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From: Ineedle
Date: 06-02-2007, 08:06 PM (1 of 31)
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Hi All, I'm new to this forum. I'm afraid it has been many years since I have used a sewing machine. My stepdaughter is about to turn 13 and she wants a sewing machine for her birthday. What do you recommend? I must admit a neighbor all but gave me a gorgeous old White Rotary electric that is sure to be at least from the 40s. It's wonderfully simple and appears to be in perfect working condition with many extra bobbins, needles, and attachments. But perhaps it is too hard to figure out for a kid? My budget is limited, but I could probably afford a basic new machine (Sears, not Bernina). I do plan to spring for at least a couple of lessons for her (let's be realistic- that's as many as she'll do). Suggestions? Thanks! |
User: Ineedle
Member since: 06-02-2007 Total posts: 5 |
From: Resa
Date: 06-02-2007, 08:34 PM (2 of 31)
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I got my oldest daughter a Brother LS2020 sewing machine from WalMart for Christmas last year for less than $100. It does straight stitch and zig zag. I was not willing to invest more than that at this time since she sometimes has short lived interest in things. I wanted to make sure she was serious about learning how to sew first. It is a good machine and we have had no problems with it at all so far. Resa |
User: Resa
Member since: 10-13-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-02-2007, 08:39 PM (3 of 31)
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She is too old for a "baby" machine. Give her the older machine and then buy her some sewing accessories, scissors, meas. tape, needles, pins, tomato, etc or take her shopping for some fabric and a pattern. It should be a great machine for her to start out on and if it is in working order, probably a stronger machine than a new one. Once she is really into sewing, then you guys can talk about a sewing machine investment. She'll probably have less frusteration with this machine than a newer machine, some of which are a little picky. Once she has had a little sewing time, if she likes it, then make the "bigger investment". If she doesn't like it, then nothing really invested/lost.
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: Resa
Date: 06-02-2007, 09:44 PM (4 of 31)
| Just thought I would add that the Brother LS2020 is a full sized sewing machine not a baby machine or a toy. |
User: Resa
Member since: 10-13-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-02-2007, 09:58 PM (5 of 31)
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I'm sorry, Resa, I didn't mean to imply it was, just that she is a young lady now and will be looking for something serious, as opposed to something you might buy a child. Actually, when I started my post, yours wasn't there. I'm not at all suggesting that machine is not a serious beginning machine. She is easily old enough to be sewing and taken seriously. When I was student teaching, we began sewing with 7th graders, generally kids 12 years or older and they did quite well on full size/full option Singer sewing machines. Their first project was a blouse, many had buttons. The only question with a young lady that age is whether or not they will stay interested.
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: MissTaraTara
Date: 06-02-2007, 10:21 PM (6 of 31)
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Hi All, My stepdaughter is about to turn 13 and she wants a sewing machine for her birthday. What do you recommend? It's wonderfully simple and appears to be in perfect working condition with many extra bobbins, needles, and attachments. But perhaps it is too hard to figure out for a kid? Suggestions? Good for her  . I don't think it will be too hard once she's been shown how. I still need help retrieving voicemail on my cell phone. My daughter is 13 and is once again showing an interest in sewing. I am letting her use/have  my older backup machine. It is a Singer 4830C (http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL388/2170133/9904999/257003074.jpg) that I've had pretty much since she was born. Because she wants to learn, she is learning to use the machine very well. She can thread it, wind a bobbin, and change the needle and feet. She even knows how to clear a thread jam. She can pretty much do everything except a buttonhole as we are not there just yet. If she loses interest again, I'll take my machine back. I think a full size machine will be best and just maybe she'll pull you into the sewing circle too. Sorry, I don't have any advice as to where to go to get the actual machine but many ladies are pleased with the Kenmores they've purchased from Sears. Just curious/nosey, where do you plan to get lessons? |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: Ineedle
