That's why I tend to use Lutterloh patterns now.  Every pattern I draw up I narrow the shoulders, lower the bust and raise the waist (good job they don't meet ).   I then cut it out in cheap fabric to see if any more changes are needed,  usually not much needed.  I buy sheets or duvet covers from charity shops to use for testing, they last quite a long time and they're cheap.
Once I have a pattern fitting nicely I use it again and again, changing the sleeve, neckline or length to make them all look different.

I have one, I think it was bought about 10 years ago.  Have had no problems with it, it sews whatever I throw at it from silk, linen to heavy wool.  Also many, many knit fabrics.  It's a fairly basic model but it's easy to thread and just keeps working.  I do clean it out especially after using 'messy' fabrics and I oil it occasionally, I have also changed the cutting blades but only once.  I would certainly buy another.

I have two Vestas - one bought at a car boot sale and the other e-bay.  They both have vibrating shuttles and sew a beautiful straight stitch.  One came with it's wooden cover, the other didn't.
I don't really need two so I suppose one day I will have to find a new home for one of them.

I will second  Doris Darby - I buy nearly all my embroidery stuff from her now

I bought a hundred off eBay, they cost £4.75 with free postage.  They seem to work fine, I haven't had a problem with them (yet ).

Buttons on the doormat when we arrived home.  Lov-er-ley buttons.  Many many thanks 

I generally use fuller figure patterns but I just don't know what I did with this jacket.    I'll draw it out again sometime to see if there is any difference.  I have TNT patterns for a blouse and some Tshirts which I use all the time but I think I'll have to try trousers sometime. 

I've just finished making  my winter jacket (expecting frost in June  )  Why did it take so long?  I made it too big.  It was 2 fronts, 2 sides and 1 back with a 2 piece sleeve and a collar.  The collar was the right size .

So, I had four seams, the two side front seams I took in 4 inches and the two side back seams I took in 2 inches - there was a lot to cut off.  I did the same with the lining as well - I should have at least waited to cut the lining.

I finally got the body together then had to play around with the sleeves to get them to fit the armholes- I finally did it. Did I say that the collar was the right size

I have worn it over the last few days, it's not a great fit but it's an "it'll do" fit so I will continue to wear it as it's actually quite comfortable. 

My timing is superb -  winter coat finished and it's almost summer