Which Sewing machine for a beginner?

[ItStillLooksLikeRainDear]

I've decided I'd like a sewing machine for Christmas as I've been making a few bits by hand.

I've no experience in using a sewing machine for about 20 odd years so don't want anything complicated, expensive or huge.

Any advice please?

Watching with interest, as also wanting to buy a machine and don't know where to start

Janome do the full range, including nice basic ones at sensible prices. I joined a sewing group last year and my Janome was the best, simple and smooth.
If you can, go to a John Lewis and ask for advice. They can demonstrate their ranges.

Ooh thank you sapat will pop into JL and ask.

Janome - I'm no expert but find mine quite simple to use. They used Janome on the Great Sewing Bee so assume they must be fairly good?

I have a Bernina which is not what you want as a beginner but I bought an overlocker from this place:

www.sewingmachines.co.uk/index.htm

Next day delivery, five year warranty, carry bag, threads, seems like a good retailer. You can ring the guy up for advice, both machine recommendation and afterwards and he is fairly sensible. Told me not to waste my money on a higher spec thing given the fact that I didn't know if I would use it much.

I would probably go for a basic Janome or Husqvarna depending on budget.

Thanks for the replies. I will check out that website lavendersun.

I too have a Janome and they make the John Lewis branded ones too. Mine isn't the most basic, but the instructions are excellent - I'd recommend them too.

Looks like the janome is popular then. Thanks.