Please help me choose a sewing machine

[SoMuchFluff]

I can't choose between the Singer Confidence 7465 (£190 in Costco) or the John Lewis £99 one which is made by Janome. I can't go any higher price wise.

I haven't sewed since GCSE and I'm now 35. In my head once I get my machine I'll be making all the kids clothes, little bags for my DD, cardigans, everything, but I appreciate that may not be the reality.

I don't want to waste my money on the Singer one because I've heard that the brand isn't great but that's the one I want because it's electric and fancy. I don't want to need to upgrade from the John Lewis machine in 6 months to get the extra functions of the Singer. Please help, I think I may go crazy if I Google sewing machines for much longer. The Singer has some lovely decorative stitches which I'm convinced I'll use but when it comes to it I might have no talent and struggle making a pillow case.

Anyone got any advice? Have you used either machine? DH thinks both will be a waste of money because we have two kids and no spare time but I really want to sew

Sorry. There were paragraphs when I wrote it.

I would suggest starting with the cheaper machine if it has a reasonable range of features (don't know either of them but have heard the John Lewis machines are reasonable) the features I have found most useful are a one step buttonhole, the ability to sew on buttons without too much faff and decent width markings (though you can do this yourself with Washi tape). Decorative stitches are nice but in reality I use a straight or zigzag stitch most of the time.

I would also suggest joining some of the facebook sewing groups, lots of helpful advice and support. The Fold Line is good for adult dressmaking but there are others for children's clothes I think.

I don't have the exact model John Lewis has (mine is an old machine - about 15 years old) but I do have a basic Janome and it's fantastic. I think they are reliable machines and I haven't felt I've lost out on anything by not having extra decorative stitches etc. It does have a setting for buttonholes and I've bought a couple of extras for it (a walking foot and a zipper foot) so it does most sewing that I need it to do. I did buy an overlocker as another "extra" a few years ago - also Janome. I don't think modern Singers are as well-thought-of as the older models. I'd go with the Janome, also if it's a basic model there's less to go wrong...

I would go for the Singer due to the ease of having it serviced, and they last forever, but it is a bit pricey. I haven't had good experiences with the basic John Lewis machine owned by a friend and much prefer my Brother machine (about 70 quid from Argos, which often has some very good deals on them plus the excellent insurance scheme). I never bother with decorative stitches and haven't missed them.

If it helps, I have the same background (similar age and qualifications) and I have a toddler - I have managed to make quite a bit. The trick is to stick to achievable stuff, aka small dresses, skirts and shorts, with no pockets, are super easy. Also you need to have all your stuff ready to go and then do after bedtime or while kids are out of the house. Returning to sewing I suggest going to a class if you can possibly get one, or finding an online course so you can achieve something straight away. I think Sew over It, Tilly and the Buttons, and By Hand London do them.

I would probably go with the Brother LS14S, has the same features as both of the others, but I prefer Brother machines.

@craftywoman Snap! Love my LS14

Thanks for all of the tips and comments. I'm going to look into the machines suggested And thanks to the poster who gave me some reassurance that it may not be a silly idea to think I can get back into sewing after 20 years and two children!

I’ve got lots of fancy sewing machines but my favourite that I always come back to is my ‘new home’ by Janome. I bought it about twenty years ago when I was at university and it is still going strong. I love the strong, basic machines without all the fancy stitches and automatic threaders etc.