What sewing machine for dd1 at Christmas?

[Northernlurker]

DD1 is 13, 14 in April and is very in to sewing and textiles. After doing the costumes for her school play she asked for a sewing machine for CHristmas.

I have put the inlaws on standby to chip in so budget not too much of an issue.

So what's a good, easily controllable machine that will last her a few years?

We got the dds one of the mini John Lewis ones a couple of years ago and it's proved to have been well worth it.

One thing I've noticed while going around school tours for secondary is that they all seem to have Janome round here. To be fair, though, I'm not sure if that's because the LEA have a very good deal with the company or if it's because they're good robust machines that can take the abuse of teenagers

John Lewis sewing machines are made by Janome

Janome J3 24 is the one i have as does my dd. Great easy to use machine, retails about £189.

Would echo the JLP mini machine, a colleague bought one for her daughter who is 13 and she loves it!

ive just got the janome j3-24 from sewing machines direct for £169 (£20 0ff)with loads of free bits (5 boxes of machine threads, several pairs of shears, bobbins, machine needles)! ordered it on wed got it thursday. my sister has a little john lewis one which is good for alterations and bits but cant hack heavy fabrics. If she's serious about sewing i think you're better to get a good machine that will last x x