my 6yo and 4yo grandchildren. I believe I want an older all metal machine with just the basic stitching, forward/reverse, maybe zigzig and don't want to spend more than $50. I just want a good dependable machine that I don't have to worry about them messing up (not a bunch of knobs and things they can change).

What would you great QB'ers suggest? I have looked on ebay and shopGoodwill and many times the shipping puts it out of my price range.

Thanks!

PS: Yesterday my 4yo DGD spend the day with me and we played "fabric". We learn to cut and she cut and glued it onto paper. She choose 3 different pieces and had to cut it just so. LOL She even "fussy cut" hearts and flowers out of the fabric and glued them on the reverse side of the paper. Hmm, think this could be a new method of "paper piecing"? :)

Start looking at garage sales. Can be very inexpensive, no shipping, and you can test drive it before you buy. Just a thought. :)

Singer 15-91 can often be found in the $45 range. The Singer FW and singer 301 are good options too but they are usually more costly. Besure to check the electrical cords of any vintage machine before using. You might also be able to find a Singer from the 70 or 80 ies for $15 that works just fine or another off brand like Wards.

I love my White sewing machine that I bought 50 yrs ago. I was but a child. Goes forward and back and is a work horse. But, she weighs a TON. You'd be better off finding one at a yard or estate sale or at your repairman's shop....assuming he's an independent business. Mine has 2 walls of FWs and another room with every machine conceivable.....all older. Got my Gemsy Midarm there. Very reasonable.

I wouldn't mind finding a 60, 70 or 80s machine; either Singer, Brother or MW or any of the "clone" brands.

Garage sales are so iffy in my area. I've been watching my CL and stopping at garage sales. I am waiting on my local repairman to call me about a couple in his shop. I may drop by again to see what he has.

I have an old Kenmore I got at a yard sale over 10 years ago for $30.I'm guessing it's 30-40 years old. Couldn't find a date on it. It's a "Ultra Stitch 6" Pretty basic, but does do blind hemming and zig zag and a few other stitches. When my "Benz" machine (Viking) gives me a hard time I take out the old reliable.

I am assuming you are checking Craig's list but that is where I get my old machines. I have two friends that sew on 1980 very basic Singers and they make the most beautiful quilts on them. They just bough quarter inch feet for the machine.

when my graddaughters started sewing at 4 years old i went with an inexpensive brother machine from wally world ($79)
the reason for this decision was because i felt it important to have (speed control) and the brothers do- it's like a governor on a go-kart- they can put the pedal to the metal- but the machine can not speed away on them.
that first brother was quite a few years ago now- and still works great.

The Kenmore's made in the 60's or 70's are a great machine. Sturdy, all metal,inexpensive, perfect for what you want.

Good luck on your search.

Annie
: )