Sewing machines...

[Badvoc]

Dh has offered to get me a sewing machine for my b day.
I have never used one before but am keen to learn and would like to make simple things for the house...tablecloths/curtains/bed covers etc
Any tips or ones to avoid?

i have this model www.johnlewis.com/231405816/Product.aspx and its working fine for me doing simple bits.

Not really any tips as such. Dh bought me mine years ago as a surprise so I obviously had no chance of influencing which one....he bought me a Brother which is great. It has adjustable length of stitch, adjustable width of stitch and came with a few different presser feet for denim, one sided etc. What I'm trying to say is it's really basic and absolutely does the job. I have made dresses, curtains, replaced zips in jeans and have no complaints. Also got a free service as there was a problem they found with a batch though it didn't affect mine, the Brother service was very good.
I would definitely buy the same one again, it sounds like your stitching intentions are about the same as mine, and I have managed perfectly well so far.
HTH

If you want to do curtains though, you need one that's specifically heavy duty enough - otherwise you'll get slipping and breaking all over the place.

If you're near a john Lewis go in and ask for some demos?

Hi all.
Been to John Lewis today and dh has bought me a basic singer one!
Thanks for the advice...

My basic Singer served me well for a good few years. I've just upgraded it to a Janome a it needed a repair that would have been more than it cos me.

It's lovely!
Very small and compact and can sew denim, curtain material etc
Am excited!

Oh hurrah! Now you need to find overmydeadbody's blog for fab and easy ideas :-)

Ohhh...wmdo I find that?

I can't remember what it's called, but if you click on enough arts and crafts threads you'll usually find a link to it :-)

I think it's So Resourceful. It's not all sewing so don't be put off by the grout cleaning!

I think my first project will be an Xmas tablecloth and napkins :)

which one did you buy ,can you link to it?
i need one too,

Can't do links (dense) but its the singer 8280. It was £100.
It wil do everything in want and is nice and compact.