Which sewing machine?

[bluecoconut]

I have just done a beginners sewing course and I thoroughly enjoyed it and want to take it up as a hobby.

My long term ambition is to make clothes for myself and DC (jeans, dresses etc). I also quite like the idea of making soft furnishings and quilting too.

Prior to doing the course I was thinking of getting the JL 110 for £100 from John Lewis. I am concerned though that with what I am hoping to do, I will be having to upgrade sooner rather than later.

On the course I attended I used the Brother - Innovis 10A. I loved the computerised machine and I have decided that is what I would like to get. I think the 10A probably has too few stitches and it is worth spending a little more now.

I have a budget of £300ish.

The machines I am looking at and planning to go and look at are:

Brother Innov-is 20LE £329

Janome CXL301 £299

Janome XL601 £329 (includes free quilting kit and extension table)

Janome DC3050 £319 (looks like only available from John Lewis)

What are your thoughts Mumsnetter's?

I got my Janome 3000 from SMD, they were really helpful and it comes with loads of extras. Had it about 18 months and no complaints yet...

Will try later Mothership. I am hoping that I am much better at sewing than I am with computers

Wow Miss that is amazing. I agree that more people seem to opt for Janome and they have excellent reviews.

ViviPru I have heard a lot of good reviews about SMD. Did you go into the store or order online, telephone etc.
I would much rather purchase from a local store but they do seem very competitive.

Another vote for Janome. I got mine from John Lewis 10 years ago and it's still going strong. I was disappointed not to get a Singer at the time as that's what I had before and I bought from John Lewis, just in case of problems, but it's been brilliant at all my alterations and craft stuff.

I was going to order online but for some reason I ended up phoning up and ordering it, I think because I wanted some other stuff too and needed some advice on it. Had there been a local indie dealer near me that was similarly priced I'd have bought from there, but there's nothing round here and that model is an SMD exclusive (although IIRC there's an equivalent Janome with a slightly different spec and name, and nowhere near that price)

I did a lot of research beforehand on models around that price point. Spoke to a specialist at John Lewis Oxford Street who recommended the very similar Janome but their prices were miles out (not exact like-for-like to SMD so couldn't use the JLP never knowingly undersold guarantee). And what with all the extras with the SMD and free next day delivery, it was a no-brainer.

ViviPru I spoke to SMD on the phone and they said that the SMD300 would fulfill my reuirements. They did point out that it didn't have adjustable foot pressure, which on their buyers guide they say is a good feature for clothes making.
Local indie say that they will price match but they seem to be the same price everywhere.
I have done lots of research now and know what I want, but it is still down to whether I prefer the Brother or Janome. In fairness to Brother, while they are not as popular I haven't read anything negative about them either.

One your preference has been duly noted.

Do let us know what you decide, blue

Will do Vivipru. Fingers crossed I will have decided by the end of the week.

I have done it. After a fortnight of neglecting the housework to research all things sewing machines, I have now bought one.

I narrowed my list to:
Janome 525S
Janome XL601
Janome DXL603
Brother Innov-is 20

After trying them all out at the shop again, I am pleased to announce that I am the new, very proud owner of a Janome DXL603

I am still reading the instruction manual, so will update you once I have had a play

Just to add. House is not filthy, just not as sparkly as usual.
I have still been cleaning and tidying etc. Honestly!

Oh lovely, I got the txl607 last Christmas and I love it. Very user friendly and good results. My last machine was a 20 year old brother which I seemed to spend more time adjusting the tension with and untangling things than actually sewing.

Your house will now forever be untidy as sewing will become addictive and you will convince yourself that you have to sew as much as humanly possible to get your money's worth out of your machine .

Time to get cracking on those home made Xmas gifts (and work out how to post pics so we can admire your work).

crocky Just googled yours and it looks amazing. 400 stitches! I am getting excited thinking off all the possible things I could do with them.

Miss You are so right. I am already thinking like that.

Mothership I have already told the family they will be getting homemade gifts for Christmas and Birthdays. They tried hard not to show it, but I don't think they are as thrilled about it as I am.

Hello I’ve just joined tonight so hello everyone.
My Toyota sewing machine tension keeps going so I’m chucking it away and I’m ready to upgrade I’m indecisive on the Janome xl601 / 603 or the brother innovis which one is better ? I’ve heard Janome is one one the best I’m after a good machine for quilting making bunting etc and want a quiet machine advise is greatly received.