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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 04-12-2004, 01:15 PM (1 of 11)
Please respond here if you can help, thanks.

I'm looking for a sewing machine for my niece who is about to turn 10.
Two models I have seen online are:
Simplicity Sew Precious (approx. $49 at Walmart.com)
QuickStitch Sewing Machine (approx. $55 at Highlights.com)

I read some ok reviews on epinions.com about the Simplicity model... I
imagine it may be hard to find a perfect model for under $60. I would
like to hear if you have any ideas.

Thanks so much.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: Aimee S
Date: 04-12-2004, 01:58 PM (2 of 11)
I would get a used adult model. The little ones get so frustrationg at times it might turn her off to sewing.
The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!

http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003
Total posts: 488
From: paroper
Date: 04-12-2004, 02:24 PM (3 of 11)
I rather agree with the adult model. Most girls are pretty mature by the age of 10 and she will want to sew real clothes for herself, if not now, very soon. The adult machine will give her a machine that will grow with her needs.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: sewserious
Date: 04-12-2004, 06:10 PM (4 of 11)
Those machines are nothing but toys. You would do better to get the inexpensive New Home machines at Hancock's which are the same model as the Janome Gem. At least, they are 'real' sewing machines and work well. They are very limited in what they do, but would be a good beginner machine. They go on sale for around $100.
User: sewserious
Member since: 08-24-2003
Total posts: 112
From: Chrysantha
Date: 04-12-2004, 06:32 PM (5 of 11)
I also agree...buy a 'real' sewing machine, not a toy.....toy's are to be played with, if she really wants to sew, a real machine is what she needs.
Chrys
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002
Total posts: 2414
From: MartySews
Date: 04-14-2004, 01:47 AM (6 of 11)
When my daughter turned 10, my mom gave her a White 935 sewing machine with around 15 basic stitches and a 4 step buttonhole. As her sewing skills improved, so did her needs. When she turned 14 two years ago, we upgraded her machine to a Pfaff 1171 with more built-in and decorative stitches. This year we gave her an embroidery machine so she can decorate her T-shirts. Granted each of these machines were previously owned but she received the new machine warranty from the dealer. If she truly wants to sew, giving her something with just a basic chain stitch will turn her off on sewing. Invest in something that can grow with her as her skills improve. If 10 yr olds can operate computers, they can certainly operate a sewing machine. Check with dealers in your area for a good solid machine that will carry her into adulthood. Anything else is doing her a disservice.
Happy Stitching!
Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003
Total posts: 504
From: marianne_hess
Date: 04-14-2004, 12:26 PM (7 of 11)
I have to admit, I bought a toy sewing machine for my daughter when she was about 5 years old (she seemed so young, but really wanted to sew). It was a piece of junk!!! Since it only did a chain stitch, the stuff came apart unless you did a little knot at the end. The plastic foot jiggled and jumped all over the place and sometimes even got in the way of the needles so it couldn't go down to the bobbin. We gave up quickly and I found a used real machine for her! What a waste of money - I'm just glad it didn't turn her off sewing.

I say, no matter what age your little sewer-wannabe is, invest in a real machine - even if they just use the handwheel until they're ready for the slowest speed on the foot pedal! Just think of the added bonus - you have a spare machine if yours ever goes down!!!

Good luck and may you and your daughter have fun sewing together!
User: marianne_hess
Member since: 07-10-2001
Total posts: 48
From: bsisemore
Date: 05-19-2004, 11:28 PM (8 of 11)
I'd look into one of those Brother sewing Machines from like wal mart.

the kiddy machines are made so cheap. My mom picked my 4 year old one up for christmas... it's suppose to really sew, but I tell you I'd never want to learn to sew on that thing. Bobbin will not stay threaded and forget the top staying threaded.

My 4 year old just likes the noise so I just let her run it while I'm sewing . She holds both hands over her ears it's so noisey, at least don't have to worry about her sewing a finger. *L*
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004
Total posts: 26
From: Mother in Law
Date: 05-20-2004, 12:35 AM (9 of 11)
I bought my Granddaughter a Brother from Wal Mart and it's a really good machine. It does all the basic stitches and zig zags and has a three step button hole, or maybe it's four. Anyway, she loves it. I think she was 10 when I got it for her. I paid around 99.00 for it at Walmart. Sturdy little machine.
User: Mother in Law
Member since:
Total posts:
From: bsisemore
Date: 05-20-2004, 10:33 AM (10 of 11)
yes they do look like a good little machine. I use a Nechi myself, have used singer and white and a couple others. I'm rough on a sewing machine and my sewing machine dealer suggested I buy a Nechi. (Actually he suggested to my husband that I needed one for the way I sew) I was shocked I love it and they and great machines, but I'd say for the buy for a beginner I'd get one of those little brothers. I picked up a brother serger for my first surger and I really loved it. They seem to make good machines.
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004
Total posts: 26
From: CliffGh
Date: 05-24-2004, 01:30 AM (11 of 11)
Originally posted by MaryW ..................I'm looking for a sewing machine for my niece who is about to turn 10.
............................
I read some ok reviews on epinions.com about the Simplicity model... I imagine it may be hard to find a perfect model for under $60. I would like to hear if you have any ideas.Thanks so much. [/B] You don't mention whether you have a sewing machine yourself. For certain, you probably do.
Have you been thinking of buying another machine, replacing the one you have at the present time?

Guess what! If you are going to replace your machine, go ahead and give yours to your daughter. I would suggest taking it out of the cabinet that you have it in and give her a brand new cabinet to go along with HER SEWING MACHINE! "Oh, Mom, gosh, look at all of the stitches on this machine! Thanks for the cabinet for it too. I can put all of this in my room!" Hopefully XXOOXX's. I think that that is 'hugs and kisses' that you will get from your daughter. Mayhap you have already bought a machine from the date of your post.
User: CliffGh
Member since: 04-24-2004
Total posts: 4
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