Daughter wants sewing machine-ideas?

[Maggi315]

Hi,
My 11yo, very crafty daughter has been asking for a sewing machine for christmas. Now, I am not good at sewing and finally stopped even trying several years ago. So I don't know much about machines. I am debating what to get her, but I am afraid if I get something too cheap, it will break easily and be frustrating.

We have a friend who will be teaching her to sew, I just need some ideas for the machine.

TIA,

[Maggi315]

bumping for ideas, help!

[mamarhu]

I would suggest starting with a used basic, no electronics, no frills simple machine. Forward, backward, zigzag and possibly buttonhole are all the functions needed for nearly anything at all. My theory is the more doodads, the more there is to go wrong. I would expect to pay in the $100 range. If possible, take it into a sewing machine repair shop before you buy it -have it checked out, oiled, cleaned, etc.

Good luck - I wish my 11 YO DD was interested...

[bauchtanz]

I know that there are sometimes people my grandma knows, for example, that need to sell thier machine because they are moving into a condo or something.

I know that Walmart (evil, I know) has some basic machines. I got a used seemstress machine when I was 16 and I am still using it, 14 years later.

[bauchtanz]

Also - I would look for a machine that threads easy. That was the hardest part, and I eventually figured it out. There are some out there that look like it would take a rocket sceintist to figure out.

I have always sewn on singers, HOWEVER, I have been told since the company was sold, there are not as good as they used to be.

I would see if you friend who sews can give you some advice - or maybe a local home-ec teacher? Family friend? Even the lady at JoAnn's might be of help.

[Katie Bugs Mama]

My MIL is getting dd this one for Christmas: http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html...sin=B000B8WSJ2 It got great reviews.

We also considered this one from Hearthsong: http://www.hearthsong.com/hearthsong/product.do?section_id=0&bc=1005&pgc=1659&sv=2413&c mvalue=HS|0|CRAFTS%20%20%20ACTIVITIES|2259|COLLECT ION|2413|2413-P1