The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

ArthriticOldThing

I'm hoping some of you wise people can help me. I would like to get myself a sewing machine - not too complicated as I have not used one for over 40 years and would count myself as a beginner again - but don't really have any idea of what I'm looking for.
I have seen a Groupon offer for a 'Brother LS17 sewing machine with 38 functions' for £89. Can anyone tell me if this is a good deal and whether it would be suitable for me? Sorry if its the wrong place to post this.

silvasava

AOT - First, what are you going to be using it for. If its just for some mending, basic sewing, curtains ,cushions that sort of thing then look for something that will do all these functions. Zig Zag is good & 4 step buttonholes are handy - but unless you're going to be sewing for little girls I wouldn't bother with anything that has loads of embroidery stiches. How about posting a 'wanted' on Freecycle - its worth a punt even if its just to get you into the 'swing' of things again.
Im sure other posters/regular sewers will have plenty of ideas for you too - Good Luck!

savingqueen

Well my new frugal challenge I decided to start today has got off to a flying start. Just have to share and you are just the people who understand.

MY nearest All-the-dee-days is closing today to make way for a larger store. I popped in for a few items before school run and lots of fresh stuff reduced by 30% or 50%. I got some bits with an eye on the clock and then returned with boys to get a 2nd lot.


I already had some fruit an veg so didn't go mad but bought enough to see us for a fair few days, couple things good to freeze. Bought few packs of mince and chicken and a gammon joint, 3 tubs of double cream, couple quiches, cheese and onion rolls, pork pies, coleslaw and a couple of bread type products. A few things I know my friend uses will be bagged up for her tomorrow. Most have at least a week on BB. Also got some non-food bits, cheap sunscreen, couple pair of cheap boot socks for me in the winter, a waterproof rucksack cover reduced from £7.99 to 99p for DH in wet weather and couple similar bits. I hardly ever got reduced food as don't shop much in the eves and nearest Mr Tosspits have pathetic reductions.

I am very pleased and ahem yes excited! Guessed the quantities just right as the freezers are both completely full now. I decided to sort out the upstairs store supplies before I went out and didn't get to finish so now all the non chill/frozen bits are littering the kitchen needing homes. Worth the effort but Mr Chesty and his freezer-in-crime little Miss Frosty will not be defrosted now for a few weeks. I really need to watch our budgets even more closely for a bit so these reductions will help.

sq

[Deleted User]

Well found SQ good one!!!

fuddle

AOT I have the John Lewis small sewing machine http://www.johnlewis.com/jl-mini-sewing-machine/p367714?colour=Teal (but in red, not that that matters) it's £49 and super for a novice like me who wants simple sewing of straight lines, small pieces, fixing, making pencil cases etc. It can't do denim, actually it might push to denim but I won't push it for fear of breaking it. It's a good starter machine for the price.

The chap was ok this afternoon although told me I was incompetent because I burst his yolk when transferring the fried egg. I'll let him have that one but it stings when all you want to do is a good job for someone and it's never appreciated. So pleased I see so many kind ladies of age I wouldn't be allowed to point out his rudeness. Oh no, I have to just take it unless it's abusive then we have procedures in place.

garlic dough balls smell lovely!

I was having a conversation about tripe this morning. Can you still get it?

Monnagran plenty of tea needs supping when moving and the occasional cream cake ok? Hope your lunch was ok?

good shopping there sq I dare say you feel content?

Floss

Fuddle - You can in Blackpool...

ivyleaf

Floss wrote: »

Why not use the vine as support for your beans? We grew purple French beans last year which looked very striking in flower and when producing the beans, maybe some of those would look good? You only need a few plants to feed a couple, believe me!

Thank you, Floss, what a brilliant idea! I'd never have thought of that :T

ETA Thanks to Pooky and silvasava for your input too (just read your posts!) it all helps! I could grow beans up the vine, in a bag, and also have a raised bed at right-angles for other things

Monnagran - Hope your lunch wasn't too charred. At least the Rev meant well...

Fuddle - Incompetent my foot - I suppose he never broke an egg yolk in his life. or perhaps he always relied on someone else to cook his food, as he's of that generation that often thought of anything food-related as "Women's work".

shegar

FUDDLE....The NEXT sale is on july 19 th........There sales are normally half price........Thats the time to pick up good quality bedding .......

Can anyone tell me how to highlight in black ink please and thank you all.....sheila..

Knit_Witch

shegar wrote: »

Can anyone tell me how to highlight in black ink please and thank you all.....sheila..

I am not sure what you mean by this Sheila - your posts are already in black

Pooky

Shegar you need to press the B button to get "bold" font (it's at the top of the reply box - next to it is the "I" for italics and the "u" for underline