the IKEA machine
 

anyone lucky enough to get one yet? what is it like? how does it sew? is it noisy?

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60208974/

I heard it has an oscillating hook?

it is a child's machine...and it sews so good that the stores can't keep them on the shelves...BUT, they don't offer it online..sigh....I want one for my neighbor girls...their dad is raising them alone since mom turned to drugs 3 years ago....and they want me to teach them to sew...they are 6 &10 this summer!

It also looks like a Singer brand machine by the shape of the casing.

If it's made as well as their furniture and other accessories it should last a few months:< I was just there with a friend and didn't see this for sale. Honestly, I don't know why you'd want to give that to a child? IMO it looks like a cheap piece of plastic.

To be honest, I would look for a Singer 99k.. It's not as cute, but it will continue to work for them.. Forever...

What is an oscillating hook?

I would look for vintage machines for your neighbor girls. I just don't trust the itty bitty plastic ones. If you really want to get one of the itty-bitty machines--I would check out the little Janome that Hancock Fabrics sells or even one of the cheap Brother's that Walmart sells. That way, if you keep the receipt and have a problem--you can take it back. I've thought about the little Brother at Walmart that has the extension table to take on vacation instead of lugging my trusty old Euro-Pro, especially when we fly. I bought a cheap, plastic White mini-machine just for a plane ride vacation and it is extremely loud, vibrates more than my Harley, plastic feed dogs and can't sew a straight line--really--even paper piecing on it was a challenge. Now I am too embarrassed to even give it away! Maybe my non-sewing MIL? No, she'd spend days calling all the aunts, uncles, cousins and neighbors telling them what a piece of crap I gave her and she's never sewed a day in her life. I doubt she has even sewed a button on.

I was able to examine this machine at my Ikea store a while back. IMHO I would say to steer clear of it. For $60 it just does not look like it would last through a single project!!

I am considering to buy one when it becomes available at my local Ikea ONLY IF it is similar in construction & durable as my other present ones. I use & own 2 of those "plastic" sewing machines. They are both from Janome & retailed for about 100 dollars each. Remember the most important thing about those "plastic" ones. Do not be so "hung up" on the outer plastic casing. That is mostly for decoration and covering the innards. The most important is the innards attached to a metal frame within that plastic outer casing. If they are made up of mostly durable metal with minimal plastic, I buy. Otherwise I pass.

I agree ... Ikea has IMO lost quality a great deal in recent years. About 10 years ago we purchased our bed and wardrobe there and love them. We went there a month or so ago to look at book shelves for the family room and could not believe how much the quality has degraded. I honestly don't think I'd trust Ikea with electronics, they can't even make a decent book shelf - how hard is that?

I second the idea to go to eBay and check out vintage machines. You can share history of sewing and what was going on in the world at the time the machines were made as well as sharing your love of sewing. These older machines are easily maintained or repaired as DH and I are learning.

LOL!! I love IKEA for the design aspect and ingenuity behind their product, but the actual product is well, disposable, usually. Everything is pretty inexpensive and particle board, and doesn't hold up to any sort of long term use. My son's drawers literally fell apart within a few days and became a safety hazard. What did he do other than open and close a drawer or two every day....nothing. So the $200ish dresser lasted about 5 years give or take a year. There are things I just won't buy there. Anything that will get day to day abuse will NOT last. Shelving etc. that really is decorative or pieces that aren't used every day are better bets. I love IKEA but I'm also very aware of its deficiencies! I buy sheets, towels, decorative pieces-things like that. Beds, couches, flooring, kitchen cabinets, I stay clear of. I have an IKEA bed in my guest room that gets used maybe 6 nights a year and its surface is all chipped and looking yucky. It's probably 8 years old. So, that's maybe 48-58 nights of useage? I don't think my guests were that active in it, but I'd have to ask to double-check!

if i provide good materials for my daughter's projects, i am teaching her that her work has value. i am also teaching her that the materials she uses have intrinsic value and should be respected.

she's 7 and has been watching me sew her whole life. i just bought her a janome 372 machine on kijiji (canadian craig's list) for $100. it's pretty much the same machine that has served me loyally for almost 20 years. she's sewing on paper right now, figuring out how the pedal works.

she'll learn step by step how to take care of the machine and to sew, just like i did. and hopefully she will grow to love it.

the children's machines all look like crap to me. there's no reason a child can't use a regular machine, and learn to care for and respect it. for kids without a mom, a good machine bought by a loving neighbour might be the only machine they get for a good long time. for an extra $40, if you can afford it, is a huge difference in quality.

aileen

I think it is wonderful that you want to pass the art on to others!! I would look at the machine when you get a chance and see how the construction works..I have a machine that I have been using for years that has a plastic body and I paid only $99 for...It is all I have and it works great...I say don't judge the machine by the cover..look a little deeper!!

