If someone lovely was going to buy you a sewing machine, which one would you get?

[NicolaSeven]

My mum has said she wants to get me one. I have used her Brother machine for various projects, but am in no way proficient.

I'm thinking of taking a class to help me to stop swearing at it become more adept. Probably shouldn't be too spendy as it's not my money. I have a pipe dream of making children's clothes and selling them online.

Any help, oh wise ones?

[NicolaSeven]

Ok. Clarified budget. £150. I reckon £200 at the absolute outside.

Going to go to JL next weekend and have a play. BUT if anyone is bored enough to want to join this game, if you were me, what (if any) Bernina would you get from what's currently on eBay? Mum said that they are indeed very good...

[SelfconfessedSpoonyFucker]

Can I play if I recommend something other than a Bernina? I used a range of them at our local dealer and at sewing class (oh and owned a serger) and didn't like them so didn't look any more.

Hmm, when the budget was 250 I was going to suggest this...
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pfaff-1222E-Heavy-Duty-Sewing-Machine-Pre-Owned-SERVICED-WARRANTY-/330875075953?pt=UK_CraftsCollect_SewingMachines_RL&hash=item4d09b0fd71

Pfaffs have dual feed which is built in walking foot which is like magic, especially for quilting but is great for other types of sewing. Unlike a regular walking foot it works with normal feet too. I had one of these machines and only sold it to repair a newer pfaff.

There is another listed for fifty but has six days to run
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pfaff-1222-Electronic-sewing-machine-/140927949586?pt=UK_CraftsCollect_SewingMachines_RL&hash=item20cff5db12

I would ask the seller some careful questions about how it sews and if there are any problems but would be really tempted by this
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-HUSQVARNA-VIKING-6000-Sweden-Sewing-Embroidery-Machine-in-Case-JAN202-/251227054085?pt=UK_CraftsCollect_SewingMachines_RL&hash=item3a7e4ca005

maybe one of these, no free arm but really easy to maintain and really heavy duty. Great sewers.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Singer-401G-sewing-machine-heavy-duty-excellent-condition-/271168867640?pt=UK_CraftsCollect_SewingMachines_RL&hash=item3f22ec8d38

(the 400 series is basically the same as my 500 series but with different styling)

[SelfconfessedSpoonyFucker]

Oh and this is the 3/4 machine I bought my son one of

beautiful little machine, real gem. Perhaps too small as a main machine but works fantastically for someone who has to drag something out and put it away again.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Elna-lotus-2-TSP-Sewing-Machine-Swiss-Portable-Vintage-QUILTING-ETC-/400430992056?pt=UK_CraftsCollect_SewingMachines_RL&hash=item5d3b8c0ab8

BTW, don't be won over by fancy stitches. Chances are you might use them once or twice the whole time, they tend to look very homemade on things.

[NicolaSeven]

Ooh, thanks! i can't access links on phone but will check out tonight.

Mum v keen on huskvaana (sp?)

[HalleLouja]

I didn't have any problems with Sewing Machine Direct. I got mine from the shop in North London. It seems fine to me and the service was good too. But mine has never broken down.