We are off to Krakow for a few days later in the week. I would be very grateful to hear if anyone who has been there can recommend any facbric shops worth a peek? I have bought some fantastic jersey from Polish websites and would feel rude not checking out the bricks and mortar possibilities while there 

How about this one.
http://www.naughtybobbinpatterns.com/shop/presto-top

I have made it and was pleased with the results. It has an unusual construction. You cut two fronts, seam them down the middle and open them out, so the fabric in the front is double. Here’s mine:

I have seen this question before and most people will say Janome Cover Pro because that is what they have and all they know and is the most widely available. I used to have one and was never happy, as Crafter says, very temperamental. I finally bit the bullet and sold it and bought a Bernina L220 and it’s a dream to use in comparison. It purrs along and gives dependable, consistent results. I’m so glad I made the swap. The looper is a bit complicated to thread but like all things gets easier with practice. So I usually knot the thread and pull through. A bonus with the Bernina is that is uses regular sewing machine needles.

Having said all that, I have a friend with a Janome who wasn’t happy. She seems to have resolved most of the issues with missed stitches by using wooly nylon in the looper.

Thanks everyone.
Lizzy - I bought it this year, only about three weeks ago. When I wrote to Higgs & Higgs I did ask about suitable ribbing but they said they didn’t have a good match.

The trouble is, it’s tricky to  accurately match the colours online. I think I will probably go for a pink in the end. I just thought I would check here in case anyone had seen it. It’s not the end of the world, I’m sure she will love it. It’s beautifully soft on the inside. Will post a picture of her wearing it when it’s done.

That may be a few weeks as I have just arrived on a three week break in a cottage in Pembrokeshire, complete with sewing machine, overlocker and numerous items ready cut out  . Hoping to be very productive, in between the coastal walks and seeing the grandchildren.

I have just sent off for my second order from them , having been very happy with the first. As you say, a reasonable cost if you do several at the same time. Apart from all the printing and sticking saved, I like that it’s also much easier to store them than the self assembly version.

As part of my current stay visiting family in NZ I have had a lovely time visiting  ‘The Fabric Store’ in Christchurch. Last time I made the mistake of making my purchases only to find they had a big sale starting mid January. So this time I was patient. Lo and behold - a sale giving 40% off most fabrics and 20% off the rest.

As the lady was measuring out my fabrics for cutting she reminded me that they always give an extra 10% to allow for shrinkage! I don’t think I have ever come across this anywhere else. I have only ever seen advice to buy extra.

Most of my purchases were plain fabrics suitable for trousers so won’t photograph well. On my second visit  this rather nice silk had risen to the surface in all the rummaging and asked to come home with me.

To wear together as an ensemble??? 

That’s exactly what she did after opening them!

A few months ago I had a similar lusting for variegated thread, but mine was for overlocking. It was really difficult to find overlocking thread as most seems to be for embroidery but I ended up with some from the the bottom of this page and I love them. (I only use it in loopers, not the needles)
https://mibsfabrics.co.uk/Polyester-thread

(This website also has zips with rainbow coloured teeth which I have never seen before!)