ButtercreamCakeArtist

I almost bought a Janome Hello Kitty one for my DD's 6th birthday (a year and a half ago). I decided to go with a cheaper machine. Boy did I make a huge mistake. I just got a piece of junk that is hard to sew on.
If I had it to do over again, I'd put some more money with it and buy a "real" machine. I may do that for Christmas because, although this little junky thing is light and runs off of batteries or electric, it doesn't perform well.

smitty

If weight is not an issue (will she be lugging it to classes?) I would look into some of the vintage Singers. they are simple, good stitching, cheap and she will enjoy sewing on them. I am thinking of the vintage Spartan, 99's, 15-91s, etc. My GD learned on my 221 and loves it. elaine

wesing

I'm surprised that noone has suggested the obvious - let them have your machine when you upgrade!

Granny Peggy

My granddaughter started sewing at about 4 on a little Singer Featherweight that her mom had. She made an apron and won a purple ribbon at the fair. This year she made a little quilt and when it was time to quilt she used her mom's Janome with a walking foot. Again she got a purple ribbon. I would go to a local sewing machine store and look for a good used machine. There are many out there that were traded in for an upgrade. Those inexpensive machines can be very frustrating.

Bluphrog

Kenmore (sold by Sears) has some smaller machines that are under $100, and I was told by the salesperson that they are now made by Janome.

Tink's Mom

I wouldn't buy a toy...get a inexpensive real machine. If you can, find a machine with a speed regulator. This way, even if she has put the pedal all the way to the floor, the speed will not be too fast. Viking has a nice machine with the speed regulator for under $300. I think it is the #118???
Otherwise, a nice used machine. :D

ctmhjenn

I am totally in agreement, buy her a real sewing machine, and I also agree with the Bernina. I bought my first sewing machine when I was a new wife (1967) and then sold it to buy a new singer 648 (1971) and I STILL have it in the cabinet and I still use it, even though I do have a newer Bernina, a new Pfaff and two older Pfaff. I have found my two Pfaffs on Craigs list for a very low price, and I take them in, have them cleaned and checked out, and they are FANTASTIC...hence, the new one. A real machine will last indefinitely, until they decide to get a newer model on their own.

blmclin

I bought our gd a Mini sew Janome and it sews great. It was $39. and worth every dime. Would recommend it for an basic machine for anyone who needs one just for repair work.

lanagan

If you are going to make the investment in a machine, make a good investment. Bernina has come out with a machine that is very light weight (great for classes) offers 6 stitches and is only $149 with a 10 year warranty.

I have a 640 and a 153 but am saving up to get this new one for retreats and classes. Way easier to lug around.

ctmhjenn

I have one of those Janome's that were on sale for $79 dollars for my niece, who never came back to sew with me...still IN the box, never opened, and now I am saving it for my 3 year old granddaughter..hope hope hope hope....would love to see one of the girls in my family quilt.
I have 2 Bernina's, and don't know which one I love the most...oh...both of them! I bought my 1010 off Ebay, it was a school sewing machine, and it was used but in good condition. Sews like a champ