Mumsnet Talk

Thank you - I have a great independent sewing shop near me so will go and have a chat to them. My old machine was a reconditioned one when I got it and its served me well for many years

Will check out the makes you mention then see what second hand machines are at the shop.

Stick to an old reconditioned model, you'll pick one up cheaply with a guarantee via an independent sewing machine shop - they are heavy enough to cope with curtains etc, without bouncing across the table & driving you nuts

Stick to makes such as the one you have, jones older singers or pfaff

Personally I hate modern machines, but if you do get one, Bar Bernina which you can't go wrong with,though are pricey, Janone can be good, but make sure you get one with an adjustable tension wheel as not all have them

HTH

My beloved frister and rossman machine has died It was over 20 years old and is beyond repair.

So its time to go shopping But I haven't a clue what is good, bad or ugly.

I use it for clothes repairs, curtain and blind making, making patchwork and various small projects round the house. It would also be nice if the machine was man enough to cope with quilting as well?

No idea of budget - don't even know what sort of money I would need will have that discussion with dh at a later date