Sewing machine

[Lmccrean]

Im thinking about getting one for my birthday, as Ive been thinking about it for last 2 years and been using my mums 60 odd year old singer (stright stitch one with the foot pedal and wee wheel on side!) a lot the last few months.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? Will prob get a second hand one. It wont be used every day, for a business or anything, but I do want to sew some clothes, cloth nappies, and soft furnishings.

What should I look for? Any brands in particular? Any I should avoid?

I got an inexpensive Elna which has been great, very easy to learn to use. I got my from John Lewis during the sales.

Go into a big department store and get them to do some demos for you and let you use a few.

I use a sewing mahcine I was given by MIL when she was clearing out - thought it was a bit old-fashioned (shuttle bobbin etc), did some research and discovered was made in 1864. Still sews though...

If I were planning to replace it, I'd go to a local sewing shop near me, which is brilliant - one of those ones staffed entirely by expert old ladies. Agree somewhere with knowledgeable staff where you can test the machines is a good idea - John Lewis sounds a good bet, but if you happen to be in deepest Oxfordshire, try Masons on 01235 520165.

If you want a robust machine that will sew curtains etc you should go to a specialist shop and buy a second hand for around £250 (sorry can't remember the best makes as I've got an ancient Singer). But if it is just clothes, cushion covers etc. you can get away with a cheaper model. John Lewis own brand start at about £100. Go for a machine that looks more robust than one that offers hundreds of different stitches etc.

Thanks for all the advice ladies :) Sorry I havent checked back sooner - busy week!

Unfortunately, I live in N. Ireland and we arent good enough for John Lewis yet :( will have to find some sewing shops that sell then round here - my usual ones dont do them...and I doubt debenhams do them!

mine's very very easy to use. in particular, it has a guide for threading and you basically just drop the bobbin in. Its a Brother...can dig it out and find out the make, if you want?

good on you for sewing cloth nappies there! You might have to check the machine can cope with thicker fabrics, though.

Fillyjonk, that would be very helpful! Would yours cope wth heavier fabrics?

well i don't know because I know naff all about sewing machines...but its a xl-5032, have just looked (its on top of a wardrobe ).

I think it could manage terry fabric. I think.

Should I bother with serger? As far as I can see, it costs more, but just wondering if it was worth it? As I sais b4, all my sewing so far has been on the most basoc of basic machines and Ive managed fine, but if Im gonna spend the money on it, I might as well get something decent!

I love my Bernina, it's amazing, and I did have both an Elna and a Janome, and didn't get on with either one personally. The Bernina sews through even leather, and is very robust and easy to use. I don't know if they are still being made though?

A Singer (my mother has a beautiful ornate industrial one) or Brother . I've got an Elna from John Lewis and it's good for fancy stitches, but not so good for heavier thigns like denim.

found their website :) thanks