they are very beautiful to look at. I just don't know if they are really that practical if I end up getting hooked. Very MS mind you, would save my electricity bill!

Anyhow, I'd appreciate everyone's thoughts, perhaps if you can let us all know what machine you have, old or modern, and their advantages/disadvantages?

Looking forward to hearing all your stories!

Aeshna x

Tracey04

any help on choosing a sewing machine.

I would like an easy machine, for home furnishings, making clothes (demin) etc.
just watching
Toyota JFS Sewing Machine £109.99 on tv now and wondered if this is the best buy I could get or could you name a better one. Thanks

Aeshna

*shameless bump* (I know you've all been out enjoying the sunshine!!!)