Mrs Webmuppet Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 Ok, tricky subject I know. As you know that well known outlet for dressing up / school play outfits (Woolworths) has closed down, so LMW said why don't I get a sewing machine and make the outfits for her . She has seen a cheap one in the Tesco's catalogue (£28) but I don't know how good it would be. We have two sewing machine shops in Ipswich which do 2nd hand machines. Would I be better getting a cheap 2nd hand machine or buying the one from Tescos? I can't afford anything more than £50 ( and it's not as if it's going to get a great deal of use, just knocking up outfits for school plays) I've never used an electric sewing machine.......my Gran had an old Singer manual one which I mucked around on when I was little ( it was made in 1905!). Words of wisdom from the crafty forumites please............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 I think that the amount you spend would be goverened by the amount of time you're going to use it and what sort of things you want to use it for. I was lucky enough to be given a (now very old) Singer machine my my late grandmother. It was one of the first electric ones (model 611G), and I look after it, servicing it regularly. It's probably over 40 years old and still going strong. I ahve no idea how much it would cost nowadays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunty e Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 That Tesco one is essentially the Janome mini, which I have for taking away with me so I don't have to travel with the enormous Brother. It's perfectly presentable and if you're not sewing through thick fabric, it will be fine. Otherwise, go for a second hand one - twenty year old sewing machines still work fine if regularly serviced. I have one which is 25 years old at home in the cupboard and it always works fine when I need it to, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted April 3, 2009 Author Share Posted April 3, 2009 I think I'll pop into one of the shops in Ipswich and see what they have in the way of 2nd hand machines. One of the shops is a short walk from work so I can nip round there in my lunch break and then I should be able to make a decision ( and then save up) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