Date: 06-02-2007, 10:57 PM (7 of 31)
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So many answers already! I see that the answers are beginning to divide into the same camps my friends are in, with some saying that the White Rotary will be fine (the gist being that "If I learned on one..." or that it benefits a beginning sewing machine user to know how these things work before moving on to a fancy new one) and some saying that either due to the demands of newer fabric or because they're easier, get a simple new machine. Please keep your experienced views coming! Because I am so inexperienced, I have a hard time choosing. Just curious/nosey, where do you plan to get lessons? I see you're on the "West Coast", too. I don't have any place in mind. I have had a business out in Dublin recommended, but that's pretty far from Oakland. I have also heard there is a good shop in Alameda that has lessons. Got a recommendation? Thanks to all so far. |
User: Ineedle
Member since: 06-02-2007 Total posts: 5 |
From: multicraftymom
Date: 06-02-2007, 10:58 PM (8 of 31)
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I have this machine here. (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4764724) It is a brother machine and I got it from Walmart for $80.00 (including tax). I got it as a b~day present for myself and am actually getting ready to get another machine (I want a serger). I think it is PERFECT for beginners and has different stitches. I still love mine and it really gets my job done. The only thing though is that it doesn't do to well with thick fabrics (I'm talking matching seams in a purse) so I have to turn the dial and hand feed it into the machine. The instructions were super clear and I had it figured out in a couple of hours. Angie
My Crafty Blog |
User: multicraftymom
Member since: 06-01-2007 Total posts: 7 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 06-03-2007, 12:47 AM (9 of 31)
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When my DD was 10, my mother gave her a White 935 basic mechanical sewing machine. It was a 3/4 machine that only weighed 10 pounds. Easy for her to handle. I signed her up for lessons and she made a cute top. However, the other children in the class were using modern computerized machines and she felt like the teacher gave them more attention than what was given to her. She said that it was hard to sew on the stretch knit that the teacher required them to use. When she was 13 I bought an older model Pfaff 1381 for her to use and for me to take to classes. She feels much better about sewing now. I would let your DSD try the White machine because it is in good working order. If she takes to sewing, then surprise her at Christmas with a more modern machine. There are many on the market for less than $300. Several ladies in my ASG chapter have the Brother 6000i for classes. It is computerized with 100 built-in stitches, one step buttonhole, and quite a few accessory feet. It retails for around $199 but I have seen it for less. Hope this helps. Marty |
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 06-03-2007, 08:03 AM (10 of 31)
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Kids are kids and a new modern machine -- even an inexpensive one -- might be more attractive than an older one that is really a better machine, especially if she is going to classes where others will see it. Be sure she has lots of simple trendy patterns and fabrics to play with and maybe a book aimed at young people. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Patty22
Date: 06-03-2007, 08:30 AM (11 of 31)
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Wow....what was the motivation behind your step daughter requesting a sewing machine? Project Runway or Home Ec in school? Just a creative soul? I think it is WONDERFUL. I learned on a really old singer and an old white when I was growing up and I would follow the crowd saying in investing in some sewing notions, fabric and pattern to go along with the White Rotary. Don't underestimate the value of the used sewing machine - it is going to be easier to handle as it won't be as finicky as the basic models of newer machines. Once she gets proficient at sewing maybe she can save to help buy her own newer machine. Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: Resa
Date: 06-03-2007, 09:26 AM (12 of 31)
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Pam - I guess I was just a little defensive because I have actually had people tell me to my face that there is no way I could have purchased her a "real" machine for what I paid for it. That there is no way that it is any good. I am sorry that I just assumed your post was directed at mine. The machine I purchased for my daughter is the one that multicraftymom linked to. |
User: Resa
Member since: 10-13-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: Anza54
