Originally Posted by
Peckish
Why don't you see if there are any beginner classes offered in her area? I have a friend who teaches sewing to a group of 4H girls. Joann's might have classes also. Pay for a few classes and your gift is complete - and will be a joy to her for years to come.
Ditto! ... no knowing where your DGD is, but if she is outside of TO, she can probably join into 4-H clubs in her area. The next problem though, is whether they are offering any sewing clubs at the time. Also, many of the LQS's and sewing machine store offer sewing camps to help the young people get off to a good start. Triangle in Guelph does, but I am guessing she isn't anywhere convenient to them, if 2 hrs away from you. Another possibility ... they may be able to connect with someone in their community that could help her learn to sew, to supplement Grandma's help.
Or what about planning a girls sewing weekend with her every month (or whatever works!), that might help bridge the times between. She may come along quicker than you think!
About the machine .... I would go with a good regular machine. The scary part to me of the machine you have shown us is that with it being so low cost, and not a name brand, how long will it last? I would think that if she has problems with the machine, that could totally turn her off sewing. Check where you buy your machines, as many of them can sell you a good used machine, that by the time they service it, it will seem just like new, and you can save a lot of $. It very likely could be a machine that could last her for years. Again, I know that Triangle does have those sorts of machines as what we all have outgrown, are perfect starters for kids.
As to how to help her ... can you Skype with her some?
Maybe find some youtube videos that would be appropriate and give her the links?
Perhaps even kit up the project requirements to go with those links?
Good Luck! I'll look forward to hearing/seeing how she progresses!