New Sewing Machine Help :-(

no.1swimmum

I recently visited a London branch of John Lewis to purchase a sewing machine, I was almost set on the Singer Curvy at £469 but the demonstrator was unable to demonstrate the machine as she knew nothing about it!
I am an experienced sewer, so wanted a computerised machine with different stitches, but I am not particularly interested in it being able to do embroidery ( I have access to embroidery machines at work if needed) so tell me about your sewing machine, and what you love and dislike about it as I am totally in a muddle about which machine to get now, and my current brother machine is really on its last after 20+ years of faithful service.
Thank you

Katiehound

With a sewing machine the general advice is "Buy the best you can afford!"
I have 2 Pfaff machines, the old one is 40 and still going strong! (mechanical .) The 'newer' one is computerised and does a lot of fancy stitches but it is not such a workhorse as it doesn't like really thick fabric.
Most people doing a lot of sewing seem to recommend Bernina.

I suggest you list the functions you really want above all else- like does it does fully automated buttonholes- if that is important for you. Some people buy a machine that does the basics and then an overlocker as well.

If at all possible go to a sewing machine specialist shop because there you can (I assume) try out the machines of many different makes for yourself. That is how I chose a Pfaff originally - by being let loose on 2 or 3 that I felt suited me.

tootallulah

With your budget I would avoid Singer and look at the better makes: Bernina, Pfaff and Viking Huskavana all make great machines and if you go to a sewing machine dealer you can get a really good second hand machine with a good guarantee. I have a newish Bernina Quilter bought 2nd hand but it is FANTASTIC I have been sewing for forty plus years and it is the best machine I have ever had.

tillyenna

I got the Janome SMD 4000 for Christmas, and it's INCREDIBLE. I love it. I think it was about £400 - and it's great. I would also avoid singers, as not only are they not the greatest anymore (the vintage singers are still FAB) but if you need to buy extra componants, they will have to be singer specific, whereas a lot of the other brands you can use all the extras across everything.

glynisrose

I got a Singer for christmas and its great, it does straight stitch and a couple of embroidery stitches and zig zag... Brilliant!!