Jacquie, I know this isn't what you asked, but last night, during my cruising the information superhighway, I found this: http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Brother-LS2300PRW-Limited-Edition-Project-Runway-Sewing-Machine-Refurbished/6475242/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=ps pla&adtype=pla&kw={keyword}

I don't even know what Ikea is, so I can't help you with your original question! But I thought this was a sweet deal and am considering buying one for myself as a back up and it might be a good machine for the girls. Good for you to teach them!

I'm with everyone else--Much better off to get a vintage real machine at a yard sale or on ebay for the girls to learn on. It's what my DGD's will be learning on someday. You can pick one up usually for around $25.00, sometimes less, sometimes free!

You must go to Ikea.com and just check out this store!! I have an Ikea 45 minutes away here on Long Island, and shop there as often as my purse will allow. They have an interesting variety of fabrics. I recently purchased 15 yards of my favorite print and completely re-decorated my lower level family room which includes an 'L' which I use for my sewing studio. As for Ikea's furniture, three weeks ago I replaced my 25 year old Ikea twin floor-to-ceiling wardrobes for two high dressers from their Hemnes series. These new, very large dressers are well constructed, easily assembled and cost only $249 each (on sale). I also purchased the matching nightstands. We still use our 22 year old Ikea wicker head/foot board queen sized bed. It's holding up extremely well for its age. I must also note that both my daughters (now 28 and 22) have taken their own Ikea bedroom furniture with them as they left the nest. Those furniture pieces are at least 15 years old and still look as good as the day I brought them home. Of course, my girls take good care of their belongings and did not 'rough house'. If you do not have an Ikea nearby, I could not suggest you purchase online and have your items shipped as their shipping charges are astronomical!!! Better to visit the store and enjoy the experience. I hope you get to do that someday soon. I know you will not be disappointed!!QUOTE=AshleyR;5252873]Jacquie, I know this isn't what you asked, but last night, during my cruising the information superhighway, I found this: http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Brother-LS2300PRW-Limited-Edition-Project-Runway-Sewing-Machine-Refurbished/6475242/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=ps pla&adtype=pla&kw={keyword}

I don't even know what Ikea is, so I can't help you with your original question! But I thought this was a sweet deal and am considering buying one for myself as a back up and it might be a good machine for the girls. Good for you to teach them![/QUOTE]

Well, I can say it is adorable! I've never bought anything from Ikea because we don't have one in our area. If you have one nearby, you can always get it and test it out before letting the girls sew on it. I also am teaching my 5yo DGD to sew...we're just beginning...and I picked up one of the children's machines ($10) for her to "play with". It was a chain stitch only and she got very frustrated with it. "I" was frustrated with it!! I ended up letting her sit in my lap with me guiding her hands and me using the foot pedal on my 15-91 and she couldn't get enough of sewing small strips together!! I think that made all the difference in the world to her. Every time she comes, she asks to sew!!

I will also add that I was given a vintage machine when I was younger, and it was a nightmare! I wasn't taught how to use it, though, and I am sure that would have made a big difference. I learned to sew in Home Ec classes and so I knew the basics, but that machine was very mean to me! I stopped sewing for a very long time because I was intimidated by the old machine. I got a cheapie one from Walmart when I started again and I'm glad that I did b/c it didn't scare me!

I agree-I would not teach a child to sew on anything I would not use myself.If it is not a great machine without issues they will hate sewing not love it.My grand kids learned to sew on my Designer SE and they love sewing.

If you read the description, this Ikea has an aluminum frame.

Very interesting! I did not know Ikea had a machine. It sure is cute!

Jacquie, How sweet of you to take on the task of teaching your neighbor girls how to sew. That is something they will always remember. I dont know about the machine but, if you have a store nearby maybe you could look at it in person. -Sandra

At least it has bobbins and will make a regular stitch, not just a chain stitch. I would be leary, but would probably try it out at the store. I love my Pfaffs, but none are at that price point.

Jacquie, I love that you want to pass along our skills to the next generation!! Went to Walmart and found this for about $10 more than the Ikea machine (I LOVE Ikea, by the way) http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-17...chine/17039055.
When I was shopping for a starter machine for my granddaughter, I bought her a Brother and I liked the quality for the price. You're doing a good thing and all of us will surely think of you in the the future, teaching those little girls something that will go with them for the rest of their lives!!

