Sewing Machine

I got a sewing machine for Christmas, a Janome 1024. It replaces a machine that had had several owners by the time it reached me and was well loved but very heavy and was breaking down more than it worked. It went to the recycling centre and on to sewing machine heaven.
The Janome is light and quiet, and it does feel insubtantial in comparison, but it doesn't take two hands and effort to lift on to the table. It has lots of stitches and one step buttonhole, but not so many features that I'll end up wondering why I don't use most of them. It's easy to set up and to thread. I had a free intro to it at John Lewis (excellent customer service there). Sewing on it is very easy and I think I'm going to like it.
I made my first project on it today. Just a tote bag based on one that I already have but it was a good test of basic stitches. The machine is lovely, so smooth and doesn't sound like a steam engine puffing away. My sewing skills aren't brilliant but it was a good start. I think I'll tackle a simple top next, again based on one that I already own.