What do you think of this machine for a 5 year old? My DGD wants to sew and I'm looking for one for her.

Does any one have this machine?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110734376019?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

or this one....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290595674383?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649


or this one...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280729963397?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

I really can't answer your question ... though you might want to read GirlieGirl's thread, about sewing machines for her nieces.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-147998-1.htm

There was a lot of good info to consider when/if purchasing for younger sewers.

You can't get to it but if you look, there were 21 reviews on the machine that only gave it 1.5 stars.....that might be a good indication.

I don't know if this is similar or not to one I had in years past that I had gotten for travel use. The one I got did only a chain type stitch and I found it difficult to control the speed. It found it's way to the yard sale rather quickly.

The one you are considering may well be greatly improved over the one I discarded.

I would rather use a standard machine, perhaps either an inexpensive current model machine or a reliable vintage machine that is easily maintained.

I'm considering letting my DGS learn on my treadle machine once I get it cleaned up and the belt replaced. For him this has the benefit of using up excess energy working the treadle as well as giving him the opportunity to make something with it.

Thanks, I have machines but Eiley wants one "her size" mine she says are too fast for her.

You can put speed restrictors onto machines ... some have posted that they use light dimmers to make that happen. Might be better to go with a good old reliable machine you have and know and will last her for awhile, than to go with something "cheap" that may soon break down, or that she may outgrow all too soon.

The "Hello Kitty" machine is made by Janome. It comes in two sizes -- 1/2 and 3/4. It is the 3/4 machine that is supposed to be the good one. Here is a link to it on Overstock:
http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewi...0/product.html

The same machine is probably available for a little less money in plain white from Sears. Janome is making the Sears Kenmore line of machines now (or so I've heard).

I would definitely not get an inexpensive Singer as a first machine!

You can also look for older machines that have the kind of foot pedal where you can wedge a sponge inside to limit speed.

I wonder how Janome's Hello Kitty compares to the Jem. It's also a 3/4 model. Yes with more features, though I understand not too highly priced.

Might be a way for Grandmamama to get a nice little machine to take to courses for herself ... and let DGD use it when at home!

Here's a link to the Janome Jem Gold on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Janome-Jem-Gol.../dp/B000FLH2VE

Thanks, I book marked it :D

The old saying"You get what you pay for seems to keep coming into my mind here. Also why start her on a cheap machine. If it doesn't sew nice than she will get discouraged and maybe never want to sew again. The Jenome Jewel looks about the best that I have seen recommended so far. Sometimes sewing machine stores have some nice reconditioned ones that people bring in for a trade in. You might check in with them. But please don't go for cheap machines. I bought a $200 one from Costco years ago and hated it so much I quit sewing for two years. My husband noticed and asked me why, and I told him because I hate that D--- machine. He told me to go out and get one that I liked. I did and I have been sewing every since. Jan

A 5 year old is pretty young...

I can't see the brand name on the second one, but I personally wouldn't buy a new Singer, an old one yes, not new, so I'm probably not a whole lot of help. Janomes and Brothers, even the low end models have a much better record than the new Singers as a general rule.

find a nice used heavy machine here on the forum or CL or even ebay..don't waste your time and money on these light weight all plastic machines...it will only cause frustration in the long run....