Sewing machine for grand-daughter??
 

My grand-daughter loves it when I sew things for her and has told me that she wants "Santa to bring her one for Christmas". Does anyone have any recommendations? She is 6 years old. I don't want to get her a "toy" one...I want a very basic machine for her first one. I'm thinking there will be a good Black Friday buy..so want some ideas to research. Thanks a million!! (I'm so excited that she has an interest...my daughter never had an interest and whines if she has to sew a button on :shock:)

I've heard good things about the Hello Kitty machine.

Our LQS carries used machines that are trade-ins. We have a wonderful selection of Singers mostly. These are very nicely priced and some have a cabinet. Maybe you can look for something like that. We also work on machines that people buy at yard sales, but the trade-ins are usually better. What a great gift!

As soon as I read that your gd is six, I remembered this blog post I recently stumbled upon:
http://www.ikatbag.com/2012/04/ikeas...g-machine.html

Again, she's not pitching it as a beginner machine for a tween or YA, but as a good machine for a child, for a reasonable price.

This particular blogger just cracks me up - I enjoy reading her blog (take the time to read the whole post - it's a detailed review, feature by feature, of the machine).

Janome Sew Mini 124 Sewing Machine

This is my traveling machine and I have given several as presents. Great first machine. It even has a speed control for beginners. Can usually be found for $50, but I have found them on sale for $30.

Any small Janome...

Most of the basic machines that I am looking at have no kind of "safety features". That concerns me some. I have a very basic Kenmore that works like a dream I was thinking about giving to her, but was afraid that without any kind of safety features it makes me kind of leary. I am afraid that she would end up running a needle through her finger...or am I just worrying too much?? :eek: I looked at the Janome 124 but it has no light.

Here is a link to a thread about fingerguards for sewing machines:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...or-t77467.html

here is some info on protectors, i had no idea there was such a thing.

http://sewing.about.com/od/notions/s...and-more_4.htm

Why not look into an old hand crank. She maybe would like turning the wheel to make it go.