You can never have enough...

[Oh_hunnihunni]

Hello everyone.  Forgive me for intruding without invitation; I am thinking of buying a sewing machine and am in need of advice, this seems like a forum with many sewing experts.

I used to sew a lot but gave my sewing machine (an Elna) and other equipment away about 25 years ago and apart from the occasional button haven't done any sewing since.  The Great British Sewing Bee has revived my interest in up-cycling second hand clothing but I don't know where to start.

Can anyone recommend a sewing machine or sewing machine brand for me to look into?  I wouldn't be attempting anything ambitious, most likely just hems, darts and repairs.

I have a forty year old Husqvarna that I love dearly, but it blew a transistor or something a while back and repairing it has been a step too far budgetwise, since. It is on my to do list as soon as other things are sorted. So, I too wanted to revive that part of my sewing expertise so I bought a very retro Singer, which has a good maintenance history and it runs like a dream - $80 on Trademe from a seller with perfect feedback. And he delivered for free. Lovely man. It is very basic, but all I really need. While I was looking, I found a seller with good feedback who offers a warranty on his reconditioned machines. He would be worth checking out too.
It depends on what you want it to do and your budget. I go for basic, bulletproof, and cheap, and I am very happy with my funny little flowerpower Singer. Built like a wee tank it is too, not at all like some of today's lightweight creatures...

Weird thing though - since having a working machine, I have developed a real pleasure in handsewing. Typical contrariness!

Good luck!