What do you think about this sewing machine?

[HeyMacWey]

www.sewingmachines.co.uk/Janome110_info.htm

It's been about 20 years since I last sewed on my mum's old machine.

I have a load of blinds to make for the house and will need some of them will need to be lined /insulated. Will this machine be able to cope with the thickness?

Will probably get started on dress making too.

Happy to have any other recommendations!

Budget is up to £200

www.sewingmachines.co.uk/Janome110_info.htm

Have no idea about that sewing machine, but I got mine (a frister and rossman) from that company a few years ago and can recommend their excellent customer service (and freebies!)

In fact, if you ring them up they'll probably be able to talk you through the best model for your requirements..

Ooh thanks jenijena - good to know they've got good customer service.

Their own brand Janome machines are good value (cheaper than the Janome equivalent). I agree with the customer service... I was torn between a few machines and they were really helpful, and didn't steer me to the dearest machine.

I haven't looked at what else is available in your price range but I would buy that machine, very good basic metal bodied machine that will go on for years.

I would phone and speak to him too, he is a nice chap and will recommend something, ime something cheaper than I had planned to buy.

Great - thank you - will try calling them and see what they recommend.

I'm wondering about waiting till after Xmas - do sewing machines ever go on sale? I guess it may only be ones that are being discontinued?

I don't know about sales tbh, somewhere like JL will reduce the odd machine in their sale or get some 'specials' in. I remember that they had a heavy duty machine reduced for a while earlier this year, a Janome one for about £185 because I recommended it to a friend.

The new model seems to be about £300.

Same friend (who didn't buy the reduced JL one) has ordered this today www.amazon.co.uk/Singer-4411-Heavy-Sewing-Machine/dp/B008CCK4RC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415890614&sr=8-1&keywords=singer+heavy+duty

not sure what it will be like.

I am a bit sceptical about the heavy duty labels tbh. Back in the day the machines labelled HD were just regular machines.

I don't think you can go far wrong with a basic mechanical metal bodied machine as long as you don't want to do anything too fancy. I sew curtains, costumes, skirts, soft furnishings, things we need (call myself a utility sewer!).

I went for a Bernina mechanical machine when I changed mine last year - same sort of idea, I expect it to last me 30 years. TBH I sort of regret spending £700 on a Bernina and wished I had gone for the same sort of thing in a cheaper brand as I can't see how it is worth the cost difference.

I bought for them too and was also pleased with the advice I got.

I don't know about that machine, but I bought a Brother from them earlier this year (my first machine) and the service was absolutely superb. They couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. Will definitely use them if and when I ever upgrade.

Excellent - thank you!