[abbettles]

I'm tossing up between a few machines to get. Im a beginner haven't done any sewing since high school but I'm wanting to get back into it. basically I'm just looking at sewing some stuff for the kids. A few dresses for DD and a play mat for DS. Anyway I just need some help deciding between the machines. Can anyone give any advice which are good, which to avoid. Firstly there's a Singer (2550 I think), an Elna elina 21 (MIL said an elna was the first machine she ever had and was pretty good), a Brother GS2520 or I can get a Janome for a bit more but can't remember the model. Will these machines be able to handle what I want. Would any of them be right with a minky material? I just want something simple that won't be too complicated for me. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

This post has been edited by abbettles: 05/05/2012, 09:38 AM

[ednaboo]

I have an elna and it is great. If I was buying now I would get Janome, partly because they are great and partly becasue I have Janome overlocker as well. I wouldn't buy Singer - my mums Singer is a bit dodgy (though I am sure they aren't all dodgy). I know people here like Brothers also.

[Ermy]

I have always said when replying to these types of posts that you are better off going for a second hand pfaff or bernina machine.

However on the weekend I was at a friends house helping her sew curtains and I used her cheap little brother machine and it seriously went like the clappers. It was a great little machine. Great for beginner sewing. It was a base model I think, with a three step button hole.

[new*to*this]

I have a Janome and I love it. I'm a beginner but went for an electronic model that did a bit more than I needed it to do so I don't have to upgrade when I become more advanced. I know Janome also regularly have offers on and being Mother's Day soon they should be doing some deals.

[vitaechel]

I got a Janome DC3018 Decor about 6 years ago when I was just relearning to sew. It is advanced enough, so that as I have improved it has done what I needed. It is also computerised which is soooo much easier. I have found it to be super reliable and easy to use. My mum has a Janome that she has had as long as I can remember. They last well. It has 18 stitches incl 3 button hole types, which is more than enough when you are starting out. TBH I would only use about 4 or 5 of those regularly.
They have new Decor models now, but essentially similar base model computerised.

[abbettles]

Thanks for the replies, I ended up going with the Brother, mainly because I could get my hands on it straight away. If I got the janome I would have ordered online then had to wait and I'm too impatient for that. But it's been great, so easy to use!