May I ask a question about sewing machines?

[snickersnack]

I've got some John Lewis vouchers and a burning desire for a sewing machine. Have been using my mother's ancient one for a couple of weeks but it's not terribly reliable (I'm assuming it's the machine rather than me, but who knows).

I am going to go along tomorrow to speak to an expert, but had a few questions:

How important/useful is a drop in bobbin? The one I've been using doesn't have one and it's ok

What, in practical terms, is the difference between a four step button hole process and a one step button hole? Is one step really 25% of the hassle of a four step?

Automatic tension - I saw a reference to this somewhere - what is this, do I need it?

I was looking at this one but then saw this one. Would the second one be any good for ordinary dressmaking? What if I wanted to make curtains? The idea of monogramming quite appeals, though realistically I'm not going to be doing a huge amount of that...

Oh, and one other question - a free arm. Essential, or no? The cheaper one says it has free hand darning - I assume that's different?

Sorry for all the questions - will have dd (4) with me tomorrow, so won't be able to browse for hours...

I would say that the first one is MUCH better. I don't know what the difference is in build quality, but any sewing machine without a free arm is a bit mickey mouse. You won't be able to shorten a pair of trousers or sew anything small properly. That would be the most important feature IMO.

I would say good solid performance in straight sewing, including stretch stitches and a mock overlock, is much more useful than embroidery unless you are starting a towel naming business

Drop in bobbin - doesn't make much difference you just get used to what you have.

Making a buttonhole isn't difficult whether automatic or not. I get on fine with my 4 step one.

Automatic tension is probably useful, will keep your sewing even, but not essential.

Free hand darning - I've never used this feature on mine.

I would definitely go for the Janome. Or if your budget is stretched, look at the [[http://www.johnlewis.com/230556760/Product.aspx Elna 2600). I've always had Elna's (from the era when they were Swiss made) but it's a very good brand. And spend a bit of money on a class or good sewing book.

You could also try going to an independent sewing machine shop, and you might get a better quality, second hand machine for your budget.

Oh crap link, sorry

Elna 2600

I have the 7025, it is great.

It is worth spending the extra £90 if you can afford it. You are likely to have the machine for years so worth making it as good as you can. I haven't had any probs at all with it and find it easy and very quick to thread and use.

I started on a basic Singer which I had for years and thought was fab until - I got one with a drop-in bobbin, automatic needle threader etc, then I realised what I'd been missing!

The second one would be fine for ordinary dressmaking but I guarantee you would find the process so much more enjoyable/less frustrating with the first.

The John Lewis sewing staff are really good and will talk you through the options and show you the features.

Hi

Free arm - is when the area around the needle plate (the bit that does the sewing) is a part of the body of the machine but there rest of the body around it can be removed.
This means that you can sew things like sleeves and cuffs or anything other narrow thing more easily. Even if you don't get into lots of dressmaking it will be usefull for hemming trousers for DCs

1 step verses 4 step - I have had my machine for 19 years, it is even more basic than the ones you are looking at, but I regularly wish for a 1 step button holer.
If you imagine a button hole as a top bar, right side bar, bottom bar, left side bar - the the 1 step does all these parts in one go, the 4 step means you have to stop and set it to the next stage.

From the look of it the JL125 is very good value. The extra money for the others is to pay for the embroidery stitches.
At this point you don't know if you will use them or not so really it is up to you if you want to spend the extra to get the extra stitches.

The other thing to look at is warranty and services. If you have a brand name machine - Janome / Elna / Singer then you will be able to get them serviced through different dealers rather than always having to go back to John Lewis.

Actually looking back at those links I would either choose the JL one or the Janome one. The Elna only has 2 more stiches than the JL one but is £70 more, may as well spend another £10 and get the Janome.

Thanks everyone, that's very helpful. I've got vouchers, and they will cover most of the cost of the more expensive one, so I think that's the one I'll probably go for. Am very excited - just trying to persuade dd to put her shoes on then we'll go out!

Hi Snickersnack

Did you get your machine?

There are loads of sewing related blogs and forums on the web, one that I hang out in alot is Stitchers Guild Everyone there is really friendly and there are rooms just for beginners and lots of great advice and support for whatever level you are.

Hope you have fun with your machine.

I did get it, thanks! I haven't had a single moment to unpack it yet, so it's still in its box, but am hopeful for tomorrow! I checked out that forum - endless opportunities for timewasting, I can see. But they do all look a bit experienced. I think I might need to progress beyond pinafore dresses before I move beyond lurking.

I went into JL today to get a sewing machine too, expected to pay around £100 and came out with one for £269!! All because I make lots of curtains and blinds and need one that can do heavier fabrics, apparently. It's so much better than my 20 year hand me down ones though, i'm still getting acquainted with it. I got this one. Have fun.

I'm so , Flutterbye!!!!

Enjoy!