Sewing machine for a beginner?

[Sabrina]

I desperately want to learn how to sew and make the girls some simple clothes, etc. My mother had given me a portable sewing machine, but took it back (not happy about us hsing, but that's a different story).

So what would be a good, but not too expensive one to start out with? And where would be a good place to look?

Also, any good sewing books I should look at?

TIA! :)

[clothusingmama]

http://www.janome.com/product_show.php?id=423 I have this machine and love it. I would buy it all over again if I was looking. It cost $199 at my Janome dealer 2.5 years ago. It is simple but does all the good basics. Watch out for basic machines that do not let you adjust your stitch length or width. It may not seem like a big deal but will be when you get going. My gf bought one like that and is very limited by it.

If you have some dealers around you, go there and test drive some machines. Ask them to show you what they have in sturdy, basic machines :)

[pmcgary]

I have a kenmore that I like. It was a more expensive machine and has more bells and whistles that I don't use......(I think it was $300 6 years ago. It was a gift so I am not sure)

My favorite feature is that it has a drop in bobbin. With a little picture guide for how the thread should go....

I used to use my mom's Singer with the front load bobbin...and I was forever getting it in backwards and not having it work right.

I have a basic sewing book ...I think it is Simplicity....and it has almost always answered my questions (that and the manual for the machine!) Of course if I run into real trouble I just call my mom and yell "help!"

[jenniebug]

I really liked the singer i just upgraded from. it did basic and some decorative stitches. i called it the green bullet b/c i swear that is what it looked like. its served me well for 3 yrs.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006498M/qid=1140468948/sr=8-3/ref=pd_bbs_3/102-3505886-7540923?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=284507