Sewing machine for beginner?

[Startingagainandagain]

I have done a basic sewing course and I want to get my first sewing machine to things like mending/altering clothes and making curtains, cushions and fabric bags.

I am looking at this type of machine from John Lewis which seems to have glowing reviews.
https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-jl110-sewing-machine-yellow/p4007444

Would people recommend this? or have any advice on other types?

I want something basic that is straight forward to use and not too heavy so I can move it around if needed.

Also what additional supplies do I need to go with my first machine?

I’ve had that machine for 12 years and it’s a real trooper. Straightforward, robust, reliable. It can handle most fabrics lighter than a heavy denim and is very easy to use.

They are manufactured by Janome (an excellent make) and just branded with JL - should you want any accessories, Janome ones are what you want.

I have mine serviced occasionally and the mechanic speaks very highly of them as well. He says they are a great value all purpose sewing machine, very reliable.

An alternative is to look for a second hand machine.
They tend to go pretty cheaply, however a service costs around £35-£55 pounds. It is always wise to service a new-to-you second hand machine to clean the engine out and make sure it’s working well. So do figure that into your budget.

Additional supplies - a measuring tape, pins, a water soluble pen (or tailors chalk), a couple of spare needles and bobbins and sharp scissors or a rotary cutter (or both).

Have fun!

This is a good choice as it’s manufactured by Janome. You want to steer clear of the very cheap ones (well under £100) as they will be crap and frustrating and put you off. I’ve got a fairly basic janome which I got as a beginner and it’s lasted 11 years so far though admittedly isn’t used much now.

enjoy!

Definitely a good buy, I think the JL are very reliable as made by Janome, and a good price.

Snips and a seam ripper also come in handy! Good fabric scissors, don't let anyone else use them. A big cupboard for all the fabric you will buy. A cutting mat is useful too, as large as you can afford.

There's a seam ripper included in the JL machine, tucked in that little removable bit in the front, along with spare needles and bobbins. I'd totally forgotten about that because I took that bit off on the first day and haven't looked at it since so that reduces the things OP needs to start as well!

@LenaLamont I've just bought three new seam rippers as I can never find the buggers! I always forget about the tray thing too. Needles is the other thing. Get good ones, also decent thread. My machine likes Gutterman. Then of course you'll need an overlocker and quite possibly a coverstitch. It is endless. I refer you back to the cupboard in my pp.

Thank you so much everyone!

I feel reassured that this is a good buy so will order this model :)