Kooklabell

Hi Everyone,

It is finally time to invest in a good sewing machine for 12 year old Sydney. She is getting frustrated with her play sewing machine and she doesn't live across the street anymore, so using my computerized machine is not convenient.

So, my question to you is, which sewing machine would you suggest for her first decent machine. I would like to spend around 200 dollars so I know my choices are limited. This child is a natural and I don't want her to get frustrated with the art and stop sewing. She likes to piece quilt tops, she has some experience with clothes, but not much. That's our next adventure.

Thank you for your suggestions.

cjsews

I would have been happy with a basic Brother from Walmart. Something with the basic straight and zigzag stitches. Maybe a few decorative stitches would be interesting but probably never used. Too many bells and whistles just leans toward more operator errors at this age. I'm sure she will love whatever you get for her. It's always nice to have another generation carry on the quilting genes.

bearisgray

Have you asked her what she wants?

Would she be content with a "vintage" type machine?

Does she want a "new" machine?

You could have several models in mind and let her choose.

leonf

I'd vote for a handcrank for a rookie.

Kooklabell

Oh I know what she wants, my embroidery machine by Husqvarna LOL But that isn't in the budget. Besides that, she doesn't know beyond "something that doesn't ball up the thread or eat the material". I'd like to find something that others feel is simple yet easy and friendly to use. Something that won't frustrate her.

My first machine was a Kenmore and I used a Singer in home economics. Both frustrated the life out of me and I don't want that to happen to Syd. At 11 years of age she has such incredible skills.

So my thought is still a new machine. I was thinking about a Brother or a Janome but I have no experience with these makers.

KalamaQuilts

have you looked at the Ever Sewn line?
http://www.eversewn.com/

I have the sparrow 30 and have nothing but good to say about it.
I think the simpler one starts about $150, and many shops are carrying it.

Tiggersmom

I think I saw a Brother machine last week at Costco for about $179.

SillySusan

I have a Singer Heavy Duty mechanical (of course) that I got at Walmart a few years ago for about $100 and it's been a great machine. Not fancy, but a good solid one and does everything I ask of it. I like it much more than the computerized Viking that's sitting in the closet.

Stitchnripper

Another vote for a Walmart/Costco Brother machine. I speak from experience in having 4 of them. One at each of son’s house and 2 here. They never have had a tension problem and will sew anything I throw at them.

Jingle

Whatever you pick I am sure she will be happy with a new machine. Brothers are very good machines. Never heard a bad word about them.