I'd been using my old Siger for years, my mum bought me it in 1978!
It's heavy duty, in a lovely teak cabinet, and I've made everything on it, from winter coats, bridesmaids dresses, curtains, soft toys, baby clothes... it's been a great workhorse, but it only does straight stitch and zigzag.
A few months ago, I bought a new Janome 6260QC and it's wonderful!
The things I've found most useful are the needle threader, the needle up-down button, and the speed limiter, which is great for sewing intricate tricky areas. It's so easy to use and has a great selection of stitches too.
I wish I'd got it long ago!
Now I'm saving up for a Horn cabinet

I still have my Singer, I'll always keep it, and I also have a BrotherXL 2620, which I don't like, it's too lightweight , and it's been put in the loft now.

I'd recommend looking at all the online reviews, and think about which features are the most important to you. It's great if you can try some machines out before you buy...I couldn't because I'm nowhere near any sewing machine shops, so I had to buy online.

I loved my old Singer machine but I jumped ship to Brother a few years ago when they brought out the Project Runway machine. I couldn't believe how much better an updated sewing machine was - so I'd say it's totally worth upgrading, no matter which one you get.

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a new machine and have been looking at the singer heavy duty 4423 just wondering if anyone has used them? I've been using industrials at college so my wee domestic isn't wowing me anymore, but I don't have the space to leave an industrial out, and I dearly want a one step button hole (that tells you how basic my old machine is)

Yay! I'm delighted to have won the book here on CO&K
Can't wait to see what's in it, although I've been sewing and dressmaking since I was about ten, there's always new ideas and techniques to try out.
I got a cool new sewing machine for my birthday this year, so I'm all set now

@catmorley its a brill week on BSB

I still need to watch this... hopefully I'll get a chance today but I'm throwing my friend a 90's themed birthday party, so I might have to wait until tomorrow when I'm all hungover

@mischievousraven oo cool! cant wait to get my hands on a copy!

@pineconeprincess I have the sewing bee book now and im sure it has a kimono pattern.. . . Might have to check tho

ooo @mischievousraven kimonos are super fun to make! I hand sewed one out of lace last year

i really want to make my own kimono now lol

eh again with the time zones! I have to wait till tomorrow because my mom and dad love the show to so I have to wait for them but I'm soooo excited for this week!!!

seriously u cant miss it, its better than last years

That is VERY cute I tend to default to quick paintings that are personalised in some way *haha*

I haven't seen ANY of this series yet!!!! Looks like I need to get some serious sofa+catch-up-tv time this week!!!!!

if u sent this message 1hr ago i would of said hell yes!!! im on the last 4 mins now lol