Recommend a sewing machine for a novice!

[Fuzzywood]

I've had an old machine of my mum's for ages and it's finally given up the ghost. I'd like to start making a few bits and pieces for the DC, first project a shoe bag for DD's ballet shoes then maybe some hanging storage for DS. I don't want to spend a huge amount but would like a good quality, easy to use machine. Can anyone help? Thanks

I'd recommend a brother machine, good price and well made. If you are in London would recommend Wimbledon Sewing Center on Balham High Road, you can try the machines and really helpful.

Thanks Patchwork. I'm not in London but there are a few shops around here I can have a look in. Is there any particular feature or function you would advise I had?

An automated buttonhole - but just looked a few and this seems to be standard. The invisible zip foot is very useful and makes placing an invisible zip much easier. If you want to quilt or patchwork the 1/4 inch is brilliant - wouldn't be with out mine (as the names suggests:D)

Have fun!

Great stuff, thanks Patchwork I'll come back and post some photos of my handy work if it's any good when I get started

you'll have a ball!

Hey fuzzy (wave wave) :)

I'd also get a Brother - mine was from Argos and is a Brother X-5 and does the job nicely for my skill level so far.

A lower level Janome. They are very sturdy.

Another vote for Janome, love mine, have saved hundreds by making my own curtains/blinds etc. And they're only made down the road

John Lewis usually have a good selection and will be able to advise which is best for your needs/budget.

Hi, I bought the Brother x5 this week. It was a bit cheaper than some others I saw and seems to have all I need as a novice. I completed my first project last night, a bag for DD to take to ballet. It won't stand up to close inspection but isn't a bad first attempt, couple of pics on my profile. Thanks for the help. I dare say I'll be back here often seeking advice with my mistakes projects

I'm a complete notice, is the manual any good? I was looking at john lewis's mini but if the brother machine is easy to the I might go for that. I want to make curtains and simple dresses for DD.

I've got the Janome DC3050 and the manual is easy enough to follow IMO, although I haven't done anything complicated with it (cos I can't ). The instructions of how to thread the machine (it is very different from the ancient relics at the dressmaking class I went to) are easy to follow and even I managed to do it.

It also has auto tension, which is normally a feature found in much more expensive machines. I got mine from John Lewis and it was much cheaper in there than in any of the other shops I looked in. www.johnlewis.com/231340611/Product.aspx

Well done Fuzzy ! It's lovely :) Welcome to the addictive world of sewing :)

Janome js18 brilliant easy machine.
-automatic buttonhole
-automatic bobbin winder
-automatic needle threader

I am slightly in love with mine

Great thanks, sorry for the hijack!

MissPiggy I found the Brother manual very easy to follow. I haven't looked at a Janome so can't comment. I'm sure if you ask the shop assistants will let you have a look at the manual before you buy.
It is certainly addictive, already got the material for project number 2.