Purchasing a sewing machine - can anyone advise me?

[ja9]

I hate decisions like this! I saw a Singer one on Argos site for £115, but it seems to have very mixed reviews. Is a Brother machine better? There's one in argos for about £100.

I won't use it a lot - will just 'dabble' with it. Have made curtains, and dresses in past - so want it to be able to do blind stitch and zig zag. Want to spend no more than £150, but nearer £100 mark.

Any recommendations ladies?

TIA

this might be worth the gamble? the feedback is pretty good...

or this?

oh, i'm scared of makes i've not heard of...

I bought a Brother one from Argos about a year ago - just to dabble with really - and have not been disappointed. I spent about £100, and it came with a DVD which was actually quite useful - although I can read the instruction manual, seeing someone thread the thing, and make it sew really helped novice me! I've made a few soft toys, and am building up to more adventurous projects, but the Brother machines do seem very reliable, and simple to use!

I just bought a bernina, which is out of your price range, but whilst I was shopping the lady in the sewing shop said Brother have had the reputation of being unreliable, but have recently got much better, but for a basic machine on a budget janome is the way to go. HTH! My friend has one she picked up for less than £100, from John Lewis, and it's a great little runner!