This has to be a stealth entry, as I'm thinking about what to get Mrs SR for her birthday.
She is a BIG sewer, and has even done some quite intricate work for other people, so if I get her a replacement machine (her current one is almost 30 years old and starting to die), it will have to be pretty solid quality.
Problem is, I know NOTHING about them.
Does anyone on here sew, or know someone who does, that can tell me a bit about what I should be looking for?
I can see that machines get more expensive the more stitches they can do, but then I have seen a machine or two that is more expensive again, but can only do the same number of stitches as less expensive machines. I assume these ones are higher quality?
Anyway, any help will be appreciated...
If shes that knowlegble, I suggest asking her. I know it would ruin a surprise but she,ll get what she wants.
She might even resent and carry on 30 year old machine.
It's like someone buying a bike with good intebtions and its a bso.
Also, I recommend Brother machines....the embroidery ones are magic.
^ this
My wife got one last year...they are a minefield. You need to know what she will use it for, can she use any bits of her current one on it etc etc.
Sorry, but I think you really need to let her choose! I know I'd not be happy if someone chose for me.
She is a BIG sewer
😯
[img] 
[/img]
As an side thought my mother just gave me her 30 year old sewing machine (I have plans of MYOG), I paid £70 for a service and some new parts and it runs much better now. My mothers new machine never ran right from the start, a service / tune up and it ran much better. I guess I'm saying a tune up can work wonders!
They have a level of segmentation and niche the same as bikes.
Equally there are specialists too. We went to a place near my mother in Cornwall, even though we live in Mid Wales, just because of its range and reputation.
Wife was quizzed on all sorts of things as to how she might use it, what materials, preferences for how to operate and allowed test runs on machines.
Went for an entry level, do a few of most things machine. It's a Janome something.
Some of the machines there did stuff that I didn't even know could be done.
I have a 30 year old Bernina and it's still brilliant. Definitely ask Mrs SR what she'd like. Be prepared to spend. Don't be surprised if she wants an overlocker too.
My wife sews a LOT...costumes mainly for theatre.
She got herself a Janome J3-20 three years ago and it has been brilliant.
second the Janome J3-20 - it's the one my mrs wants as it's the one everyone recommends, including her sewing teacher.