eeyoreshunny Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 I want to buy a small sewing machine and have been looking at this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Janome-Mini-Lightweight-Sewing-Machine/dp/B001NMQ3QY/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2 but I have no idea at all about sewing machines, could someone have a look for me and let me know if it's worth buying or not thanks Steph x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 I spent a lot of time researching new sewing machines when mine gave up. The one you are looking at sews ok but has it's limitations. Because it is lightweight it won't sew heavy fabris very well like denim or any quilting batting. It would be fine for lightweight fabrics like cottons. It depends on what you want to use it for really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 tescos have a mini sewing machine on special offer at the moment, it's definately under £30.00 not sure of the make or anything and I just whizzed by it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 Janomes usually have a good reputation. I gather this one is used when quilters go travelling because of its size - not for quilting, but for piecing the patches. It will be the basic one and very much as AJuff says. But on the Janome website I can't find it on there which probably means that it is either old stock or one off type. I know my Formula One Janome is almost out of date, as there are much more improved versions after only 3 years! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eeyoreshunny Posted June 10, 2009 Author Share Posted June 10, 2009 thanks for your replies I see what you mean about it not being any good for heavier fabrics, so i've changed my mind and have been looking at this one http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/brotherxl2230AG_info.htm I mainly want to try and make some dresses and skirts for my girls and try some patchwork (oh and maybe make some curtains) would this one be suitable for those sort of things? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 thanks for your replies I see what you mean about it not being any good for heavier fabrics, so i've changed my mind and have been looking at this one http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/brotherxl2230AG_info.htm I mainly want to try and make some dresses and skirts for my girls and try some patchwork (oh and maybe make some curtains) would this one be suitable for those sort of things? thanks To be very honest - I have not been impressed with the cheaper Brothers. They are very lightweight, not coping well with heavier fabrics, and because they are very lightweight they tend to drift across the table as you sew The model you are looking at is very basic. Have a look at this one: http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/SMD18_info.htm It is from the same company (I've bought machines from them and their after sales service is brilliant), and it also has a two year guarentee (same as the brother). I would be tempted to try it, mainly because: It does a one step buttonhole instead of a 4 step (a brilliant feature if doing a lot of buttonholes, such as in dressmaking) Needlethreader!! (a wonderful invention!) It is heavier (less table drift) Easier bobbin winder More stitch selection - in dressmaking some of those overlocking and satin stitches will come in useful. Quick release footholder - easy to change the presser foot, for example to add the buttonhole foot, (actually I think the Brother might have this too, but it doesn't say ) Easier to control the speed from the foot pedal - I found the brother quite vicious! It was either stop or full speed ahead! The only downside that I can see to this model is that it is a front loading bobbin rather than the slightly easier top loading bobbin. Just a few thoughts - sorry if I've confused you further, but if I were going for an entry level machine again, I would definitely try this one (I REALLY didn't like the Brother - it was bought for my friend who really struggled to do patchwork on it, she sent it back and bought a higher spec model second hand) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 I totally agree with Snowy. I haven't been impressed with my old Brother machine. I decided when it packed up I wouldn't bother to repair it. It's like anything, you pay for what you get. Better to pay a bit more for a higher spec than regret it later like I did. You can' t go wrong with a Janome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Anyone tried the SMD make that Snowy recommends? My OH has offered to get me a lighter weight machine for workshops and class. Mine is over 10Kg and feels twice that by the time I've carried it up and down stairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Anyone tried the SMD make that Snowy recommends? My OH has offered to get me a lighter weight machine for workshops and class. Mine is over 10Kg and feels twice that by the time I've carried it up and down stairs. That SMD one looks like it's their own model - might be worth giving them a ring, they are very helpful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Thanks Snowy it looks good value, built in needlethreader, you can drop the feeddogs and adjust the presser foot among other features. I'll give them a ring Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 I was just reading on another forum that most of these machines are made in the same place as say, the Janomes. Would love to hear what you find out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 Dunelm have their own branded little one in at the moment. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Have a look at this one: http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/SMD18_info.htm It is from the same company (I've bought machines from them and their after sales service is brilliant), and it also has a two year guarentee (same as the brother). I would be tempted to try it, mainly because: It does a one step buttonhole instead of a 4 step (a brilliant feature if doing a lot of buttonholes, such as in dressmaking) Needlethreader!! (a wonderful invention!) It is heavier (less table drift) Easier bobbin winder More stitch selection - in dressmaking some of those overlocking and satin stitches will come in useful. Quick release footholder - easy to change the presser foot, for example to add the buttonhole foot, (actually I think the Brother might have this too, but it doesn't say ) Easier to control the speed from the foot pedal - I found the brother quite vicious! It was either stop or full speed ahead! The only downside that I can see to this model is that it is a front loading bobbin rather than the slightly easier top loading bobbin. Well guess what, I have this machine now as a second machine, Thanks OH . It was only £89 and has lots of features I find useful like drops feeddogs, variable presser foot pressure, needle threader, variable stitch width and length, and weighs a lot less than my Bernina so good for taking to workshops and our quilt group. It doesn't have a walking foot so can't quilt but don't need to in those situations and you can't get everything for so little money. Its actually a Frister Rossman machine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Wow, well done Plum! Glad to hear it's a good one - Frister & Rossman eh?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
