Help - sewing machine advice

[allset]

Hello crafty people, I am after some advice...I am not naturally creative, however, since having children I have found myself mending clothes, taking in waist bands and making fancy dress items on occasion. I have been doing all of this with a needle and thread. I have not used a machine since we did HE at school and I made a pillowcase. I am wondering about asking DH for a sewing machine for Christmas - twice recently I have had to ask people I know to sew things for me as my poor hand stitch would not have held, also I am wondering whether if I had a machine I might start doing a bit more - although I have to underline my lack of creative flair/talent.
So, I have two questions:

1. How often do you use your sewing machine? Am particularly interested in those people that do not make clothes/curtains etc but just use it for bits and bobs like I am intending to.
2. What sewing machine would you recommend? I want a cheap one, but the reality is this will be the only one I ever buy so it needs to last as although I don't envision myself doing loads of sewing at any one time, I think I will be using it now and again for years iyswim

TIA

Bump

I would try & "borrow" a machine to start of with or try freecycle. Mine is an ancient machine that my Mum got as a wedding present. (Funny how things change - in her day it was seen as a normal piece of household "kit" like a drill)

There is lots of advice on The Sewing Forum about buying a machine.

I have used it a couple of evenings a week for the last 18months. I started patchworking but now I am busy making aprons & bags for Christmas presents. I have also made a couple of kids clothing bits and I am desperate (but scared) to start making some clothes for me...maybe my New Years Resolution?

When not sewing I am reading sewing blogs or on pinterest lol

I am not an expert, but John Lewis had some small machines, wonder if these are any good?

m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/230962733/Product.aspx

What is your budget?

I had a look at those John Lewis ones when I was buying recently an wasn't too impressed TBH.

I suppose up to £100. would it be better to go second hand and get a better machine. I am not technical and always think the simpler the better where I am concerned

I'm not really the person you are looking to answer as I have a lot of experience both work & hobby, but can probably advise on the sewing machine

Get an old reconditioned one, such as Jones, Singer Frister etc, you will find these very cheaply & if from a shop will have a guarantee & will be well under £100, they are good solid work horses of machines & will take most things, are good for novice sewers & as they tend to be simple, have less to go wrong IYSWIM - you probably used one in HE too so will likely feel more at home with one :)

Thanks rockin, that's really good advice. I'll look into one. I did some mending
last night, just not sure when I sew myself how long the 'mends' will last