Hi robfirestar,
What a thoughtful person you are! I hope my answer will help you make
an informed decision for your girlfriend?s gift!
I purchased my first sewing machine at the age of 12, with saved
babysitting money. It was a wonderful, used mauve colored Singer
machine, which in those days was made of metal. I was heartbroken to
learn, years later that a college friend, to whom I loaned the
machine, sold it for quick cash!
Over the years I have bought and used several brands of machines.
Before I start my answer, I?ll throw in my 2 cents: My personal
favorites are Elna and Brother. Since Singer started making all
plastic machines, I have not been pleased with their durability or
service. I have excluded Janome machines, because they are made by New
Home, and they used to have a reputation for poor quality in the US.
They seem quite popular in the UK, but I could find no reviews of
their performance.
A sewing machine?s features can be rather personal. (Don?t be
surprised if your girlfriend wants to exchange whichever model you
choose for one that she fancies!) Lots of fancy features are not
necessary, but will be appreciated. (Don?t we always get excited over
the extra cup holders, CD storage, extra speakers, etc. when buying a
car?) If the machine is to be used for dressmaking, the decorative
stitches are a plus. If not, a more basic machine will work fine.
Primarily, you want a sewing machine that is durable, and easy to use
and maintain. Sewing machines don?t take a lot of maintenance, but
they need to be brushed out and oiled a few times a year. Servicing
every two years, depending on use is a good thing to do. The
repairperson will check/replace belts, sharpen the cutters, check
alignment, etc.
You may get a better price online, but if you have time, visit the
store and have the salesperson demonstrate some of the models I have
recommended. You?ll want to check for noise, vibration, and a smooth
stitch, on both sides of the fabric. I?d prefer a sturdy, ?chunky?
machine. If the machine is to be used often, a nice cabinet would be a
plus. If the machine is to be stored in a closet much, or will move
from location to location, a case with a handle would be important.
Some machines come with a dust cover, and if not, are easy to find in
a fabric store. You girlfriend may want to stitch some up herself!
Check the store price, and then compare them to the online prices I
have given you.(Consider shipping, tax., etc.) Read the return policy
if you buy online.
One caution: When making the purchase, be sure NOT to buy a Serger
type machine, at least not as a first machine. While great, Serger
(overlock stitch) machines are not for conventional sewing. They are
used for sewing knits and finishing edges as you find in store bought
clothing. Later down the road, your girlfriend may want a Serger, but
you need a conventional machine first!
Features I would recommend having include:
--An automatic zig-zag feature. This allows one to finish edges, sew
easily on stretchy fabrics, and do blind hems. The automatic zig-zag
is almost standard today, and means you can switch from straight
stitching to zig-zag with the touch of a button. (Manual zig-zag may
require inserting a cam, or switching settings or feet.)
--Ability to make button holes. Even if this is a rarely used feature,
you will want it when you want it! A very handy feature. Make sure the
machine comes with a buttonhole foot! The better machines have a
one-step buttonholer, the lower end machines have a 4-step
buttonholer.
--A machine that is easy to lubricate and clean.
--Attachments that are easy to attach and remove without the need for
special tools or strong muscles.
--Low noise, low vibration
--Comes with several ?feet? . Mandatory feet are ?Flat? and ?Zipper?
. Good to have are ?Buttonhole? and ? rolled hem?. Nice but not
necessary to someone who doesn?t sew a great deal, ? Button? foot
(The sewing machine actually sews the button onto the garment),
?Gathering? and ?Ruffling? feet (For curtains, collars, ruffles).
--A machine with a free-arm . This makes short work of circular
items, such as sleeves and small articles of clothing.
--A feed plate (Where the fabric passes as it is stitched) with
measurement marks. This is very useful for keeping a straight seam.
--Lightweight enough to make transport easy, heavy enough to feel sturdy.
===============================================================
The Sewing with Tom web site echoes my feeling about Singer sewing
machines. Tom also recommends NOT buying a machine for someone else.
Of course, he did not know about asking someone at Google Answers for
advice! http://www.skepsis.com/~tfarrell/textiles/sewing/buying.html#what_machine
=============================================================
Some recommendations:
Brother PS31, £159.00. The snap on presser feet is a good feature, as
is the twin needles. Detractions are the 4-step buttonholer.