Date: 06-03-2007, 12:09 PM (13 of 31)
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I think it is great that your step daughter wants to learn to sew. I was about her age when I started. Of course back then we had home ec. in school. I can understand why she might prefer a computerized machine. I personally would go ahead and get her one. I think Brothers make some very nice machines. I have always had good luck with them. I own two myself. WM has Brother Computerized machines. One is 40 stitch for $130.00 and a 60 stitch for $190.00. It would keep her happy for quite awhile in my opinion. Let us know how it goes. Good Luck Have a nice day. Barbara |
User: Anza54
Member since: 03-13-2007 Total posts: 63 |
From: dmoses
Date: 06-03-2007, 01:01 PM (14 of 31)
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If the machine you have is in good working order, then I would start her off on that one, especially if it has straight and zigzag functions. How soon is her birthday? If she gets started now on the older machine, she can get a feel for how much she will enjoy the whole process of sewing(which, if she doesn't have a dedicated sewing area, may include taking everything out, and putting everything away when she's finished). She may change her mind...or she may become totally addicted!   I would be inclined to wait and see what happens, but you know her better than we do, and she did ask for a sewing machine of her own, so... If you decide to buy a more modern machine, you may want to consider a used machine from a reputable dealer. People upgrade and trade in their machines, and quite often you get good machine for the money. Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: paroper
Date: 06-03-2007, 02:06 PM (15 of 31)
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Resa, I wouldn't want to put down anyone's machine. If you are recommending it, you are happy with it and that is a very good thing. If we don't recommend the machines we have had experiences with, regardless of the brand or price, how will anyone ever know which machines are good. It's not who has the most expensive, it is a matter of which machines are not worth taking home and that is very hard to figure out without help. My concern was that often people look at girls that are young as being "little" girls, and not thinking that, in this case, she is 3 years away from driving, at least in Oklahoma she is, and after that, she is near graduation from HS. Being a mother of 3, I always think in terms of how long things will last and if it'll work down the road and then compare that with cost and service. In this case, wil lit last her through college and beyond. If she were already sewing, I'd buy her a new machine in a heartbeat, it just depends on the girl. Some flutter from one idea to the next (my 55 yr old husband still does that), while another will stay with it forever...it always boils down to the girl. 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: MissTaraTara
Date: 06-03-2007, 03:45 PM (16 of 31)
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Several ladies in my ASG chapter have the Brother 6000i for classes. It is computerized with 100 built-in stitches, one step buttonhole, and quite a few accessory feet. It retails for around $199 but I have seen it for less. I also have this machine, Marty. I've had it for about a year but have only used it a couple of times. It is light and very user friendly. My only concern is that because it is so light, how long will it last. My first project on it was a pair of mediumweight denim pants and the machine did struggle just a wee bit at the seam intersections . . . but overall it proved faithful. Too bad the machines at Walmart, Target or other big box retailers cannot be tried before taken home. I don't even think you can test the ones offered at Hancock (at least at mine you can't). I'm excited that your step daughter wants to learn. Many times I wish I had known about sewing when I was just a youngun. Sewing was taken out our local schools when I was in eighth grade. My mother didn't sew so my choice of elective during that time was foreign language (I didn't know any better). When time permits, I have been trying to teach myself to sew. I am also trying to teach my daughter now so it can sometimes feel like the blind leading the blind. JoAnn offers beginner classes geered for the young people and they are relatively inexpensive? This summer they will be offering 2 classes using That's So Raven patterns, but they are classified as Sewing 2 & 3 with the prerequisite of Sewing 1 (a basic pilllowcase). Does your step daughter want a brand new machine or do you think she will be happy with a new to her machine? I wish you all the best in whatever you decide and I do hope she takes a liking to sewing. Let her know there are 2 sewing strangers, also in California, who are cheering her on! 
