Oh dear I have no idea where to go with this
#32
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,857
Good decision! Those play machines will simply frustrate her. Can you face time with her? That would help a bit. Also, spend a bit of time on youtube and find a couple simple vids for her to watch. Better that you find them because there is a lot of garbage out there. But something such as a pillowcase or a basic tote bag, then messenger bag (tote with a flap!), then a basic doll quilt or dog blanket will build her confidence and let her understand how her machine works. Please remember to tell her that her seam ripper is her friend. WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES and use our rippers. She shouldn't worry about it. As she gets better, perhaps a craftsy online class or a MSQG or Quilt in a Day vids.
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: 25 yrs in TN; now back home in MI
Posts: 1,871
I agree with a regular sewing machine. You could find a nice used one at a repair shop. That way you know it is in good running order.
Select a really simple dress or top to make. Perhaps let the little girl pick it out from some you have selected. Then you can show her how a different fabric, collar, change of sleeves etc. can change the look. This will help her train her eye toward pattern selection and perhaps give her the freedom to design her own clothes. There are YouTube videos of girls who design their own clothes.
Select a really simple dress or top to make. Perhaps let the little girl pick it out from some you have selected. Then you can show her how a different fabric, collar, change of sleeves etc. can change the look. This will help her train her eye toward pattern selection and perhaps give her the freedom to design her own clothes. There are YouTube videos of girls who design their own clothes.
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,131
Most shops that sell sewing machines also offer lessons. A Janome Jem is a very good choice. It can sew just about anything you throw at it. I think they began to offer the needle up-down feature with the platinum. I have a friend in 4-H who sews with school children several days a week. She had to be checked out by the school before beginning to work with the kids. Much of their sewing involves sewing large squares together to make quilts. My younger sister never touched anything sewing oriented when we were growing up. Home Ec was not a choice for me, but she refused to take home ec. When her little daughter was big enough to take dancing lessons, sister dear bought a sewing machine and a serger and learned to make costumes for her and most of the other kids because her daughter volunteered her to make them. The sewing machine repairman sold her the machines and made house calls when she called and demanded he come to resolve a problem.
Get the grandchild an adult sewing machine and quiz the seller about lessons.
Get the grandchild an adult sewing machine and quiz the seller about lessons.
#35
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,184
For a 10 year old, she is ready for a "real" sewing machine. Made from a quality sewing machine maker. You can buy the beginner machine. It would be well worth the money. Even if she never uses it until she is 45 it is a much better investment. She will lose interest in sewing with a play machine.
#36
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,858
Well, the thing is ordered. I will take a look at it when it comes and then make a decision. BTW, the one I ordered also has an adapter and 'presumably' can be used for lightweight projects. I don't think she or her household is ready for a 'real' machine. If we lived closer, maybe. I checked with their local Fabricland (equivalent of Joann) and they do not have any classes at this time. Maybe in summer.
Good Luck ... and let us know what you think of it when it comes.
#37
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,585
As previously mentioned, 4H has classes.
Here's an online sewing class for kids that I found.
And when I did a search, I found a plethora of sewing classes for kids in all different areas of the country. I would do a search for "sewing classes for kids in __________" and add the name of her locality.
#38
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,145
Suggest first project is a 4-patch with plain square blocks between the 4 patch blocks. Easy, peasy. Also, If you can get have your grand daughter visit for a weekend, that will be plenty of time to get her acquainted with the machine and the very basics of stitching. It can be your 'quilting retreat'!
While you are not asking about which sewing machine to get your grand daughter, I will chime in with others who have advised about the right machine for the job. You can get inexpensive Brother machines for less than $100, and it could be shipped to the Walmart nearest your grand daughter for free. Amazon probably has them as well. Of course, you know the family dynamics and we don't. So feel free to ignore us!
Also consider cutting fabric and pressing fabric - in my opinion, a child needs to be supervised during these activities. Ask you daughter or her husband about supervising pressing - only for safety reasons, not for instructional purposes.
Some pre-cuts, along with a decent scissors and thread are good accessories to add to the package.
Oh, one more thought...you can conference your DGD in via phone or computer for lessons and learning.
Happy sewing fun!
While you are not asking about which sewing machine to get your grand daughter, I will chime in with others who have advised about the right machine for the job. You can get inexpensive Brother machines for less than $100, and it could be shipped to the Walmart nearest your grand daughter for free. Amazon probably has them as well. Of course, you know the family dynamics and we don't. So feel free to ignore us!
Also consider cutting fabric and pressing fabric - in my opinion, a child needs to be supervised during these activities. Ask you daughter or her husband about supervising pressing - only for safety reasons, not for instructional purposes.
Some pre-cuts, along with a decent scissors and thread are good accessories to add to the package.
Oh, one more thought...you can conference your DGD in via phone or computer for lessons and learning.
Happy sewing fun!
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