Sewing machine

[Enfys]

I've just started sewing again after many years and started a small quilting project. Since returning from our holiday I have gone back to it but today my sewing machine stopped working. It is 50 years old so I'm not really surprised, it used to my be dear MIL's. DH has looked at it but we don't think it is worth getting fixed so am now looking at getting a new one, I just wondered if anybody sews and has any tips about replacing my machine. I don't want a really basic one but don't want to spend the earth either. Thanks ladies

[Plantaholic]

I bought a Janome recently, not used it much yet but I think I am going to like it. It has some patterns and a top loading bobbin. I did pay £350 for it. We have a very good fabric shop who repair sewing machines and sell new ones. They demonstrated it to me will sort me out when and if I have any problems. I think Janome are a good make.

[Shemadee]

I got mine from lidl and it cost about £50. Just as well as I hardly use it. Takes me so long to set it all up! Lots of info on repairing sewing machines if you google it! I was actually trying to remember the chant we learned at school for threading a sewing machine. Hook, disk, wire, stiff lever, moving lever and after that my mind is a blank!!

[Grauntie Mag]

I sew a lot and had a Frister Rossman for my 21st which was a really good machine, then a Singer which was good, then came a Bernina. I have just bought a new one, not ridiculously expensive but does everything I need. Do look at Bernina Enfys. If you live near London they do a free day's tuition which is very informative.

[Oma]

I have a Jones but i have had it years , i bought my DD one from Aldi for Christmas last year she loves it and uses it all the time , Its covered for 3 yrs too

[Daisy]

I'm no help, Enfys. I've got a sewing machine - a Singer. It wasn't expensive when I bought it about 30 years ago, but if it was an old car, it would just about be run in. Sewing isn't my forte.

I hope you find the right machine for you. It must be frustrating when you've just started quilting not to be able to get on with it.

[Enfys]

My old machine in a Bernina but I've been looking at Singers. Will have a look at Bernina's, I just assumed they would be very expensive.

[Gemini]

I can't sew, so can't help on this one Enfys!

[Clover]

When I rarely use my old machine and start getting frustrated with it I swear I'll get a new one. Then I think I don't really do enough sewing to justify one! Somewhat of a vicious circle!

[Qwerty]

I can't sew, so can't help on this one Enfys!

LOL me neither Gem is a foreign language they speak!

[Enfys]

Well, I've invested in a new Brother machine after researching on t'internet. It wasn't very expensive but has lots of features and the bobbin drops in the top instead of fiddling around on the side. Really happy with it and have spent the afternoon playing with all the different stitches and have finished my little quilt top .

[Daisy]

When I rarely use my old machine and start getting frustrated with it I swear I'll get a new one. Then I think I don't really do enough sewing to justify one! Somewhat of a vicious circle!

Clover - that's just how I feel about my old Singer. I really can't justify a new one, but then might I use it a bit more if it worked properly (which my current one doesn't).

Enfys - The bobbin mechanism sounds much easier than mine - which is underneath the foot plate (if that's the right name for it). Well done on getting your little quilt top finished on it. What's your next project?

[Nanto2girls]

I had a Jones machine. When I left school I went to work in a sewing factory, and my dad bought it off a lady he worked with. When we were first married, I did make some of my own clothes. I always made my own curtains as well. I got rid of it a couple of years ago,after it had been sitting in a cupboard unused for many years.

[Nana]

I have two sewing machines. An old Benina which I love & a Brother Anniversary. Why 2? No I'm not greedy. I use the Benina for 'free stitching' for craft projects. Just love the way it moves, solidity of it. The Brother has a self threading type mechanism, which I've never mastered. Has the top bobbin loader, which I like. The foot arm lifter (must be a name for it) is on the side as opposed to the back. This is the only feature I can't get on with. The number of times I've trapped my finger! Great machine though.

I hope you love your sewing machine Enfys & make lots of lovely things. Gives a great sense of achievement eh.😍

[Plantaholic]

I think the Benina is supposed to be the best.