Minty_76 Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 Im having a dilemma regarding which sewing machine to invest in. I have a 47 year old Jones from my Mum but it doesn't have a free arm and I'm wanting a little bit more from a machine now. I make lots of handbags and home furnishings so I would need something that can handle bulky layers. Can anyone help me? I don't really want to spend anymore than £300 at a push. I have looked at both Husqvarna and Janome as good brands but thats it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 As I recently bought a new sewing machine I thought I would recommend. I very almost bought one made by Silver. It was on Ideal world & if it had been in stock, I think that would have been the one. I decided on a Toyota Quilt master. It is fab & not just for quilting. It came with an extension table & lots of different feet. It is a dream to sew with and only cost me about £170. Does everything I'd ever want. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 I have a Janome 720 Platinum with the additional quilting pack and its easy to use ( Little Miss Webmuppet uses it with ease - the design means she can't get a needle stuck in her finger) and her friend who had never used a sewing machine before got the hang of it in no time. it does a selection of fancy stitches and even does button holes - I've not tried this just yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 Both good makes. My tip would be to check out the features and try them out to get a feel. I would look for needle threader Be able to drop feed dogs ok for a walking foot or even better one included. dials that are easy to read and adjust. Local dealer so if any problems its easy to get fixed. Sews a good straight line and stitch looks good and you like the sound of the machine. Why not take some bulky fabrics with you to a shop and try them. See which one goes over thick seams the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 I too would recommend going to a specialist machine shop and trying them out. MY ED did this a few years ago and then bought online, which she instantly regretted because the machine was faulty and she had a lot of trouble getting it replaced. She had saved up for her machine and saving a few pounds seemed like a good idea, she bought an overlocker from a local sewing machine shop and has had great service and help with that. Can't really help as to brands, but so read as many online reviews as you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minty_76 Posted July 11, 2012 Author Share Posted July 11, 2012 Thanks all. I have been looking online at some Janome ones on Sewing Machine Direct website and also at our local Husqvarna shop. Too much choice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egzandra Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 I have a seven year old Husqvarna Platinum and it works beautifully. Bought it from a local dealer who has since gone out of business. I also bought my daughter a Janome Mystyle LE from him, and that is a solid little machine, which works very well. Both makes are good: accessories may be cheaper from Janome but it might be worth supporting your friendly Husqvarna local dealer who'll be on hand if you get any teething problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 If you are sewing bags and bulky fabrics, you will need a decent, heavy machine. I also had an old Jones which cut through thick fabrics like butter! I replaced it with a Brother, not the cheapest, but it was so lightweight the fabric would drag it across the table! I ended up getting a Janome - but had to pay £500 to get one that was heavy enough to cope with what I wanted! Make sure it also has a powerful enough motor, the newer machines tend to be much better at lightweight sewing and don't seem to be designed with enough strength behind them to sew bags, canvas or jeans type things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minty_76 Posted July 13, 2012 Author Share Posted July 13, 2012 Well I went to the Husqvarna Shop and had a look at the Tribute machine and wasn't actually very impressed! It looked nice but I didn't feel excited about it to be honest. The shop lady, although pleasant just didn't really sell it to me! I am more or less decided on the SMD 3000 which is a Janome rebadged 8077 I believe from Sewing Machines Direct which Ive heard a lot of good things about. The fact it is cheaper but also it comes with free thread and for an extra £30 (which makes it still cheaper than the Husqvarna) you get a few other bits and bobs including a walking foot and a free motion embroidery foot which I would have to buy anyway. Thanks for all your helpful comments - its quite a big thing choosing a sewing machine to invest in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 I bought a machine from there and the thread in so many shades is so useful. Your choice sounds good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 I love my Janome for general sewing and quilting. I did think about upgrading but nothing else came close except very expensive machines. I like it so much I bought my sister in law the same machine for her 50th birthday. You won't be disappointed Happy sewing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
