quiltingcandy

I vote for a real machine too. I learned to sew on my mother's Singer 15-91 when I was 8 years old. My mother would not let me use it unless she was home. My main sewing projects were doll clothes and then I started making my one clothes too.
The little machine that you show is very much one that I bought many years ago and it does not sew well. The stitches are huge and it rattles like crazy.

It would be great if you could find her a sewing class.

sewbizgirl

Noticed that is a battery operated machine.... I would get her more of a real machine. When I was ten I was sewing dresses for my kid sister on my Mom’s big battle tank Kenmore.
How about an Eversewn machine? The Maker 100 model is for beginners. It has several dec stitches and a built in buttonholer. On Amazon it is $119 with free shipping.

notmorecraft

I’ve let my grandaughter loose on my Ruby Royale, with my supervision, she likes to make tote bags to carry her bits about in, small ones are just two layer cake squares, she could start with those, I agree with others if her first machine of her own is in the least bit troublesome it will put her off.

bearisgray

i also suggest a "real" machine.


i have several singer 237s - the feature list is short - straight stitch, zigzag, three needle positions, forward and backward. mechanical. hard to mess up.

suggested projects

pajama bottoms
totes/bags
pillow cases
swimsuit cover -up

things that are forgiving and usually successful.

projects to avoid:

pot holders - because of the thicknes
garments that require "exact" fitting - frustrating when the garment does not fit or looks unattractive (is "dorky" still being used as an adjective?)
slippery fabrics

you might also include some basic tools/accessories like scissors, pins, .measuring tape, seam ripper, etc.

quilterpurpledog

As a former Home Economics teacher I recommend a simple, lower end, name brand machine that has a good track record. Too many bells and whistles will only confuse her and a machine with inherent problems will discourage her. I also recommend classes or 4-H if available. Otherwise, I think you should schedule 'sewing together' times and teach her yourself. It would be good times besides. Projects should start out being simple and done quickly. But, don't discourage her by giving her a machine that is not reliable and no guidance.

Mitty

I like the idea of a sewing class as others have suggested.

I would consider buying her a pattern from a pattern manufacturer, since they tend to have very thorough directions that have been tested out. Some instructions on the internet are good, but some are unclear or have significant errors.

For projects, I would suggest:
pajamas
Christmas stocking
pillow
apron

illinois

Amen to a real machine. It will cost more but it may last her a lifetime, too. You might consider looking at a thrift store or an online trade site. Of course, that has some risk as those sometimes are being sold because of problems. Consult with your local machine store, explaining your situation and they may have a simple, used machine perfect for your GD. As to projects, I think one of the easy projects is lounge or pj pants or an apron. Something simple with straight seams that she can quickly see the reward of her effort. With the pj's she'll get the hang of that curved seam as well. Now to the cutting........ A kit that you have put together is probably a safe suggestion!

Mkotch

I was using my mom's Featherweight when I was 10 or 11. How about one of those? I'd buy her a bunch of sets of charm squares to use as quilts or pillow covers.

hobbykat1955

Real machine...Singer.com always has sales...I just did a first sewing lesson w/nieces 11 and 13...I started with coasters with precut charms...then went onto a small drawstring bag...They loved both and we spent 6 hrs making both. They didn't want to stop.
Craftsy has some free classes...And what abt skyping with her and doing projects together.

Gerbie

If nothing else check out the inexpensive Brother machines from Wal Mart, or the Singers from JoAnns. I too vote on a real machine. I made my first skirt and blouse at age 9 in 4-H. and have been sewing ever since. I fell in love with sewing then. Used my mother's Singer treadle she had converted to electric. I still have that machine - being the only daughter it came to me when mother passed away. I bought an inexpensive portable machine several years ago now from Nancy's Notions, that does a few zig zag stitches and would be good for a beginner. Sewing classes would be great for her since you apparently don't live close by. Your daughter and mine have the same idea it seems when it comes to sewing. My daughter has a new machine, she will never use I ask what her was going to do when I pass away, "I'll find someone to sew for me" lol. She has NO interest in learning how.