Sewing machine

[annavc]

Not sure this is the best section for this but I'm looking to buy a sewing machine and having never had one before I really don't know what to get. I want something compact and portable as I don't have space to have it set up all the time. It needs to be simple to use but I want it to have plenty of different stitching options etc. I know Singer are probably one of the best makes and there is one I've seen called the Singer 3815 which looks like the sort of thing I'm looking for. I've read some online reviews of it, all of which have been very good, but I'd really appreciate it if anyone who has one and who knows about these things could let me know you're views - on that model but also any recommendations for other models. My upper price limit would be about �200. Many thanks.

[smudge]

I've just posted an answer on the same thread on Home & Garden, reading:

Debenhams are very helpful with info on sewing machines anna.

[lady_p_gold]

The best sewing machines are Elna and Bernina. What people often do is think that because they are beginners they should buy a modestly priced machine and then they think their sewing is at fault when it is the machine. My Elna will sew over pins and bumps and never complain. John Lewis do a basic Elna for �169 www.johnlewis.co.uk but I suspect that will not be as good as the older ones used to be. If you buy a Bernina you get a free lesson I believe. It would be worth looking for a second hand one. www.bernina.co.uk