HELP novice needs advice on a sewing machiene!!

[sushistar]

HELP! I need some advice from someone who knows their sewing machienes...
I DESPERATLY want one, I want to become more self sufficient ;0) and also make pressies for people, toys and clothes for DS, curtains, hems - just basic stuff.

So - I want something easy to operate, not too fancy, that can cope with curtain hems and denim. I don't have much money to spend, so it'll probably be a 2nd hand ebay purchase. What makes and models should I look out for? What should I avoid?

Any advice VERY MUCH appreciated!

I have a Brother and it suits me fine. But I know that lots of people don't like them

Thanks dizzy... anyone else out there?

I adore my Bernina - It wasnt cheap even though its a really basic model. I went for quality rather than loads of fancy features

I think you probably need to spend about £100 for a reasonable new one

I have a bernina, I have just given up on the one I got for my 18th birthday (21 years ago), I absolutely love my new one, brilliant for everything.
This is my new one, the old one is an old version. Where do you live? Tou can have the old one if you like, but it needs a proper service, I was quoted about £60, as it isn't working properly at the moment.

I have a Bernina too - much better than the Janome that died on me

bernina... right... off to scour the web!
Minky, thanks for the offer - where do you live? (i'm guessinbg it's way too heavy to post!!)

Thanks for the great link minky - though great selection of machines but not mine for some reason!!!

I feel that "I NEED" a Horn sewing cabinet AND a maderia set of threads

Berninas are the best. I teach textiles and these are the only ones which stand up to repeated hammer from brutal kids.

I would advise a second hand metal one rather than a new plastic one, as they are built like brick houses and work for ever and ever.

far too heavy to post, I'm in London, but have family in the north so could be handy, what about you?

ohhh, i'm in london too! East.

When you said i could have the old one... did you mean it? Really?

yes, of course, we'll have to work out how I can get it to you. It really isn't working properly at the moment, it occasionally does zig zag, and I have given it a serious hard time over the years, but you could take it somewhere and get a quote for having it fixed up before comitting to getting it done. I'll have a sew with it before giving it to you so I cn give you a list of everything that's wrong with it. I'd be delighted if you'd have it, it's in the loft atm, gathering dust. If you decide it sounds like too much trouble, then please don't feel bad, I won't mind. I'm North London.

yes, of course, we'll have to work out how I can get it to you. It really isn't working properly at the moment, it occasionally does zig zag, and I have given it a serious hard time over the years, but you could take it somewhere and get a quote for having it fixed up before comitting to getting it done. I'll have a sew with it before giving it to you so I cn give you a list of everything that's wrong with it. I'd be delighted if you'd have it, it's in the loft atm, gathering dust. If you decide it sounds like too much trouble, then please don't feel bad, I won't mind. I'm North London.

iirc though, it is ok on straight stitch, so not completely knackered!!!

well, straight stitch would do me to start with, and i could get a quote on getting it repaired...
Do you know what model it is? Then i could call a couple of shops to find out how easy they are to mend.

Now i guess i'll have to collect it by car, so where in north london are you? (roughly?) Or if you don't want to post it email me - ruthiewall at yahoo dot co dot uk. Ohh, how exciting!!!!!

Thankyou so much!

I've emailed you.

Hi have you got your machine yet as I know a local guy who will come to your house and service it for if you are interested!

Yes Ihave the macine minnehoma - who is this guy??