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User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: fabric_addict
Date: 06-03-2007, 03:58 PM (17 of 31)
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You've gotten a lot of advice. I'll add my own opinion as well. I never learned to sew as a kid, but I think I would have been far more interested if I had someone take a personal interest in it with me. I would have loved working on a project with a family member as part of family time. My suggestions would be that personalized attention and working together with your child are likely to be more important than the specific machine you get. I think it is unlikely that there is a machine that is too complex for a 13-year old to learn. She may, however, appreciate a machine more if she gets to pick it out herself (even if it is choosing the older machine you have). You could give her the pros and cons of several machines that you'd be willing to let her have and then she could choose. Anyway, my 2 cents. The advice could be worth the cost you paid for it. Please let us know how you handled the situation and what was the result.Good luck |
User: fabric_addict
Member since: 05-04-2007 Total posts: 12 
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From: MotherInLaw
Date: 06-03-2007, 11:28 PM (18 of 31)
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I know I'm going to get some flack about buying a machine from WalMart but I got 3 of my granddaughters a Brother machine at Walmart for 79.00 and they are fantastic little machines. They all drowned in Katrina but until them they were sewing all kinds of things. They had a 4 step buttonhole, a button foot, a zipper foot, and one other foot that I can't remember but they were nice full size machines. They loved their machines. I bought these machines for them when they turned 11 so it was not too hard for them and they felt like they were sewing like MawMaw. If you are going to take her to classes this little machine is a good one, Hope this helped. I just remembered it came with a blind hem foot.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118 
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From: Tom Land
Date: 06-04-2007, 02:09 AM (19 of 31)
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You have several dealers in your area. You can usually get a good reconditioned machine for the price you would pay at Wal-Mart, etc. Often these machines look brand new. With it you would probably get free classes on how to use and care for the machine. Most dealers have a "trade up" policy that would help her move up if she stays interested. Most dealers will make really "sweet" deals if they know it is for a new sewer because they want to make sure she likes it and stays with it. (We often will sell a machine we had hoped to get $200 - $300 for for around a $100 just to make sure she starts with a good machine). They only dealer in that area that I can think of that I know is AAA in San Mateo. They have a very good reputaion. (Not that others don't. This is just one that I personally know of their business practices.)
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 06-04-2007, 04:54 AM (20 of 31)
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Don't really know anything about either of the possibilities that are being discussed but I'll put in my two cents anyway. The older one probably is better made but almost any teenager I know would rather have the newer one. Looks are everything at that age. Also on the subject of the White - I wouldn't consider it at all unless it has a zig zag stitch. Ability to sew stretch fabrics and overcast edges are too important to miss out on. Other suggestions I like - the That's So Raven course, giving her the options with the pros and cons and letting her decide for herself, and Tom's compromise suggestion of a sturdier but still newer model. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-04-2007, 07:45 AM (21 of 31)
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I really like fabric_addict's thought about letting her join in the process of choosing a machine. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Patty22
Date: 06-04-2007, 08:34 AM (22 of 31)
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Ineedle... I hope all the dicussion hasn't scared you, but it is just all of us are very passionate about sewing and our machines. Whatever you decide is the right decision because you know the situation best. However, please let us know what happens. Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: Ineedle
Date: 06-04-2007, 02:49 PM (23 of 31)
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The discussion hasn't scared me at all! I appreciate each and every comment. I really enjoy the optimists- I love comments like these, "maybe she can save to help buy her own newer machine" or, "putting everything away when she's finished". I've heard of that. Seriously, though, it sounds like zig zag is a must. Maybe *I'll* learn how to use the White and get her a Brother or something (hm, I mean a Brother sewing machine). I will visit local stores over the next week in the hope of finding a deal that will keep me out of Wal*Mart. Hopefully in the process I will learn about local classes. To answer some questions, I think she wants to sew simple stuffed dolls, kind of like these: http://www.uglydolls.com/ I don't think she'd mind a used machine if it worked well. And I think it would be best for me to get her a machine, rather than wait for enough breaks in her busy schedule (school, camp, gymnastics) to go shopping for a machine. Keep those comments coming- I learn a lot from the discussion. I will report back what happens. |
User: Ineedle
Member since: 06-02-2007 Total posts: 5 |
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 06-04-2007, 05:18 PM (24 of 31)
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Welcome to Sew What's New
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User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: Patty22
Date: 06-04-2007, 07:40 PM (25 of 31)
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Ineedle... Listen to Tom's advice on the sewing machine dealers; he is a loadstar to many as he offers his expertise (Ed also another resident machine expert). The ugli dolls are cute, but I see lots of gym bags, grip bags and other kinds of things she can use with her activities in your future (I had a daughter do Division I gymnastics in college so I know about all the kinds of things to be made including leotards.) Oh wait...there are the hair schrunchies.....and then friends will be lining up wanting to buy them from her. My gosh, I already have her set up in a cottage industry pumping out the goods! Crank up the White and enjoy the journey! Do shop with coupons for the notions when they go on sale and have fun.
Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: Ineedle
Date: 06-05-2007, 05:33 PM (26 of 31)
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Ineedle... Listen to Tom's advice on the sewing machine dealers; he is a loadstar to many as he offers his expertise (Ed also another resident machine expert). I assume Tom meant this place: http://aaavacsew.com/ San Mateo is pretty far from here (about an hour's drive), so it's probably not practical to get this busy girl down there for lessons. Does anyone else have a recommendation for a dealer closer to the Oakland/Berkeley/San Leandro area? |
User: Ineedle
Member since: 06-02-2007 Total posts: 5 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-06-2007, 05:06 PM (27 of 31)
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Ineedle, I have a "no" feeling about the White that no one else has mentioned.. She is a beginner, and therefore I would say no to the White for this reason.. I learned to sew in Home Ec in Jr. High.. When I graduated HS and went to work the first major purchase I made was a White machine. (1950's) I hated it! ! ! ! ! You have to turn the wheel backward to start the White machine of that era.. If you give a brand new student that machine and she learns that way, she will hate every machine made today, because you turn the wheel toward you in all machines today.. Have you checked Janome ?? The Gem they make and sell for a pretty low price,, is a great machine, does a good selection of stitches and works like a full size machine, but I believe its advertised as weighing less that 12 pounds.. She could take that to college with her in a few years.. (If she decides she likes sewing) If not I know you would love the Gem anyway.. Some of my friends have purchased Brothers for their Grands and they are all pleased with them.. I just don't like those old Whites.. I never could figure out why they made them to turn the wheel the wrong way.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 06-06-2007, 08:55 PM (28 of 31)
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You have to turn the wheel backward to start the White machine of that era.. Wow, Libby, that just made me remember using my mom's machine. I think it might have been a White and older than I was. It was top of the line in its day. She won it at a Bingo game. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 06-06-2007, 10:06 PM (29 of 31)
My mother had a treadle/electric White that you had to use that way. I didn't even remember that until I saw those posts. I've been trying to track it down (thought for a while my sister had it, but no) but it seems to have disappeared.  Hard to do for a treadle machine in a cabinet.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Ineedle
Date: 06-20-2007, 10:57 AM (30 of 31)
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Thanks to all for your help. I researched and looked at a variety of new machines for a beginner, based largely on your suggestions. Unexpectedly, I ended up going with a Meissner (repackaged as a Husqvarna Viking) that a friend had. She had brought it in for a complete overhaul and then never used it (she does have four other sewing machines and two backups for the two unique machines among the four). She and I agreed that the Meissner would be more likely to stay in alignment than some of the plastic gear machines available in my price range. Best of all, the machine was free, leaving me to spend my money on sewing classes. I have found these, among others: http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/pages/class.html I also bought her a decent pair of scissors (do not use on paper!), a seam ripper, black and white thread, pearl headed pins, replacement needles for the Meissner, and a cardboard pattern board. I might be attending the classes myself, and learning to use that White Rotary electric... Thanks again. |
User: Ineedle
Member since: 06-02-2007 Total posts: 5 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-20-2007, 11:07 AM (31 of 31)
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Sounds like an excellent plan!!!
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 |
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