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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: debsews
Date: 09-23-2005, 02:29 PM (1 of 7)
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Hi I want to get my 13 yr. old granddaughter interested in sewing and I would like to get her a machine. Would you just buy an inexpensive machine or one that is supposedly geared for a young child. They look so cheap I'm afraid it wouldn't hold up to any rugged wear and tear. She has 3 brothers so anything could happen!! Thanks |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 09-23-2005, 02:47 PM (2 of 7)
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I would suggest a full size machine; those inexpensive small machines geared towards children tend to frustrate them more than anything with imperfect stitching, and you don't want her to be discouraged in the beginning. My 8 yo and 13 dd both use my Janome 4052 lx purchased at Sears for $250.00. Janomes and Kenmores (made by Janome) are extremely user friendly, easy to thread, and workhorses. They also have available protection plans which include yearly cleaning and maintanence and labor/parts for repairs. Maybe something like this: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=APPL&pid=02015212000&subcat=Conventional+Sewing+Machines HTH!  Jen PS: You can also check epinions.com and patternreview.com for reviews on different models and manufactured machines, sergers,etc... |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-23-2005, 02:50 PM (3 of 7)
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Sewing machines geared for children are just that..plastic toys that don't last, won't sew and are made to be PLAYED with.. If she wants to sew. Get her an older, well cared used machine or start her off with something 'less expensive' ($100-$300) range from a dealer. (not Wally World, Target or KMart)..maybe something from Sears, but remember they don't sew there either... Janome has made some nice new machines for Bernina and they have their own line of Janome Gems that are not that expensive, have lots of stitches and are hardy machines. Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: e50e
Date: 09-23-2005, 03:25 PM (4 of 7)
| Beginning sewing at age 18 (I'm now 24) I used older machines such as Kenmore and Brother that were very sturdy and allowed me to make (many) mistakes. They were solid pieces of equipment that were able to withstand what I initially put them through not quite understanding how to use them properly ;] The only thing I've had to do is take them in to be cleaned and oiled and they have been extremely reliable. I paid very little for these machines because I bought them secondhand from garage sales and thrift stores and I highly recommend this if you know what you are looking for--but if you are wanting to directly buy from a store I would still consider these older machines such as the Kenmore and Brother models I have. Also, still able to recall being 13, I think your grandaughter would be quite capable using one of these machines rather than one geared towards children ;] That's just my experience from being a fairly young, beginning sewer. |
User: e50e
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 21 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 09-23-2005, 03:43 PM (5 of 7)
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I bought my DD(13) a Singer for Christmas last yr. It was on sale at a local Dept. store for $79. & included a free case. She has used & abused it all summer sewing lots of denim. It is still going good. The model # is 1525. If you are ready to help her learn & knowledgable about machines I would buy at a discount store.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: Jo-Anne46
Date: 09-23-2005, 04:32 PM (6 of 7)
| You can purchase a good one at Walmart for pretty cheap.. I would go with a good one for her.. The ones made for children only do your basic chain stitch.. |
User: Jo-Anne46
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 28 
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From: debsews
Date: 09-23-2005, 09:56 PM (7 of 7)
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Thanks, I'm not there with her so I want to be sure she has something that won't need lots of attention. Both parents work. I am trying to get her interested in 4H so she can learn the right way. Just wasn't sure what machine to get but will look into the suggestions. Thanks for your help. Deb |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
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