New Sewing Machine, advice please??

[urbancrafters]

Hi everyone, I am going to upgrade (a bit) my sewing machine. I have had a couple of machines in the past that have sounded great on paper but have turned out to be a bit rubbish.
I mainly make clothes, homefurnishings but also handbags so it would need to be pretty hard working!
Just wondered if anyone has any suggestions in the £200-£300 price range?
Thanks very much, in advance, Lisa:D

[urbancrafters]

I am quite liking the sound of the Janome 4623 (which is the newer model of the Decor Excell 5024)
Does anyone have any comments??
Thanks!

[Critchley]

I can't help cos my sewing machine experience is limited to an old treadle Singer which I used for donkeys years and the Brother which are very cheep. I tend to stick to this as it is very easy and simple to use plus I cant afford anything else but that doesn't help you. I really only replied to bring your post to the top again for you.

[urbancrafters]

I only have a cheapish brother at the mo. Only getting a new one because it was damaged by a leak we had and was covered by the insurance!:mummy:

[Recycled Bag Lady]

I replaced my solid old Jones machine with a cheapish Brother and it just couldn't cope (I make pretty much the same as you!). After a year I replaced it with a Janome - wonderful machine! I'm loving it! I got the more expensive MC4900QC, but only because I could then get it on 12 months interest free credit! Mine has a needle threader - not something I was particularly looking for, but I wouldn't be without it now!
I keep plugging this site, but they really are good, speedy delivery, brilliant after sales service - extremely friendly and helpful:
http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/janome_sew.htm
Have fun choosing :)

[craftyfoxni]

i have a brother (which never left my mother's after i got married 17years 'ago) and at the mo i'm using a toyota which i wouldn't be without and i have just bought a singer overlocker :D managed to get it for £210 from £295, and the only reason i managed to buy it was that i have had such a good turn at the last 2 craftfairs:) all i have to do now is figure out how to thread it and there will be no stopping me :mf:

[urbancrafters]

i have a brother (which never left my mother's after i got married 17years 'ago) and at the mo i'm using a toyota which i wouldn't be without and i have just bought a singer overlocker :D managed to get it for £210 from £295, and the only reason i managed to buy it was that i have had such a good turn at the last 2 craftfairs:) all i have to do now is figure out how to thread it and there will be no stopping me :mf:
Hehe, I have an overlocker, it's a nightmare if the thread breaks! I even bought a little threading set from Hobbycraft, but it's about as much help as 2 teaspoons!!

[pollyanna-patchwork]

Hi There,

I don't know the specific machine that you are referring to, but my experience of Janome has always been good.

I have had mine (MC9500) now for 5 years and have had no real problems with it at all. My mum also has 2 Janome machines and she swears by them too.

Good Luck with it.

Happy Sewing!

Alison