Sewing machine for grand-daughter??
 

My grand-daughter loves it when I sew things for her and has told me that she wants "Santa to bring her one for Christmas". Does anyone have any recommendations? She is 6 years old. I don't want to get her a "toy" one...I want a very basic machine for her first one. I'm thinking there will be a good Black Friday buy..so want some ideas to research. Thanks a million!! (I'm so excited that she has an interest...my daughter never had an interest and whines if she has to sew a button on :shock:)

I've heard good things about the Hello Kitty machine.

Our LQS carries used machines that are trade-ins. We have a wonderful selection of Singers mostly. These are very nicely priced and some have a cabinet. Maybe you can look for something like that. We also work on machines that people buy at yard sales, but the trade-ins are usually better. What a great gift!

As soon as I read that your gd is six, I remembered this blog post I recently stumbled upon:
http://www.ikatbag.com/2012/04/ikeas...g-machine.html

Again, she's not pitching it as a beginner machine for a tween or YA, but as a good machine for a child, for a reasonable price.

This particular blogger just cracks me up - I enjoy reading her blog (take the time to read the whole post - it's a detailed review, feature by feature, of the machine).

Janome Sew Mini 124 Sewing Machine

This is my traveling machine and I have given several as presents. Great first machine. It even has a speed control for beginners. Can usually be found for $50, but I have found them on sale for $30.

Any small Janome...

Most of the basic machines that I am looking at have no kind of "safety features". That concerns me some. I have a very basic Kenmore that works like a dream I was thinking about giving to her, but was afraid that without any kind of safety features it makes me kind of leary. I am afraid that she would end up running a needle through her finger...or am I just worrying too much?? :eek: I looked at the Janome 124 but it has no light.

Here is a link to a thread about fingerguards for sewing machines:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...or-t77467.html

here is some info on protectors, i had no idea there was such a thing.

http://sewing.about.com/od/notions/s...and-more_4.htm

Why not look into an old hand crank. She maybe would like turning the wheel to make it go.

That looks like a good one to take to sew alongs.

I ment to say the little Ikea

Any low end brother will do, I have used low end brothers since I was a kid with no problem

Hancock's has the Janome Sew Mini on sale right now. Can't remember the price though.

I bought a Janome Harmony for my 5yo DGD upon the recommendation of my dealer. Also, the Brothers are good machines.

Hancocks does have a good sale on machines right now. There have a couple around $99.00. Sad that we can't use a coupon though! :(

I would have to agree about not buying a toy one. I know lots of friends who purchase Janome's and are quite happy with them. If she is really interested in quilting, she could possibly use this machine for years. No use just buying junk. Besides the fact that the toy machines could probably cause much undo stress, since they are so cheap. Try looking online or even at Sam's Club. Someone told me they sell sewing machine there.

Thank you for all your suggestions....I think this is what I am going to do....I have a very basic Kenmore machine that is a couple of years old, but virtually brand new hiding in the sewing room...(one my husband uses on a rare occasion if he wants to mend something..not allowed to touch my Viking). It is just a straight/zig-zag machine but would be perfect for a beginner. I found her the CUTEST little sewing basket today at Joann's...filled it with some things and went through and put her some fabric together too. She is going to be "SEW" excited!! :)

Sounds like a sensible plan! Your granddaughter will be thrilled.

Amazon now has a really good sale on the Hello Kitty Janome, they have a few different models and they are good machines. I don't think you would find it for less than at Amazon. That is what I want to get my Granddaughter but since she is only 3 I'm not getting it this year

I can't tell you a brand for sure but I know if you buy at Sears they have a free orientation instruction one-on-one or a small group to teach you how to use your machine. You might want to consider that if you are purchasing for your granddaughter. How exciting!!

I can't tell you a brand for sure but I know if you buy at Sears they have a free orientation instruction one-on-one or a small group to teach you how to use your machine. You might want to consider that if you are purchasing for your granddaughter. How exciting!!

I'd look on Craigslist or somewhere similar for an older super simple machine. Good buys around $25.

What is Sears going to teach this grandmother that she doesn't know? Most simpler machines operate very much alike.

IMO, a very wise choice!

I meant for the grandDAUGHTER. Sometimes they listen better to someone else other than family.

I agree. That's a great plan and I know your GD will be "SEW" excited.

Sounded to me like the granddaughter was already quite interested in what Grandma had to say!

I bought the green Janome "Hello Kitty" for my granddaughter last year. It was about $120 from Target online. I have used it, as well. Nice stitch. I also bought a needle guard for it so she doesn't sew her finger. Gerry

I was talking to my GD the other day and she told me (again) that she wanted Santa to bring her a sewing machine..I ask her why she wanted a sewing machine....she says "Grammy I want to make blankets like you and sew stuff like you do." OMG...how much better does that get! She will definitely be "SEW" excited. She is coming to visit over Thanksgiving and I think we are going to start to get aquainted with some simple sewing lessons. :) Might be able to get her brother interested too. He is almost 5. That would be even greater!!