Sewing machine?

[MummaSue]

Hey guys,

Just wondering where I can get a reasonably good sewing machine? And that isn't too expensive. I've wanted one for ages and have *some* spare time when DD is asleep and rather than sit surfing the net, I'd like to try my hand at sewing. I was really good at it in home economics at school.

Anyway, what is the best kind, where do I get them and how much does one cost roughly?

Thanks
Sue x

[Persephone1]

I wouldn't have a clue! But I'm subscribing!

FWIW, my Mum bought one in 1980 and it's now sitting in my cupboard waiting for me to teach myself how to use it. It's a Janome and weighs about 40kg. I think you can get one these days for $300 that probably weighs a lot less

[MummaSue]

Hehehe, thanks babe!! Have had a wee look online and have my eye on a Singer one. Good for beginners apparently.

Thanks babe xxxx

[LimeSlice]

I have a bernina bernette 92c. Love her to bits! Cost about $600 I think but it isn't the base model.
I have a bernina overlocker too and they are both easy to use and very good quality.
Steer clear of Brothers.
I got the Bernina because they were better than Janomes from the reviews I had heard and better value. But the janome and bernina were the only places I had near me to get parts, serviced etc. Something to consider when buying is the cost and ease of servicing and parts, advice and lessons on how to use it when you first get it.

Hth

[miss.cinders]

I just got my very first one last week!
After a massive amount of research over the past couple of years, the one I kept finding mentioned on all the Parenting forums was a Janome MS5027 Limited Edition (Pink Ribbon). It's nice and basic for a beginner, but it will grow with me

I got it through the Castle Hampers catalogue, so paid it off through the year

Good luck with it!

[ss_storm]

I have a Bernina, think it cost about $600 a couple of years ago and my mum & I went halves in it.

Ask your local sewing machine dealer, they sometimes get second hand machines that people trade in when buying a brand new machine, most of them have nothing wrong with them (or the dealer can probably fix them up for a small price). Rather than buying a brand new one at this stage, it might be better to get a cheapish 2nd hand one and upgrade later on?

[luna moth]

I have a bernina bernette 92c. Love her to bits! Cost about $600 I think but it isn't the base model.
I have a bernina overlocker too and they are both easy to use and very good quality.

Snap! Me too! I got my 92c from an awesome shop here in Brissy - they also run beginner classes to go with the machine if you're interested in that, and even though I got it 2 years ago, they still remember me and are really good for troubleshooting if I go in there with any hassles.