Which Sewing Machine?

BizzleBozzle

Hi All, I did needlework at school about 25+ years ago. Was quite good at it and confident using a machine. Since then have made one pair of curtains on a borrowed machine!

I've now discovered quilting and would like to buy a machine for this. I would also like to start dressmaking again as well as making the odd pair of curtains.

I don't want to spend too much on a machine initially - under £200. I've discovered one online - Toyota Quiltmaster 226 which so far seems to have good reviews but I can't tell from what I've read whether it's suitable for every day sewing as well as quilting.

Can anyone advise please?

Battleaxe44

Ihave an old Toyota machine over nearly 30 years old and it is good strong workhorse. The machine you are thinking about is certainly more upmarket than mine. One draw back will be the the throat of the machine for large quilts. Saing that, I woul think this is very good machine for a starter. I made quilts on my toyota and have had no problems. I see there is 10 year warranty on the machine, so this is a bonus.

I have a Janome Quilters Companion (small throat) and if I was going to buy a new machine now I would buy a machine with a larger throat. This is the are from the where the control panel is to the needle, they now come in 11 inches. Maybe the Toyaota you are looking at has a throat that large. Just personal preference, as I make a lot quilts.

Would it be possible to see the machine in action before you buy it? If you can't buy it from somewhere, youcan get to easily with the machine if it needs attention. you might even be able to get some lesson thrown in. They don't seem to offer that service over here.

Good luck and let us know when youpurchase your machine.

ca55ie

Hi BB

I would suggest going to a specialist sewing machine shop if you can, especially one that has more than brand. They will happily demo the different machines and explain the pros and cons. Some cheaper ones are not very sturdy so would be a false economy.
With hindsight I would also pay a bit extra to have a top loading bobbin.

I have found tho - the price of Janome and Bernina machines are the same across the major on-line retailers and some actual shops.

Oh - another thought - if you are thinking of doing any patchwork course it is worth considering how portable the machine is.

As Battle says good luck with your purchase

Katiehound

I would also suggest going to a specialist shop so that you can have a 'hands on' session with different makes & models -that way you know which machine feels right for you.
I have 2 machines (not for quilting) both Pfaff and the older one will be 40 next year! It certainly doesn't owe me anything after all the things I have sewn on it.
I would say buy the best you can afford because if you are doing an amount of sewing (rather than the odd item) it will be money well spent.
Enjoy