Looking to get a sewing machine , just for basic stuff(unless I get adventurous) Repairs, making curtains etc. Any advice appreciated. Maximum about £150. I dont want to get carried away but equally would rather not buy too simple in case I experiment more
Cheers

Get a basic one unless you really are the sort to do fancy work.  I bought my machine when the children were small - always intended making dresses for my daughter.  My mother-in-law got carried away and bought loads of clothes (she always wanted a girl) so I only ever made one dress (with smocking :-) )   Since then I have only used it for running up curtains and odd jobs.  It could do with a good service now because the tension is so difficult to control.  It was a swing needle machine and except for finishing off edges I have never used it for anything fancy.  Don't think I will now because I have far too many other things I mean to do :-(    

I've got a Singer Symphonie that suits me.

Have a look to see if there's anywhere that does reconditioned ones, I got mine from a shop who did repairs and sold second hand ones, only cost £50,it's pretty basic but I can only sew in straight lines so it suits me lol.

We bought our daughter a singer sewing machine for xmas it's model 4210 it's amazing it wasn't expensive and there's a 15 yr garentee with it so we were extremely pleased with that

Mine is a quite expensive Singer, because I sew a lot.
If I was just looking for one for repairs etc. I'd look for a reconditioned one. You can get a very good machine for less than £100.
Also worth looking at places like Preloved, because people sometimes get/ask sewing machines for a present etc and then never use them.

Just one bit of advice, if you can, get one with an automatic tension setting. It'll save you a lot of hassle ;)

flyingfinn as you sew alot do you have an overlocker , as i am just starting to look for one are they easy to use ?
i have a sewing machine and decided i now need an overlocker

^^ No I have this http://www.singerdirect.co.uk/sewing-machines/singer/9960/9212-c50-v0.htm
I would probably get an overlocker if I was looking for one now.

Here's a link for a good basic, bargain Singers :) http://www.singerdirect.co.uk/ex-display/a-grade/53.htm

thankyou

I'm on to my 3rd Brother in about 30 years (2nd still going strong too, with a friend).  I agree with advice given - for a starter machine go for a simple on, you don't need dozens of fancy stitches and auto features, although auto needle thread is great!  I have had an overlocker for 18 months now and have been too scared to even give it a try!  One of these days I will be brave enough, I hope :)