Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[stehaggan]

I am thinking of buying a sewing machine in the next few weeks as I want to try some projects - making cushions/bags/stockings etc.

 

I haven't used one since GSCE art so won't be wanting one too complicated and not too £££.

 

I just wondered if anyone had any suggestions or ideas of what I should be looking for and brands etc.

[Angie]

Now do be careful, don't buy something on offer before you think about what you want from a machine.

List everything you want in a machine, Easy to set up and thread, top loading bobbin, automatic bobbin rewinding ,straight sewing, hem foot, zip foot, embroidery ? free arm sewing, darning, automatic one step button hole. The type of 'Fancy ' stitches it can do . Do you want a computorised machine or a straight forward machine.

Make a list of what it has to do for you and go and talk to your local dealer he/she will let you try before you buy.

We have a nice man that for a small deposit lets you take a machine home to try before buying, he even teaches you how to use it and does sewing classes.

Do you need a walking foot with a quater inch seam for quilting ? these things need thinking about or you'll be disappointed with the machine. I bought both my girls a Brother machine that quilts when they got married and they have not been diappointed with them and use them frequently . My machine is an Elna quilter with free arm embroidery and quilting.

Take time to look around and try all you can.

[yvonne]

If you are near a John Lewis, they are great. They gave me very good advice, recommended one cheaper than I was looking at and have a good own brand range. I bought an Elna which I had not heard of before which I use for home furnishing projects and would recommend- it copes well with thick fabrics and does not have some of the fancy stitches which I don't need (only thing I would change is one easier to thread now my eyesight is getting worse).

[miffy]

I recently purchased a machine (Janome 603). I have only had it a few weeks, and am VERY pleased with it so far. I have played with the few fancy stitches for fun....not sure how I would ever really use them. I wanted to learn to make quilts and this came with "free" quilting pack.

I would agree that its a good idea to sit down and be realistic about what you will want the machine to able to do, its very easy when you are in the shop to get carried away with all the extra things more expensive models do. Chat to your local shop who will be able to give you advice and guidance. Have a budget in mind....I saw a woman last weekend trying a £1700 machine in our local shop...... if you google sewing studio.....their web site is quite informative, they give opinions on some of the machines and makes.

Perhaps if I tell you what I knew I wanted from a machine it would help???

needle threader

zip foot

1 step buttonholes

blind hem foot

1/4 inch foot for quilting

drop dog feed for quilting

a couple of fancy stitches

 

Happy hunting, do let us know how you get on.

 

this was my wish list, although I didn't expect to get a new machine unless we had a lottery win. OH treated me

[Olly]

I have just been given for my birthday a John Lewis brand £99 machine, only mine is pink which has now been discontinued. I went into my local John Lewis, and as said, they give very helpful advice. I used to sew a lot in my teens, indeed I made a lot of my own clothes then, but I had only ever used my grandmother's hand-operated machine which is now over 100 years old.

 

I got this machine last week after hinting very heavily to my friends, and it's been brilliant - easy to use, and it will do most things you would want for e.g. crafting, quilting, etc. If you want computerised stitches, memory, etc. then you are looking at a lot more money - for a 'starter' machine I think this is excellent value for money.

[stehaggan]

Thanks for all the info... I am definitely going to have a mooch around the shops this weekend and test a few.

 

I had looked at the John Lewis brand ones as I saw them in one of my magazines .. I like the price of them lol I will have to go and test one now I think!