The Sewing Room

Dinah93

Love the pjs Nuttywoman, and the make up bag is really pretty Kandipandi.

Decided my project for this week will be a maxi dress, I've been after one for ages but I haven't found one I really like. I've picked a Cath Kidson-esque blue fabric with pink flowers, and I'm going to be using this pattern, which is New Look 6774.

pamperedprincess

I can only really spend about £50-£60 on one at the moment

TJ Hughes have Brother sewing machines for £60. A friend bought one and thinks it's great.

Addiscomber

xxvickixx wrote: »

I wondered if anyone knows what this Argos machine is like.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4602284/Trail/searchtext%3ESEWING+MACHINE.htm

What I can't seem to work out is why people are so negative towards the cheaper machines, I went to an independent shop locally and she wouldn't give me a straight answer. If it's the fact that they don't last very ling and repairs are not worth it then that's fine but I don't want sewing to be a pain because the machine keeps jamming for example.

Vicki xx

I don't know anything about the machine from Argos, but the first thing that strikes me is that there is no brand name, so if something goes wrong, where would you take it for repair?

The cheaper machines will be mechanical models, and have a reputation for being a bit 'clunky' and not sew smoothly, and as I said in my first paragraph, my first priority would be where to get it repaired or serviced.

I understand your budget restraints, and in your shoes I would go to a proper sewing machine dealer and look at their used stock. You will in all likelihood find the most recognised makes with as many or more features as the Argos one, they should have been serviced and come with a guarantee for at least 6 months. You should get better quality and more 'bang for your buck' as they say in the US. If you have some scraps of the sort of fabrics that you intend to use, take them with you and try them out on any machine you think of buying. Get them to teach you how to thread them yourself and put the bobbin in. If they won't let you, walk out and never ever go back. If it is a good shop they will look after you and not press you to buy something you are not sure of, because if they treat you well you would probably go back to trade up if you like sewing.

You would not only be trying out whether the machine sews properly, but how you find the places that various controls are positioned, and how you get on with it. I used to have a 1960s Singer, and now have a Husqvarna and a Janome. I find the Husqvarna very much like the Singer, and quite natural to me. The Janome is different, and I have to keep reminding myself where bits are, and although a fab machine, it isn't quite 'me' (which doesn't bother me because I got it for the hoop embroidery, and I mainly sew on the Husqvarna). For all these reasons I would never buy a machine that I hadn't tried myself, and there is an ebay seller who should be avoided like the plague.

I don't know where you live, but if you are in South London, or Kent, Surrey or Sussex, PM me and I will recommend a dealer that has 3 branches, and that I have had very good service from.

nuttywoman

Dinah93 wrote: »

Love the pjs Nuttywoman, and the make up bag is really pretty Kandipandi.

Decided my project for this week will be a maxi dress, I've been after one for ages but I haven't found one I really like. I've picked a Cath Kidson-esque blue fabric with pink flowers, and I'm going to be using this pattern, which is New Look 6774.

I have that pattern but have`nt used it yet cos we not had any nice weather funny you should post this cos i was looking at mine last week and deciding if i`d make it this year lol

nuttywoman

xxvickixx wrote: »

Hi, I didn't know this thread existed until yesterday!
I wondered if anyone knows what this Argos machine is like.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4602284/Trail/searchtext%3ESEWING+MACHINE.htm

I can only really spend about £50-£60 on one at the moment but if I get on with sewing I might look to invest in something a bit better when I go back to work in a few years so it's abilitly to cope with my needs rather than longevity is what I'm concerned about.

I'm planning on making some dresses and peg bags, playhouse curtains and cotton cushions. I doubt I'd want to sew anything thick like denim.

What I can't seem to work out is why people are so negative towards the cheaper machines, I went to an independent shop locally and she wouldn't give me a straight answer. If it's the fact that they don't last very ling and repairs are not worth it then that's fine but I don't want sewing to be a pain because the machine keeps jamming for example.

I'd really appreciate any advice, and look forward to joining you once I'm up and running!

Vicki xx

please don`t buy one of those cheap machines £24 ones that Netto sometimes sell. My sister bought one and its rubbish - when you can get it to work that is !:mad:

[Deleted User]

cuddles - I love your monkey he is so cute!

flossie217

xxvickixx wrote: »

I wondered if anyone knows what this Argos machine is like.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4602284/Trail/searchtext%3ESEWING+MACHINE.htm

I can only really spend about £50-£60 on one at the moment but if I get on with sewing I might look to invest in something a bit better when I go back to work in a few years so it's abilitly to cope with my needs rather than longevity is what I'm concerned about.



Vicki xx

Hi Vicki. Why not ask on your local freecycle if anyone has a sewing machine that needs a good home. Even if you have to spend your £50 to have it serviced you'd probably end up with a better machine.
I doubt if the machine you highlighted will last a few months let alone years. It would really spoil the pleasure of creating something and put you off using a machine for life. Keep the money and try to save a couple of pounds a month. It will take a while but be so much more worth it in the long term.
Perhaps you could put the word about that you are looking for a machine.
You never know what may come your way.
Or how about going back to the sewing shop and asking if she ever has any basic second hand machines in or part exchange ones. If you keep calling in she will realise that you are serious and keep you in mind if one turns up that she thinks will suit your needs.
Good luck.

xxvickixx

Thanks Flossie. I've got a heap of projects that I need to get completed now and really need to get them going asap. There's a year warranty so if it does get trashed in a couple of months then I should be OK to return it, Argos have always been quite good in my experience.

I'm taking on board the fact that a branded one would be easier to service and get parts for though so am considering the Brother LS2125 which is £80.

My concerns over servicing a Freecycle one (If I am lucky enough to be offered one) is that it could be a disaster and if I spent that £50 and it didn't work or broke then I'd have no warranty and no chance of buying a new one. That's put me off a second hand ebay one for the same reason.

The shop near me was offering a 3 month warranty on a second hand one and I've been put off going back in the shop by her negative attitude.

I'm sorry that it sounds like I'm being difficult but this is a lot of money for us to spend on something and I'm reluctant to take a gamble.

Thanks again for all help and opinions. I wish somewhere had a mega sale on and I could get a real bargain!

zombiecazz

i got one from lidl a couple of years ago. It doesn't get heavy use, but I've made bags, toys, a couple of tops, sock monkeys, button holes, pot holders etc. It cost me under £40
So not all cheap is bad.

cuddles123

zombiecazz wrote: »

i got one from lidl a couple of years ago. It doesn't get heavy use, but I've made bags, toys, a couple of tops, sock monkeys, button holes, pot holders etc. It cost me under £40
So not all cheap is bad.

Is that the Lervia?

I have that and it's really not too bad. Doesn't like sewing anything thick though.