I agree I would look for a singer 99 k or even a regular singer for them to learn on. Hopefully they will get hooked and at that age they could operate a real machine. I have taught children from 5 years and up on a regular full size machine and glad i did for they never would have been happy with a "toy" one.

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Pass on this one. There are plenty of machines (look at allbrands.com) that are brand name with 10 yr. or more warranties and made better with more features for a few dollars more. Check out the Janome Harmony 1017S 10/17Stitch Sewing Quilting Machine Buttonhole MetalCasting&BobbinCase 11Lb...it is $99 with a discount coupon, $94 and free shipping. The Ikea one looks plastic, cheap....may not hold up to very much use. BTW there are other machines on the site listed above for $69 as well...they look better than this one when you read the description. Wonderful that you are helping these kids learn the value of creating and sewing. Suggestion, contact your local quilt guild and see if members have a machine or two they would donate to this endeavor....bet you would get many donations....maybe fabric as well.
Diana in TX

Why not get the Janome Sew-Mini? It's a better machine for about the same price.

Jacquie, I just want to say that it is so kind of you to spend time with these girls and also teach them a fun hobby. Your attention to them may have a life long positive influence in their lives. Good luck and God bless you.

I agree with the others. There's not much more frustrating for a child that is learning than to have less than adequate tools. That's not too say that this machine this is not good, because I don't really know. But I think it would be better to get a good quality used machine that works well, so it will do a good job as they get better and need a "bigger" machine. Also don't forget good scissors . They are so lucky to have you to help them!

Well I would like to kno wif the Ikea in Australia would be selling that as I would consider buying it for my granddaughter to learn to sew. It is true that one should not look at the plastic and be turned away...it is what is on the inside that really counts. I will like to hear if you like it if you get it.

Jacquie, I have no idea of the quality of the machine. I didn't even know that Ikea sold them. According to their website my local store has about 6 of them in stock. If you would like I could get it for you and ship it to you.Just let me know.

Pat

Ikea also sells a compter table that I use as a sewing and ironing table. I bought the units that put together can wrap a corner. Plenty of room for my sewing maching and embroidery machine and ironing. Very inexpensive.

I can tell you this Don't ever buy a machine with the Presserfoot lift lever under/inside the arm area! I did and its always in the way and your always hitting it! as you turn fabric!!

Looks like a kid's machine to me!

I looked one over & I did not much like it. I bought the model up from it. It was a better machine & price.

http://www.hancockfabrics.com/Janome-3128-Sewing-Machine-Standard-Sewing-Machines_stcVVproductId81913199VVcatId539684VVview prod.htm

I had to adjust to this new Presserfoot Position on my latest machines. I could see the logic in their positioning. The lever is far less likely to be damaged as it is hidden within the sewing machine's own protective arm. Rather than just jutting out where anything could happen when it hits something hard and not giving in.

I am always amazed how limiting people's eye or opinion to offered products to what the product "looks" like. I worry far more about the innards and stitch quality rather than superficial "looks." I think this limiting prejudice spills out over into other parts of ones' own life.

I have several machines and the one I take to classes is a Brother rx 7700 (I think the letters are right-The number is for sure) It is a fantastic light weight machine. It is about $170. from Costco and if you are going to start a young quilter, it has every foot you need for quilting (including the walking foot), applique, and general sewing and makes a button hole the size your button is with a special foot. It isn't as cheap as the Ikea but a great inexpensive machine.
Robin

Jacquie, I'd like to make a couple of comments to you. I teach sewing and quilting, both, and as of today, knitting, in my home. Back in 2008 we had a 7 yr old great granddaughter living with us for a year. We bought her a Janome Sew Mini for Christmas, and after one apron, it sounded like a train roaring through. I was not impressed with it at all. I have a vintage New Home, and a Brother CS600i which I let me students use. (I keep my Pfaff 7570 for myself). I am very impressed with the Brother. When I talked to a local quilt shop's sewing machine mechanic, I discussed machines with him. His comments were, to stay away from all new Singers. His best recommendations were Brother and Baby Lock. He said they are the best being built now, and have the least amount of problems. For your info, I got both of my student machines on line from Ken's Sewing in Muscle Shoals, AL. I have been very pleased with his service. My Brother was a Refurbished machine, and I got it for $125, instead of the usual $175 or $200. These are just some thoughts that might help you. I, too, love teaching kids to sew, but I would get them a fairly good machine that won't break down in a few weeks, like our Janome Sew Mini did.

Thank you for being such a good neighbor. I tend to agree with the others who think a "real" machine would be better. I bought a toy one for my DGD when she was about 5 and it almost drove me mad! I finally threw that thing out the door and bought a Brother for something like $89. She's still using it and she's 15.