Sewing Machines

[StopEatingThatMud]

Me again, sorry I've just come and invaded Arts and crafts!

Me and DP have £80 worth of John Lewis vouchers from last Xmas that we're yet to find inspiration on what to spend them on. I'm contemplating trying to convince him to let me put them towards a sewing machine.

I've not used a machine since school, many moons ago and wouldn't be using it for anything major, just little projecty bits that I'd like to try making for DD.

John Lewis have a "mini" machine for £50 here

Do you think it would be any good? Or would I be better off stumping up the extra £20 for the bigger version here

Both seem to have good reviews, but I don't really know what I'm looking for! If anyone knows of any better options under £100 that John Lewis sells I'd be happy to consider other options.

Any advise appreciated, thank you :)

I researched the two versions be abuse my seven year old wants a machine. The mini is def best for her-something about the foot not moving - didn't listen too closely. But the lady in jl said that the bigger one was more of a proper machine.

Because-not be abuse

My sewing teacher uses the mini machines for her kids classes. Although they are good for smaller projects they don't cope well with heavier fabrics. The big machine is more versatile.

Hmmm so the mini version is more suited to kids then from the sounds of it. I guess I need to figure out how much I'd be using it and what kind of things I'd be looking to make before deciding if the extra cost is worthwhile.

I broached the subject with DP today of spending "our" vouchers on a sewing machine, he didn't look amused! Not that he's thought of anything better in the 9 months we've now had them....

I have a mini machine and although it's very cute, it's definitely for light projects. It goes very slowly and smells hot very quickly! I got it simply for the zigzag function as my singer doesn't have that.

If I was getting only one machine, I'd look at a normal sized one which is a bit more capable and gives you flexibility such as being able to change the feet.

The lady in jl said the speed (or lack of it!) was good for kids and beginners! Hope dd's won't smell!