· 27 stitch functions
· Stitch width adjustment
· Stitch length control
· Needle position adjustment
· Four-step automatic buttonholer with stitch balance control
· Twin needle for two colour stitching
· One-step bobbin clutch switch for fast and easy bobbin winding
· Electronic no heat speed control
· Snap on presser feet
· Electronic foot control
· Main power switch
· Horizontal and vertical spool pins
· Forward and reverse sewing
· Adjustable thread tension control
· Drop feed lever
· Weight 7.2kg
http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/sewing-machines/brother-ps31.asp
Buy from John Lewis, online
http://www.johnlewis.com/stores/product.asp?sku=230131284&ad=4342&CK=true
Brother PX100NTC, £129.00
"Stitches include: blind hem, stretch and overlock.Variable stitch
width, lengt. Needle positioning for easier piping and zip insertion.
4-stage auto buttonholing. Sleeve arm/flatbed.Variable stitch width,
length. Needle positioning for easier piping and zip insertion.
4-stage auto buttonholing. Sleeve arm/flatbed. Accessory storage.
Carry handle. Built-in needle threader. High foot lift for thick
fabrics. Drop feed for freehand work. Universal tension system.
Improved speed control via electronic foot pedal." 10 year warranty
From the Brother site, more information:
http://www.brother.co.uk/dsm/px100_features.html
Or
Brother PX200NTC, £149.00
"ONE-STEP BUTTONHOLING Practical and decorative stitches, including:
blind hem, stretch and overlock. Variable stitch width, length and
needle positioning for easier piping and zip insertion. Sleeve
arm/flatbed. Accessory storage. Carry handle, built-in needle
threader. High foot lift for heavy fabrics. Drop feed for freehand
work. Universal tension system. Improved speed control via electronic
foot pedal. THE STRONGEST MACHINE IN ITS CLASS THE BEST ONE STEP
BUTTONHOLE AROUND,A REALLY STRONG MOTOR FOR THICK CURTAINS AND
DENIM.THE AUTO NEEDLE THREADER IS A GOOD ENOUGH REASON TO CHOOSE THIS
OVER ANY OTHER MODEL IN THIS PRICE RANGE." 10 year warranty
I would recommend this machine over the PX100NTC as the buttonholer is
one-step on the PX200NTC, whereby the PX100NTC is a four-step.
These can be bought online here:
http://www.sewingmachinediscount.co.uk/home/results.asp
From the Brother website, information on this
model:http://www.brother.co.uk/dsm/px200_features.html
On the Argos site you can purchase the next model up, a Brother
PX300NTC for 179 £.00 . This model has a few more bells and whistles:
"...more decorative stitches, a cloth cover, a toolkit, and twin
needle sewing (Can use two colors in decorative stitches. (My machine
does this, and I have made some nice decorative effects using 2
metallic threads) Stitches include shell tuck, elastic, stretch blind,
scallop, universal, bridging, rampart, triple stretch, triple zigzag
stretch, stretch overlock, elastic overlock, feather, arrowhead,
decorative, leaf, tree and legs stitch." Stitch patterns are
color-coded for ease of use.
Features include:
· Free arm facility.
· Adjustable stitch length and stitch width.
· Twin needle sewing.
· Built-in blind hem and stretch stitches.
· Thread cutter.
· Stitch pattern indicator.
· F.A.S.T. start bobbin.
· Manual tension control.
· Stitch balance control.
· Electronic speed control.
· Drop feed lever.
· Auto declutch bobbin winder.
· Measure on extension table.
· Complete with tool kit.
· Deluxe cloth cover.
· Includes quick start guide.
· Weight 8.2kg.
You can buy online here:
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=1001&productId=53922&Trail=C$catgroup_id_parent=8222%3EC$catgroup_id_parent=8223%3EFC$Brands=Brother&categoryId=8223
More from the Brother site on the PX300NTC
http://www.brother.co.uk/dsm/px300_features.html
See a picture, and request a brochure. Scroll down past the halfway
point of the page.
http://www.sewingworld.co.uk/newSew.asp
This QVCUK site has one Brother, in your price range, which you can buy online.
£153.84, Brother 32 Stitch 1 Step Buttonhole Sewing Machine Pluses:
A one-step buttonholer, twin-needle stitching.
