Anyone have a clue about sewing machines?

[welshmum]

I've decided to try my hand at dress making, but I am beyond clueless. If anyone had any advice about the best sewing machine to buy I'd be grateful. I don't need one that does clever things (that will only confuse me) just a basic model that won't break the bank.
As ever...grateful for any help.

My Xmas pressie is a New Home sewing machine - it's the most basic model, but it does everything I need, straight stitch, zigzag, stretch stitches and button holes. I suggest visiting the nearest sewing machine retailer and asking for a demo.

No real advice but I got a nice one form Toyota Direct. Seemed to be a reputable com,pany and there's a 10 yera guarantee.
machine itself does more than I can worj ut!!

I got an all singing all dancing sewing machine for Christmas from dh, we chose it from a company selling on ebay called jsm distributor direct. They do a few basic models and are a lot cheaper then any machines I've seen in the shops. I've just got my new one out today and it's great.

I have a janome first home which I use for patchwork/quilting. It's basic and has an easy to follow manual which is probably more important than the machine!! I'd also advise going to a specialist shop and getting a rundown of what is available. find one you like but it might be worth doing some research as I paid £40 more for mine than I would have done online (out of desperation! I'd borrowed my mum's japanese and could barely figure out how to switch it on...). Good luck!!

Thanks all. Need to track down a sewing machine retailer I guess....do you think John Lewis would have the expertise necessary?

I'm a textile teacher, so know lots about awkward or difficult machines, as spend my whole day unjamming them to a chorus of "Miss, I've jammed the machine!"

Best, most hardwearing are Bernina (these appear to be the only ones that are nearly kidproof). Would recommend these above any other. However can be expensive, Brother or Janome (think Janome are made by Brother)

Make sure the one you get can do computerised buttonholes, this can save hours of hassle when dressmaking. It should have a foot into which you can insert the button, and it measures the length of the buttonhole automatically, and sews it automatically. Brilliant! I know Brother do these.

I've killed my last two

I'd recommend the Husqvarna-Viking (Husky star C20). Have a look at this website
Great entry level but with scope as you progress.

I'd also recommend visiting an independant sewing machine stockist as they are more helpful and you get a more personal service.
'The Sewing Machine Shop' opposite Primark in Reading is fantastic. Can't be more complimentary. Great service, great choice, lovely people.

Thanks - I really appreciate the advice, another hurray for MN

Let us know which machine you went for

My SIL (a textiles teacher) always recommends buying an expensive brand (e.g. Bernina) second hand and reconditioned. If you move on to soft furnishings (e.g. curtains) it really helps to have a strong machine that will withstand metres of heavy material being pulled through it. Ideally sewing machines should be serviced regularly - though I always wait until it breaks down.

I have an ancient Bernina which doesn't have much in the way of fancy features, but is really reliable and does what I need it to do. It was my mum's, so I can't recommend a retailer, sorry. But if you can find a second hand one, I would certainly recommend it.

Agree with getting reconditioned Bernina, they are fantastic, made from granite apparently, and no bits and pieces ever fall off unlike the newer Berninas.

We have Berninas in my school from the 60's and they are still going strong today, after endless mindless vandalism, wrecking and shaking by school kids.

Don't have computerised buttonholes though...