John Lewis - Mini Sewing Machine - 30% Off - Now £35

Dave_the_Ginger_Cat

MamaMoo wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone knows whether this offer is on in store too?

See original post, not in store. You could always order online and have it delivered to a JL or Waitrose of your choice which has no charge

Dave_the_Ginger_Cat

niandsa wrote: »

Stupid question I know but...... Can I buy any type of thread for this or does it need to be a certain thickness and size of spool? I have never used a sewing machine in my life but fancy having a play, so have ordered one in blue. I would like to get some thread ready for when it arrives - I was looking at this bundle. Would it be any good?

I am inclined towards good quality thread (and needles), as it is less likely to tangle, catch and generally jam and annoy you. I'd also go for a slightly less varied selection of colours and go for Black, White, Cream and Blue to start - these are the colours I use most. JL have a selection in store which are likley to be good. These may be fine, but I've had some frustrating times threading and rethreading machines where they do tangle and break

For size, most about the size of an ordinary cotton reel should fit - the short fat ones (Sylko) or the taller thinner ones (Gutterman) fit most machines

zuzuspetals

I've been wanting a sewing machine for ages. Would this one be suitable for making quilts, patchwork cushion covers and things like that? What about buttons and zips? I've never used a sewing machine before and am totally clueless!

ScarlettOHara_2

zuzuspetals wrote: »

I've been wanting a sewing machine for ages. Would this one be suitable for making quilts, patchwork cushion covers and things like that? What about buttons and zips? I've never used a sewing machine before and am totally clueless!

This would do for basic projects, repairs and alterations but I think you will struggle with bigger projects like a quilt.

MsCrow

ScarlettOHara wrote: »

This would do for basic projects, repairs and alterations but I think you will struggle with bigger projects like a quilt.

The review quoted further back said the machine could manage something like a patchwork quilt.

ScarlettOHara_2

MsCrow wrote: »

The review quoted further back said the machine could manage something like a patchwork quilt.

I still think this machine isnt strong enough to do a good job on larger projects and a number of reviews on the JL product page agree. Don't get me wrong I think it is probably great for beginners or those doing simple things. I've done quite a lot of patchwork quilting recently and if someone is going to invest the money in all the fabric, wadding and other bits and pieces to make a patchwork quilt I recommend spending another £20/£30 and getting a full size machine that isnt going to get bowled over when you try to squeeze 6 sq ft of fabric through it several times over during the quilting.

ScarlettOHara_2

niandsa wrote: »

Stupid question I know but...... Can I buy any type of thread for this or does it need to be a certain thickness and size of spool? I have never used a sewing machine in my life but fancy having a play, so have ordered one in blue. I would like to get some thread ready for when it arrives - I was looking at this bundle. Would it be any good?

Definitely get good quality thread. I recommend Gutermann or Coats. Cheap thread breaks much easier in a machine. If you stick to either of those they will work just fine with your machine.

For cheaper sewing supplies Jaycotts is a good site. Alternatively Amazon have a Gutermann kit at £11.75 but if you have a local haberdashery or fabric shop then each std reel is £1.55ish each.

zuzuspetals

ScarlettOHara wrote: »

I still think this machine isnt strong enough to do a good job on larger projects and a number of reviews on the JL product page agree. Don't get me wrong I think it is probably great for beginners or those doing simple things. I've done quite a lot of patchwork quilting recently and if someone is going to invest the money in all the fabric, wadding and other bits and pieces to make a patchwork quilt I recommend spending another £20/£30 and getting a full size machine that isnt going to get bowled over when you try to squeeze 6 sq ft of fabric through it several times over during the quilting.

Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking of going for the £99 John Lewis machine or perhaps trying to get one from Tesco if I can double up vouchers in the summer exchange.

myusernamehasgone_2

I have the JL £99 and this little one for proper sewing projects I would use the bigger one every time however the min is good to keep handy for quick repair jobs - it runs very slow so if you are hemming a long section it drives you mad. I also find it very difficult to thread

Kyresa

Lara wrote: »

Oh gawd! I really want one know BUT I have a sewing machine in a cabinet I haven't used for a few years :eek:. This one must be easier to get out and use on the table ..............must keep away! :

myusernamehasgone wrote: »

That's what I thought - then I ordered pink:eek:

That's what I thought - then I ordered blue :rotfl: