BrendaK

I have a simplicity machine and my 9 year old DGD really enjoys using it.The speed is controled by her foot pressure. I have been thinking about getting a machine for her. Maybe I'll get a new one for me and give my old machine to her. BrendaK

SewExtremeSeams

It might sound silly but have you ever thought of purchasing a treadle machine off of craigslist? I see them on there for under a hundred dollars. Lots of people love the rhythm of them PLUS she could control the speed.

There is a vintage sewing machine shop on this board. Lots of people on there sew on them and teach their grandchildren. Here is the link...

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43881-1312.htm#3693961

There are tutorials and youtube sites to learn how to use them. Pretty easy actually.

:-D

seasaw2mch

I will check out the site here but as far as buying something site un-seen I will not, been there and been screwed before. I know to many people that have gotten take for a ride on Criags List as well so that is not an options I will chose either. I do love the treadles, just got one a couple of months ago at auction but it needs an over haul so I'm waiting to get that done. As soon as I can get ahead of all the quilts then I plan on stripping it down and rebuilding it like new. Hopefully it will be before the end of the year.

I have decided to let her use my babylock, (with my eyes closed) so I don't see all the mistakes she's going to make with my baby. LOL This is going to hurt me more than the machine but sometimes you got to do what ya got to do. This way I have time to look around for something more suited to her as well. I really need her to be able to carry it around since the only time she's allowed to use a machine is when she is with me. My daughter is such a panic freak when it comes to her kids but I'm hoping to get her over that once Jada shows her what she's able to do WITH OUT My HELP.

I'm showing her how to do a QAYG quilt. I cut the squares and gave her a huge box of scraps to chose from. She's in scrappy heaven right now. LOL

SewExtremeSeams

Seasaw... cool that you have a treadle.

I have taught my children and now my grandchildren. My trick is to first teach them to stop on the 'gas' pedal when I say stop. Once they learn to do that quickly, then, I put 'my' hands behind my back so I don't reach around and do it for them.

Sorry that you have been stung. I have over 20 vintage sewing machines that I have purchased off of craigslist, in my area and in areas where my daughters live. The ones my daughters have picked up for me have been sight unseen and have turned out fine. We buy and sell cows, hay, our cars, farm equipment, etc., from craigslist. Maybe craigslist is draws different folks in different areas but so far... very good for us. My DH and I have met the nicest people.

Hope to see you in the VSMS but I must warn you it can become addictive. The ladies and gentlemen give such helpful advice on any question you have about anything to do with cabinets, sewing machines, attachments, etc. :-D Hope you will post photos of your Grandchildren sewing like others have. It is such a privilege to teach our next generations how to sew/quilt! :-D

lalaland

I think this is a good idea, it may solve the problem. If it doesn't, a block of wood sounds like good idea.

This machine does not have a speed control, it's a pretty basic machine. The non skid rubber shelf liner you can get in the 99 cent store will keep it from moving, be sure it's the one with the "holes", not the solid one, the "holes" grip better. I use one under all my machines, works great!

If the speed continues to be an issue, I'd think about investing in an older machine, you can find them pretty cheap, and in good working condition, on Craigslist. Once she gets used to that, and can master applying pressure to the foot pedal to speed up/slow down, she'll be ready for her new Janome.