best domestic sewing machine? (no I'm not talking evos!)
 

My wife wants sewing machine for her birthday - I know nothing about them, but would like to get something half decent that will be effective, reliable and last.

Any helpful pointers much appreciated,

thanks

Adrian


(edit typos)

I could do with an old second sewing machine for sewing skirt segments for my hovercaft, so if anyone has one going spare!

Quick google search - http://www.sewingmachinesdirect.co.uk/

Is Toyota not a good brand???

I noticed they have "Horn cabinets" - hmm, who said sewing was dull????

Bernina always used to be regarded quite highly, ditto Husqvarna and Brother and, as Brother are widely available are probably the easiest to get spares and repairs for. There's a make called Janome I've seen in John Lewis (who also sell their own branded machines) which seem to be popular too. I guess it's probably best to find a specialist shop and give them a ring. I haven't done any sewing for quite a long time so my knowledge is pretty out of date now.

Incidentally my mum has a newish Husqvarna and says it's the best sewing machine she's ever owned.

PS I'd get your wife to choose it! Birthday or not!

We knew nothing when my wife wanted one. What we did was get a catalogue (I think Argos, they're good for comparisons), and look at all the different options that the different models and brands came with. Then decided which options she would use, and which were just gimmicks. Then chose the machine with the appropriate options. She's quite happy (it's a Singer - not much choice in Portugal...).

Can't help you on brands or reliability I'm afraid.

Place a needle in her right hand, some thread in the left - bingo, one sewing machine :D

thanks - ended up getting a John Lewis own brand! made by Jenome apparently.