2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[docsquid]

I would like to get a new sewing machine. I'm sad to see my old one go as it was my 21st birthday present from my Dad (who died a few weeks later). BUT...it is old, heavy and difficult to use, and I can't lift it out of the cupboard on my own. It is fearsomely complicated to wind the bobbins too!

 

I'm not seriously into sewing, but would like to be able to stitch some things, alter clothes to fit. I'd also like to be able to do things like making door-stops and lavender bags and cushion-covers and maybe a bit of quilting.

 

It should be lightweight, easy to lift and store, not too fussy winding the bobbins, and do basic stitch plus zig-zag, buttonholes and blind hems if poss. Doesn't need to do overlocking or anything fancy. Not too fussed by the price - just want a good, sound, reliable, lightweight sewing machine.

[bigmommasally]

I've got a Husqvarna Sapphire 830 and I'm very happy with it.

 

http://www.husqvarnastudio.co.uk/Sapphire.html

 

Its not really light to lift but I was warned against getting one too light as they can sometimes travel when you're sewing.

 

If money had been no object I probably would have gone for a Bernina. I test drove a Janome, Bernina and Husqvarna at the NEC quilting exhibition and I really liked the Bernina but it was out of my price range for all the features that I wanted.

 

Have fun choosing, test drive as many as possible.

[Mrs Webmuppet]

I've just bought a Janome 720 jem Platinum and it's really simple to use and fairly light ( weight is a consideration for me too - I have to use the dinner table for sewing on so I have to shift the machine at meal times!)

 

http://www.sewcreative.co.uk/janome.htm

 

I can recommend Sew Creative the lady there is really lovely and helpful

[Egzandra]

I have a Husqvarna too, but an earlier model (Platinum 830) that I bought about 5 years ago and I love the Husqvarna. When I went to buy a new machine I asked for a Bernina and the salesman suggested Husqvarna as a less expensive alternative.

 

What I especially like is the fact that you can wind a bobbin from the needle thread as well as in the usual way.

 

When I had my Singer Treadle overhauled yesterday (by the same man, incidentally) we were talking about the cheaper machines on the market and he implied that they could be false economy as they are in sealed units, so impossible for anyone to get in to mend them if they go wrong, so they end up being thrown away. So maybe ease of maintenance should be a question you ask when you go shopping for a machine.

[docsquid]

I haven't taken the plunge yet, but have found Janome Jem Gold Stitch & Trim that seems just the thing - light, easy to use, and does overlocking as well, if you need it!

 

I am planning to make lavender bags and so forth later in the year, so this might be ideal as it will finish the seams for me as I sew them.

 

Anybody got one of these? The deal on this looks fantastic.

[Shirl]

I bought this one http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/SMD18_info.htm which was recommended on here. It is a fantastic machine. You can buy a seperate quilting foot. Very easy to wind a bobbin, lightweight lots of features for a cheap machine but does come with lots of bits you probably don't need.

[BarbaraJ]

I bought this one http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/SMD18_info.htm which was recommended on here. It is a fantastic machine. You can buy a seperate quilting foot. Very easy to wind a bobbin, lightweight lots of features for a cheap machine but does come with lots of bits you probably don't need.

 

I have this too and can recommend it for what you want it for

[Mrs Webmuppet]

I have a Janome Gem Platinum ( the next one up in the scale?) It's very quite and easy to use. The only problem I have come across is that the spindle that holds the reel of thread only hangs on a little hooky thing. The spindle falls off when you try and move the machine.Having seen the picture of the Gold it has the same spindle arrangment.

 

My machine came with a quilting kit (all the feet and an extension table) which makes patchworking much easier ( I can recommend the quarter inch foot)

[docsquid]

Thank you. I decided on the Jem Gold anyway. It is arriving on Monday! I can't wait!

[Plum]

I bought this one http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/SMD18_info.htm which was recommended on here. It is a fantastic machine. You can buy a seperate quilting foot. Very easy to wind a bobbin, lightweight lots of features for a cheap machine but does come with lots of bits you probably don't need.

 

I have one of these, which quilting foot do you use? I can't see it on the site.

 

The Gem looks a good little machine

[Shirl]

I don't use one but checked I could get one for it.

[Plum]

Thanks, I'll just need to ring them then.

[docsquid]

The little Jem Gold arrived today and it is absolutely fantastic. So light, I can lift it onto the table myself, and it seems very easy and intuitive to use.

 

Just need to get some fabric to play around with now - the local shops were useless so I'll be buying some patchwork fabrics online to have a play with. I don't want to do quilting, just make cushion covers and little lavender bags.

 

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction!