When we needed some sewing machines to set up our Sewcialise community sewing project, we sought advice from the experts, Bambers. We needed to keep costs down, because we were applying for grant funding, but were advised that buying cheaper, more basic models, wouldn’t be the best option, we needed slightly more expensive multipurpose machines, to better cope with the range of fabrics and usage, from sewing bunting decorations for street parties from lightweight fabric, to people repairing jeans and making curtains from heavyweight textiles, etc. We also needed to bear in mind that the machines needed to be easy for beginners to use. They guided us towards the Janome 423S model, which is used in many schools and colleges and so a good ‘workhorse’ of a machine, and it was very reasonably priced too.
We bought three machines, with a grant from the People’s Postcode Trust, and they have been used to repair and make things, to recycle and reuse textiles and prevent them ending up in landfill. And the Sewcialise project hasn’t just been good for the environment, people have met their neighbours, learned new skills and come together to work on community projects. We’re just about to make some costumes for the Manchester Day parade.
Thank you, Bambers, for your expert advice and for our Janome 423S sewing machines, which are much appreciated and still going strong. We’re now planning to get an overlocker and expand our skill-set and resources!
