I would like to get a basic sewing machine so that I can do some basic sewing projects! Does anyone have experience buying one? I have seen some actual sewing machine stores but was thinking that they might have cheaper ones somewhere like Interdiscount or MediaMarkt? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Danke!

My wife got a cheap practical sewing machine at Migros City - just over 240 chf from what I remember. It was an own brand one also.
OK for trousers, curtains etc. 4 years old now.

Interdiscount or Fust. I saw an ad from Fust I think last week where they were discounted to about 150 chf. I have one similar, it is very good, still doing great after two years and not even basic!

I have a Migros brand Miostar that I paid just over CHF 100 for on sale. It does straight stitch, zig-zag, reverse, bobbin threading, button holes and invisible hem (with a different foot) and I mainly just use it for taking up trousers and jeans. Had it 5 years now and no problems. I've owned many brands in my lifetime and always had something go wrong on the machine. My last one kept jamming the cotton in reverse.

bought a brother model sewing machine,for 199 CHF, works perfectly fine,

available in Manor

Check your local Aldi. They had a model that would meet your needs. From memory it was about CHF 150-160.

They may still have some stock.

I'm also looking for a machine for my kids school projects.
I found an ad with a coupon for Fust, 50% off, so it might be interesting. The sale runs for another month, 21.10.09.
http://www.fust.ch/fileadmin/user_up.../de/index.html
ricardo.ch also has tons of used machines as well.
I only wished I knew something about them.
CH-iao

I also saw that Fust one today, only 99 chf, amazing!

Ottos has one on sale this week. Model Singer 225.

Regular price CHF 289 for CHF 159

Photo on bottom right of page: http://ottos.ch/index.php?nav=20,81,789〈=fr