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[jillybean]

Hello, I'm really new here and I'm just wondering if any of you would have any recommendations for my first sewing machine?! I don't really know where to start, my mum had a singer but I remember it always breaking..?! Hope you can point me in the right direction  x

[The Crafty Ninja]

I have a Janome. It cost about £160 I think and has quite a few different stitches on it. I'm not a constant sew-er but I know that it's more worth it to spend a bigger amount on a decent machine, than to go for a cheap model. I got mine from a local independednt shop as well and they told me all I needed to know and that if I have any problems with it, they will have a look for me too, very helpful!

[jillybean]

Thanks Nadia, I've had a look at Brother, Janome and Elna so far...maybe I need to go and look at them rather than trying to google info? Thanks for your reply x

[Adine]

I'm don't sew a lot but I have had a Janome for about 5 years without any problem, it runs well. I remember as a kid seeing my mother use her old singer, one that came with a whole desk and popped up.. amazing thing!

[Jo Lovejoy]

It all depends how much money you have to spend and what you are planning to use your machine for...I have a Bernina which was quite expensive at the time but was a great investment because I've had it for 12 years, I use it all the time and it is still working as good as new (touch wood lol)...if you are able to, try and visit a variety of sewing shops, they will usually give you a demonstration and let you try them out. Then you can see which type/make suits you and your pocket.

Jo xx

[emilyjw]

I have this one - http://www.tesco.com/direct/brother-js23-sewing-machine-white/100-2696.prd

I've had it for about 6 years and used it to make curtains, kids clothes, peg bags and other general bits and bobs. It doesn't do anything fancy but has worked well.

I think if I was looking for something now I would probably try and get something with more features and stitch options but if you're looking for basic sewing and starting then something like this wold work.

[jillybean]

Thanks folks, that's really helpful...I'll need to really think about what I need it to be able to do...just can't wait to get going, lol. Thanks again 

[jillybean]

Well...I went for it and got a prolectrix 10 stitch machine on ebay. Sew excited ha! Hope I can get my head around the instructions. I am nothing if not optimistic