what sewing machine to buy

[nowisthetime]

Im just starting out sewing and am in a tizzy as to which make of sewing machine to buy. I'm looking to spend the money now and buy a good machine rather than having to upgrade in a year or two. My mum always had singer but have heard that they aren't the same quality as they used to be. I would be grateful of any help. I'm living in Ireland and would need a company that would deliver here.

[nevergoogle]

i like janome.

i have this one. janome DC3050 and cannot fault it. my previous machine was a singer and very noisy with not as many features ie. button holes, stitches etc.
although i haven't tried quilting i believe my janome one is good for thick materials too.

[QueenOfAllBiscuitsandMuffins]

Which recommends the Brother BC2100.

[Pleiades45]

I used to live in Ireland and remember looking around for a machine. My conclusion after talking to experienced quilters were that Janome were good value for money. Lots of features without the cost being high. A lot of the websites will deliver to ireland for a charge and there is a guy in Ireland who services Janome but I can't remember his name. I'd say the important thing is to make sure you know you can get someone to service it and if you get an electronic one, then only a Janome approved/trained engineer will agree to open it. If you do get an electronic one, then buy a UPS plug so that any sparks don't cause problems with the electronics.