Xmas pressie for Mrs Nick, budget up to about £300, might get used to make tarps, quilts, frame bags, dresses for little girls, fabric decorations and stuffed toys.
Any one get any suggestions?
MYOG Sewing Machine recommendations...
Moderators: Bearbonesnorm, Taylor, Chew
Re: MYOG Sewing Machine recommendations...
That's a pretty big budget for what you'll be using it for, for half that you can get a fairly good one brand new. Maybe have a look at second hand industrial ones, they'll last a life time and after sales tend to be easier to find in some cases.
For the projects you mention you'll only really need straight stitch and zig zag which are basic features of almost all machines (except some very dedicated industrial ones); if you go for one with embroidery functions then they tend to be made for sewing thinner fabrics, not so good for ballistic nylon and the like.
I've got a Singer from the 60s as most of the parts are metal (along with 4 other machines...) and there's some guy who has a website offering parts and service instructions for them but I guess you'll need a shiny new one or SWMBO will guess it's not really a present for her
For the projects you mention you'll only really need straight stitch and zig zag which are basic features of almost all machines (except some very dedicated industrial ones); if you go for one with embroidery functions then they tend to be made for sewing thinner fabrics, not so good for ballistic nylon and the like.
I've got a Singer from the 60s as most of the parts are metal (along with 4 other machines...) and there's some guy who has a website offering parts and service instructions for them but I guess you'll need a shiny new one or SWMBO will guess it's not really a present for her
Re: MYOG Sewing Machine recommendations...
Thanks for that. She's already got a machine, a Sewline 8 imported (not made) by Necchi sometime in the 60s I think, it's old heavy and jams a lot, it's been serviced locally but it's still not great.
So, while a good second hand machine could be an option, a new machine with a decent warrenty would be preferred.
She's in her first year as a Design & Technology teacher, at the moment she's making stuff (in prep for classes) on our daughter's pink John Lewis kids sewing machine as it's more reliable!
So, while a good second hand machine could be an option, a new machine with a decent warrenty would be preferred.
She's in her first year as a Design & Technology teacher, at the moment she's making stuff (in prep for classes) on our daughter's pink John Lewis kids sewing machine as it's more reliable!
Re: MYOG Sewing Machine recommendations...
That Lewis' machine sounds vaguely exciting! :D
Sounds like new is the way to go for you guys, good luck in your search and be prepared to get some funny looks from the ladies in the sewing shops, they normally look at me like I'm a pork pie at a bar mitzvah....
Sounds like new is the way to go for you guys, good luck in your search and be prepared to get some funny looks from the ladies in the sewing shops, they normally look at me like I'm a pork pie at a bar mitzvah....