Can anyone recommend a cheap & easy to use sewing machine?

[GreebosWhiskers]

Right. I enjoy knitting, crocheting & x-stitch but for a while now I've fancied having a go at sewing. I want to make nappies & wraps for my 2 dc who are still in them & I also fancy having a go at quilting. I used to use an old Singer treadle machine for curtains but it belonged to my ex-mil so I had to give it back when me & the ex split up (and I was much sorrier leaving the machine than I was leaving him). I haven't used an electric machine since 2nd year (about 20 years ago now) but figure as I get more confident I might want to go so far as doing things with button holes.

Can anyone tell me where I can get a cheapish but easy to use machine? It was my birthday 2 weeks ago so I've got £55 birthday money to spend & I'm sure I can get dh to supplement that if I promise I will actually use the machine (I've got a cupboard full of blenders, toasters, popcorn makers that have only been used twice).

[Roskva]

I got mine from the local sewing machine shop - it was an end of line one they were selling cheaply to make way for the new models. The make is New Home. It does straight stitch, zigzat, buttonholes, and some stretchy stithes - perfect for making nappies.

[GreebosWhiskers]

Thanks. I just saw a New Home machine in our local craft shop priced at £69 'cos they want to make roon for new stock - think maybe I'll give it a go

[bran]

My first one was a New Home and it was very robust and reasonably priced. It was a bit noisy though and it lacked a couple of features that I felt would be useful to me (I do quiltmaking) so I upgraded it to a better model Janome (which I'm pretty sure is made by the same people who make New Home). If I'd been on a limited budget I would have been happy to continue using the New Home.