Buying our 1st sewing machine

chrisfreelander54

Over the last few weeks our 12 year old daughter has been watching video after video on YouTube and Instagram on making her own clothes, where this has come from, I don't know, maybe I've brain washed into moneysaving. :rotfl:

This is something I have spoke to my wife about before, investing in a sewing machine to repair clothes, make bedding and cushions etc from old clothes/material.

We now have decided to buy one on the basis that I will encourage our daughter to make and design her own clothes and to not be a sheep and follow the other kids at school and want designer brands.

We have been looking at getting an AEG 227 is this a good machine or is there better, we have found this for £125 delivered and also includes a free sewing thread and scissor kit worth £50 (supposedly), and a 10 year warranty.

The last time that either the wife or I used a sewing machine was at high school about 21 years ago, so would like to know where's the best place to start on learning our daughter the basics as well as learning ourselves at the same time?

Regards
Chris.

meritaten

ok - first I would say that AEG is not a brand I am familiar with. which doesn't mean that they aren't perfectly ok.
I would research the different brands, well known and trusted names are Singer, Brother, Toyota.
Basic machines usually offer the normal straight stitch, zigzag, buttonhole and hemming. usually come with accessories such as Zipperfoot, spare bobbins and needles. compare prices on those and warranties - most offer 3 to 10 year warranties.
for ordinary dressmaking these machines are quite adequate - and many of them also have 'embroidery' features included.
the hard part is comparing them and deciding on value for money. if you just want a basic sewing machine which will make dresses, curtains and maybe some 'applique' and basic embroidery. then all the brands I have mentioned have machines to do that - now you just have to find the best price!

miffy257

What a good idea to encourage your daughter to sew. I have not heard of AEG machines but if you want a good machine that is easy to use and is very reliable look at JANOME. I have 2 as I do quilting as well as sewing and I have had no problems with them at all. They come highly recommended by many sewing folk.

rosie-lee

I would also say go for a good entry level janome or singer, they are popular so You will find there are sewing forums where people discuss these models if you want advice or discussion.

I have also heard good reviews about an ikea machine but not used one myself.

Good luck, your daughter will never regret learning to sew, a fantastic skill to learn so young.

chrisfreelander54

Thankyou for all your replies and advice, i have managed to find a Janome 2060 locally for my daughter for £99, Ive spoken to the shop owner and arranged to go straight from school to have a look.

As i had originally decided that £125 was my maxiumum that i would pay I may treat her to some extras as this one has no starter kit with it and has already had £20 knocked off.

I am best buying the scissors etc from where we are purchasing the machine from, or would i be better looking around for these?

Also what extras would you recommend i look to buy her to get her started, such as needles, etc?

Regards
Chris

miffy257

If they sell Janome machines they may have Janome scissors, I have a pair with light grey handles, they have a micro serrated edge and cut beautifully. They were a lot cheaper than the Fiskars ones I had before.

chrisfreelander54

Well in the end I decided against the Janome as I saw this on hot deals http://www.lidl.co.uk/en/our-offers-2491.htm?action=showDetail&id=16386 which for the money I thought was a steal

I know it's not a brand name, but at the same time the reviews I read today sold it to me, and on the plus side we have money left over, so I bought a few other bits for her, which still came under budget, meaning there money left if she wants to buy some fabrics.

Seakay

I expect you'll see that they are doing scissors and sewing kits the same week? I've used all of them and they are good quality, plus hang onto your receipt because if there is an issue Lidl are very good about returns.
Have a Google or a look around locally because sewing lessons where you either borrow a machine or take your own are getting popular in some areas and would be a good way for your daughter - or the whole family?-to get the hang of using the machine under supervision

meritaten

Wow - £60 that is a good price for a brand new sewing machine. and it sounds like it does the basics. I do hope your DD (and the rest of the family) enjoy this new hobby. very Moneysaving!

miffy257

Well done a bargain, my friend has one and she is very happy with it. Happy Sewing

chrisfreelander54

Seakay wrote: »

I expect you'll see that they are doing scissors and sewing kits the same week? I've used all of them and they are good quality, plus hang onto your receipt because if there is an issue Lidl are very good about returns.
Have a Google or a look around locally because sewing lessons where you either borrow a machine or take your own are getting popular in some areas and would be a good way for your daughter - or the whole family?-to get the hang of using the machine under supervision

We have had a look for local sewing classes, but only found these to be for adults, and as far is my DD is aware they dont do sewing lessons at high school (didnt in year 7 and nothing in her planner for Year 8 so far either) maybe I will contact the school to confirm if this is on the curriculum or not in the future.