If you were buying a sewing machine for a newbie to the craft; what would you get?

[Freya]

And why would you choose that particular machine.

Ive decided to bite the bullet and asked for a sewing machine for my birthday so I can try my hand at quilting and maybe making some clothes for the kids (or whatever takes my fancy )

Im happy to buy second hand but I have zero idea about good brands or models etc.

Ta!

[Salsa]

I would probably go with a Janome. I cant recall what their newest basic but good one is called, but it should retail for around $3 - 400 I think. You can get a good machine these days for a lot less than you used to.

I have a Janome Mystyle (I dont think they make these anymore but the new one Im refering to is the update of it). Its made my wedding dress, quilts and so on.
And when I was studying, the college brought the sewing class new machines, and got Janomes!
I think its

I only have needed mine serviced once in 11 years! (though it is due to go again )

Goodluck and happy sewing.

[lisaandshaun]

My husband bought one for me for my birthday, which is a brother one. the lady at the shop said that it is a very easy machine to use with basic functions and about 23 different stitching and easy button hole function.
I love this machine. highly suggest getting one and then get in touch with spot light to do a course to learn how to use it properly.

Have fun. I know i do

[AnyDream]

If you want to quilt, make sure you get one that you can stop with the needle DOWN. Quilting is a nightmare without it!

[*Beema*]

I'm an ELNA Fan
Got an Elna Sew fun for Christmas from all our families, Kepe an eye out on spotlight catalogues this month as there are always specials for Mothers Day!

[QueenMab]

Truly A, the basic models are all really much for the muchness - you'll find some peeps swear by Brother, others by Janome etc, but at the entry level, there isn't a whole lot of difference. I literally have the cheapest machine that Spotlight had quite a few years ago... a... erm... *whispers*toyota*cough*, and you know what? It's absoloutely fine. I even like it. Imagine.

The only thing I wish it had, in the bells & whisltes dept, is one-step buttonholes. I avoid buttonholes at all costs & think that would be so damn nifty!

Have fun machine shopping & good luck with the sewing... you'll be addicted soon enough....

[Visitor7]

I have an Elna Sew Fun as well (well it's MIL's, she has left it here for me to 'borrow' ). I haven't done a great deal with it, but what I have done, it works without any problems.