I need a sewing machine . . .

[SchadenfreudePersonified]

Can anyone recommend a reasonably -priced reliable machine, please.

I don't do fancy stuff - straight stitching and an occasional bit of zig-zag. Light and portable preferred as I am old and arthritic and can't lift the bloomin' thing very easily!

My other one (which weighed a ton) got knocked off the table by an over-enthusiastic spaniel (don't ask!) and has never been the same since. As it is so heavy I thought I might replace rather than try for repair.

Are those little teeny-tiny ones you see advertised any good?

I bought a brother from John Lewis for about £90 - it suits me fine as I'm really a beginner but does the basics. Fairly light (not that I move it around that much!)

Oh - thanks Fallon. Do you know the model?

I have a Husqvarna Freesia and it is brilliant.

John Lewis' own brand entry level one is well reviewed. It's manufactured by one of the main brands, can't remember which.

Aldi have one in currently that gets excellent reviews. It's £150 so not a basic model, but if you want to invest a bit I'd go for that one. Their aftersales on electrical goods is very good too.

Contact your local sewing machine shop/repairer.

They are usually an absolute mine of information and source of great second hand machines. Newer, lighter ones tend to come up quite easily as people trade them in against heavier, more complicated machines.

@SchadenfreudePersonified

Oh - thanks Fallon. Do you know the model?

Brother LK14s

I second the Brother entry level, the LS14 is great if you don't want whistles and bells just a reliable easy machine.

I've had and used both the brother entry level, and the John Lewis Janome knock off.

I loved my John Lewis one - it was half size, and a fab purple. Very basic, but good enough for making simple kids clothes etc.

Thank you all who have replied - I'm going to have a look at these suggestions now.