which sewing machine should I get and can I use one for quilting

[tattycoram]

DH is buying me a sewing machine for Christmas. I want to be able to do basic alterations, make cushion covers etc but also really fancy trying quilting/patchwork and I have no idea whether that's something you can do on a regular sewing machine. Budget up to £200, would prefer to buy it in John Lewis, so am thinking of a Janome.

Would it be able to do all that and what else do I need to bear in mind?
Thanks!

Giving this a bump as I'd love a sewing machine. Sadly, think it might be outside DH's budget.

Well, I can't advise you on which one to get as mine is more than 30 years old!!

Your only problem with quilting would be getting the bulk of the quilt under the arm, OP, so go for a free-arm machine if you're serious about that. You can get extensions for them - a bit like an ironing board extension. BUT free-arm machines are a bit harder to control so, if you're a beginner, just get a normal sewing machine and see how you get on. You can do a quilt on an ordinary machine, you just need more patience.

LD - mine still works!! Get a second-hand one :)

I do patchwork and quilting on a regular machine. Try to get as large an area under the arm as possible if you are going to be doing double/kingsize quilts. You will need a walking foot to do quilting, and you will also need to be able to either drop or cover the feed dogs (most machines can do this IME).

I have a Janome and it's nice and sturdy. It would be worth your while going in and trying a few out if they have display models. JL sewing machine assistants are usually a mine of information.

Thanks all very helpful. Does a walking foot need to be bought as an extra

We're planning to hit John Lewis when it opens tomorrow. I suppose I want to get something that will be easy to use but that I won't grow out of too quickly. Can I patchwork on the machine and then quilt by hand?

(I'm the one you gave the little buggy too Bran, I've just dug it out of the attic for DS2!)

I've got a Janome Quilter Companion that DH got me for Christmas about 3 years ago. Although JL is good, we got mine from a specialist sewing machine supplier who did a very nice package deal with walking foot thrown in, machine cost about £200 then. Since then, it has been brilliant, and has been designed to give slightly more room under the "elbow" of the machine if you see what I mean, to help quilters. The tutor at the place where I do classes recommended Janone and I know a number of quilting ladies who have their machines still providing good service after many long years. Mine can also do v fancy, whizzy stitches etc and I do machine quilting as well as the patchwork itself on mine, so my quarter inch foot and my walking foot are the two most used.

I found that my quarter inch foot was a little out, which was annoying. I use a magnetic thingy instead. Once it's in position it doesn't move. I rule a quarter inch pencil line on a piece of printer paper and use that to line up the magnetic guide correctly. If you can run the sheet through the machine (you don't need it to be threaded) and the needle holes are on the line then it's lined up correctly. You can't use it on a computerised machine though as it will scramble the processor.

(Aww, DS2. My DD (second and last DC) has grown out of pushchairs and I miss having one a bit. I have to actually carry my bags when I go shopping now.)

did you get one? i'm looking at investing too but only want to spend £150 - is Janome much better than other brands or just easy to get hold of?

I've no idea really, but I really like the one I got in the end this one here

It's very easy to thread