New Sewing Machine Advice, Please.

lauraaurora

I would like to purchase a basic, but decent, new sewing machine. All I currently want it for is to reduce the hem on quite a few pairs of trousers. No, I haven't recently shrunk, but I've just hand sewn them by tucking them up, and I want to do it properly. As a new mum, I think I might have some costume making in the future too!

So, I have currently whittled it down to these three. Can someone please give me an idea of which one to go for. I can't compare them by myself because the specs across the two websites don't seem to match up with similar technology!!!

Feel free to suggest other models in a similar price range. I have had a quick look on eBay, but there's nothing locally to pick up, and I don't know what I'm looking for in those that will post...

So.
1) John Lewis machine. Comes in pretty colours, £99. 2yr guarantee. http://www.johnlewis.com/302381/Product.aspx

2) Brother XL5500SE. Has lots of different types of stitches, comes with great pack of threads and stuff which I really want. £110. 3 yr guarantee.
http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/brotherxl5500_info.htm

3) Janone 2070. Has fewer stitch types, but £10 cheaper. Also comes with the threads I really want(!). £99. 5 yr guarantee.
http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/Janome2070_info.htm

So, not the most sensible of reasons to want a certain type of machine, and am hoping someon kind will come along and help me out!

Thanks in advance

nic2075

Sorry cant help, but would be interested in any advice you get as I'm looking for one myself. I currently use a tiny JML easy stitch lol. It's handy for doing quick simple projects, but I'd love a real sewing machine.

SailorSam

I don't know anything about sewing machines but Argos have a Singer 1409 at half price at the moment, £70. And that has a lot of 5* reviews.

hakeber

hi just to say i can recommend john lewis for being helpful because 2 days before christmas my friend broke her pedal and they lent her one until a replacement arrived which is brilliant customer service.
I'm a bernina obsessive so that would be my recommendation but i do help others to use their machines and the janome ones arer easy to get started on easy to thread and use. Just one thing if you do buy a janome you need to set the tension to 4 which it doesn't mention in their manuals.
I do know someone that has ordered form that website and they were very impressed with all the threads.
bek - ask again if you want more advice.

lauraaurora

Thanks for your replies. I've just got home and had 10 mins to make a decision before the 3pm Next Day Delivery cut off with Sewing Machines Direct. Thanks to habaker I made the decision to purchase from Sewing Machines Direct to get my free pack, and so I phoned them up to ask their advice on which machine to get. She also recommended the Janome and said it coped better with thicker material, so with five minutes to spare I have ordered it!

Thanks for your replies and interest

sethsgran

I bought a Janome last year and I love it. Have fun

hakeber

ooohhh that is exciting glad to be of help
bek

lauraaurora

sethsgran wrote: »

I bought a Janome last year and I love it. Have fun

That's reassuring to hear, thank you

lazer

Poundstretcher were selling a sewing machine reduced to £30 (Clearance sale), I'm not sure of the Spec's or anything, but if you're really just looking it to take up hems and do basic stuff I'm sure it would be fine.

lauraaurora

lazer wrote: »

Poundstretcher were selling a sewing machine reduced to £30 (Clearance sale), I'm not sure of the Spec's or anything, but if you're really just looking it to take up hems and do basic stuff I'm sure it would be fine.

I appreciate the tip, and you're right, that's all I really need - a very basic machine. I did look into hiring one, but wasn't an option in Berkshire. And I have around 10 pairs of trousers and two pairs of lightweight curtains I want to sort out, so it would be over £100 to pay a seamstress, so I thought I'd buy my own machine.

I have already purchased the Janome online yesterday, and it should be arriving within the hour, so I'm too late for the Poundstretcher one, but the info may well benefit someone else!

Oh, and if anyone wants to hire a sewing machine in Berkshire, you now know where to come!!!!

ZR67

Hi there. Also looking to buy a sewing machine to replace old one. Also looking at Sewingmachinesdirect - did you get your machine? what was the service like? Also looking at a Janome one.