"This sewing machine is ideal for beginners but also offers features
for more advanced sewers. With an electronic speed control, you can
enjoy 27 automatic stitches, five manual stitches and a one-step
buttonhole creator. Light and compact with a built-in handle, it comes
with a dust cover, accessory box and toolkit plus: buttonhole/sewing
feet, zipper/straight stitch feet, a large/small spool cap, a
three-piece needle set, twin needles, three bobbins, a darning plate,
a spool pin, a seam ripper, a cleaning brush and a screwdriver"
http://www.qvcuk.com/ukgasp/frameset.asp?aol_refer=false&dept=ukAAVAFH&ref=ESH
SewingMachinesDirect has a Brother PS-55 £189.00 Standard Accessories:
· Zig Zag foot
· Buttonhole foot
· Zipper foot
· Seam ripper
· Bobbins
· Needle set
· Twin needle
· Screwdriver
· Spool caps
· Extra spool pin
· Lint brush
Main Features:
· 27 Stitch selections
· Rotary top loading bobbin
· Variable stitch length
· Variable stitch width
· 1 Step auto sizing buttonhole
· Built in needle threader
· Drop feed facility
· Stretch stitches
· Satin stitches
· Free arm storage compartment
http://www.sewingmachinesdirect.co.uk/infobrops55.htm
This same machine is £199 at Jaycotts:
http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/acatalog/index.htm?http%3A//www.jaycotts.co.uk/acatalog/Brother_PS55.html&CatalogBody
You can see a picture and request a brochure of the PS-55 on this
site. Scroll down about halfway down the page. Click on the small blue
?I? for more info.
http://www.sewingworld.co.uk/newSew.asp
Physical locations (Brick and mortar) where you can purchase Brother
machines, with several stores in London.
http://www.brother.co.uk/dsm/where_to_buy.html
==============================================
Elna 2130 £199.00
Standard Accessories:
· Zig Zag foot
· Blind hem foot
· Buttonhole foot
· Satin stitch foot
· Zipper foot
· Bobbins (4)
· Needle set
· Screwdriver (L and S)
· Seam ripper
· Spool pin felt
Main Features:
· 23 Stitch selections
· Front loading bobbin
· Variable stitch length
· Variable stitch width
· 1 Step auto sizing buttonhole
· Drop feed facility
· Stretch stitches
· Satin stitches
· Free arm storage compartment
http://www.sewingmachinesdirect.co.uk/infoelna2130.htm
Jaycots has free delivery within the UK. They have two Elna models
that match your price range:
The Elna 2110 £179.00 (Including: VAT at 17.5%) Well built solid and
reliable. The 2110 is now one of our top sellers. Extreamly versatile
and very easy to use. Copes easilly with delicate or heavy fabrics.
Stitches include:- Four-step buttonhole: Straight: Zigzag: Three-step
zigzag: Stretch blind hem: Blind hem: Shell tuck: Box: PicotTriple
stretch: Smocking: Overcasting: Super stretch: Double overlock:
Feather.
http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/acatalog/index.htm?http%3A//www.jaycotts.co.uk/acatalog/Elna_Sewing_Machines.html&CatalogBody
and
The Elna 2130 £199.00 (Including: VAT at 17.5%) Versatile
automatic. One-step buttonholing. 22 practical and decorative stitches
including: straight, zigzag, stretch, blind hem, overlock and
decorative patterns. Variable stitch width and length, convenient
thread cutter, extra high foot lift with variable pressure - gives
better results on delicate and heavy fabrics. Twin needle facility.
Flat-bed sleeve-arm. Built-in carry handle. Sturdy construction.
http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/acatalog/index.htm?http%3A//www.jaycotts.co.uk/acatalog/Elna_Sewing_Machines.html&CatalogBody
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To summarize, robfirestar, if I were Helen,choosing a machine for
myself, I would select the Elna 2130, for £199.00 or the Brother
PX300NTC for £179. Either one fits your price range, seem sturdy
enough, and the machines have plenty of important features. The
decorative stitches, easy buttonholer and free arm are sure to delight
your girlfriend!
If you want to go the extra mile, purchase extra bobbins at the same
time, to ensure always having the proper size on hand. I like to have
about 10 always at the ready. Additional appreciated accessories would
be a pin cushion, extra appropriately sized machine needles, a nice
pair of shears, a seam ripper (If not included with the machine), and
a pack of ball-headed pins. You could tuck these in her Christmas
stocking, if you hang stockings!
I was unable to locate a comparable product in the UK, but if you go
to a shop to compare sewing machines, ask the salesperson about a
rotary cutter and mat (At least 24x36 inches), similar to those
pictured here:
http://www.fiskars.com/US/crafts/category.do?cat=7
My husband bought me this set about 10 years ago, and I wondered how I
sewed without it before!
I hope this helps you decide on a nice machine for your girlfriend! If
any part of my answer is unclear, asking for an Answer Clarification
before you rate my answer will allow me to clarify and research
further for you.
Happy Holidays! I have a feeling Helen will be pleasantly surprised!
Regards,
crabcakes-ga |
