Sewing machine recommendation

[Hemlock2013]

Morning,

I was given a mini John Lewis sewing machine which has got me started on sewing.

I’m now capable of basic quilts, cushions, clothes and curtains.

My puppy has chewed through the pedal this morning rendering it useless halfway through taking up curtains! But I’ve been looking at getting another larger machine anyway.

For basic sewing and quilting (quilting is what I’m really getting into) what would be the best upgrade? I’ve no idea....

Have you a budget in mind?
I bought a new one just recently , and made a list of 'must haves' and a list of 'would likes' .
I checked Which as well - and I chose 3 different makes in my budget , and went and tried them out.

I think £200.

I just am so unsure of all the jargon...

One step button, I’ve googled that, I think that would be good. Auto tension, sounds good. Not entirely sure what would be good for quilting that I don’t know about yet and have just muddled along with the basics...

However saying all this, I definitely need something simple. The computerised ones scare the bejeezus out of me!

I think Janome would be worth looking at - you get a lot of bang for your buck, and came out well on the Which report . For quilting , look for one that you can stop the needle up or down - its quite a boon for when you want to swivel the material.

It is definitely worth going to see one - you can look all you like on the internet, but its not the same .

Ok, thanks bookbook... I did see the Janome that John Lewis do actually...

I got a computerised one ( and was a bit terrified too at first! ) , but one of the things I wanted to do was to want to get through thicker materials , denim etc so I bit the bullet , and I am happy I did

I looked at the Janomes in JL . What i did do, is narrow down which models I was interested in , then looked at reviews on the internet .

if you want a good quality machine, the Janome Excel Decor 5024 is hard to beat. Its a metal frame machine, sews really well and is suitable for heavy weight fabrics, has a 1 step button hole and you could quilt with it.