Sewing Machine advice needed ASAP!?

[Illusio]

Posted same message on Etsy UK Forum:

Firstly, hello lovelies..

Secondly...HELLLPP!
My motherinalaw wants to buy my sisterinlaw a sewing machine for her birthday on the 12th, she wants one that she can use for dressmaking, machine embroidery, and that has a 'swing needle'. I said I would help her get one, fact is I have had my sewing machine ages, and its a solid 1930's Singer, which I wouldn't part with for Gold. So, where do I start. What should we be paying? what is the best brand/model? Where should we get one from?

Answers on a postcard please?
Lorrie
xxx

[Hopscotch]

Hi Lorrie,

1) Is your sister-in-law going to use it for free-machine embroidery, or does she want lots of "ready made"stitches? The more fancy the stitches, the more expensive it will be. Frankly, If the free-maching route is followed; you don't need oodles of fancy stitches; just a zig-zag, facility and lots of practice!

2)Does she intend to make a business out of the dressmaking side of things? If she does, it would be an idea to buy a more robust model from one of the well known companies. Remember, it will be in use most of the time.


3) Try out your short list of machines before buying! It is important to get a feel for the machine before you purchase. All brands have different qualities.
This is a matter of matching the machine to her needs and your price range - hope this has been of some use to you :)

[Illusio]

It is, but sadly we have little time, and the machine is meant as a surprise. My Mainlaw wants to buy it for her and her rather arthritic hands don't allow for practice, and I am miles away. All these questions I don't know if she can answer, though the idea is her daughterinlaw is going to make the dresses her grandaughter is going to design.

My feeling is that it's an idea that wont last beyond the warranty, but I don't think anyone will listen to me.

Thanks for your help love...
Lorrie
x

Hopscotch said:

Hi Lorrie,

1) Is your sister-in-law going to use it for free-machine embroidery, or does she want lots of "ready made"stitches? The more fancy the stitches, the more expensive it will be. Frankly, If the free-maching route is followed; you don't need oodles of fancy stitches; just a zig-zag, facility and lots of practice!

2)Does she intend to make a business out of the dressmaking side of things? If she does, it would be an idea to buy a more robust model from one of the well known companies. Remember, it will be in use most of the time.


3) Try out your short list of machines before buying! It is important to get a feel for the machine before you purchase. All brands have different qualities.
This is a matter of matching the machine to her needs and your price range - hope this has been of some use to you :)

[Claire Fairall]

oh my goodness, I wish I could be more help, but like you I've had my machine since the year dot and dread the idea of getting a new one!
I have used this firm often though for yarn and the staff are very helpfull when you phone them.

http://www.silverviscount.co.uk/

Claire

[Hopscotch]

Sorry Idon't have a quick answer for you, Lorrie, but best of luck!

Claire Fairall said:

oh my goodness, I wish I could be more help, but like you I've had my machine since the year dot and dread the idea of getting a new one!
I have used this firm often though for yarn and the staff are very helpfull when you phone them.

http://www.silverviscount.co.uk/

Claire

[Illusio]

Really I suppose I am just looking for a decent generic machine with a swing needle. Fact is, my motherinlaw as lovely as she is, wont listen and will just go out and buy something that ten to one wont be suitable, and that's what I am trying to avoid. An unenviable position for me..

[Victoria Peat]

In terms of domestic machines I have a basic Brother with a few stitches built in which has served me well for a good number of years and I have a Bernina Artista. This is my second Bernina as I upgraded from my last model. I love it and it is very reliable. It's quite a top end machine with excellent machine embroidery functionality

http://www.bernina.co.uk/artista630E640E.html

There is a good page on the Bernina site that compares the functionality of all of their machines

http://www.bernina.co.uk/smcomp.html

Good luck!