3incollege

I would give the singer a try, buy a few feet at Joann's, they are not expense. don't jump into just getting her a new machine, because the MIL machine might be just fine.

cathyvv

hmmmm. I think I would give her a gift certificate for 'sewing supplies' and let her make the decision. She can take you and her MIL out to do the picking - assuming you all get along.

The other side of this coin is that getting a new machine doesn't mean scrapping the old machine. She can still use it. After all, many of us have several machines and switch between them.

BETTY62

I would be real careful here and consider the SIL's feelings before I did anything. Will he be upset because you are replacing something his mother gave your DD? If not, go for the new machine. If you think it would upset him, I would go with buying the attachments.

Mitch's mom

I would buy her some new short shank feet or whatever style it takes; they are going to be either short or slant shank. You could get her the basics or a complete set from Ebay for around 100.00. MIL's are a touchy subject. You don't want to come off as a meddlesome MIL to your Son in Law.

When the machine poops out you can both go shopping and perhaps invite her MIL along to share in the fun of machine shopping.

kathdavis

Try a new Brother machine. You can get one for $400 and get a bunch of feet with it.

deemail

there is no problem about this...singer sells ANY attachment for ANY machine they ever made and trust me they made plenty of feet for a machine this new... your MIL probably just lost some... for a few dollars she will have a machine that will hem, ruffle, buttonhole, etc., the site below shows all the feet by manufacturer... many are interchangeable...the big question is...'what does your presser foot look like? a boot or a shoe? i don't think the 4530 is a slant needle but check, just in case... then when you know which shape to purchase, get on the 800 number and check with the people there just to be safe. there are lots of choices for singers... you can still buy treadle belts, needles and feet so don't worry about this machine, it has a lot of capability... you will want a blind hem foot and a buttonhole foot that works with your built in zig zag and maybe a darning foot in case she wants to do some FAQ... there is also a 'bernina-style-foot' called a presser foot shank...you buy this one shank, screw it on and then you just buy the flat, 'snap-on' feet which are nice and have another whole selection... the machine was free, it is a good little machine and she should be able to do lots with it with just an extra foot or three...have fun...

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/singer-sewing-machine-presser-feet.aspx

lynnsim

As the owner of several machines, I think you should buy the newer machine. Your DD can keep the old one as a "back-up".

emsgranny

I think I would go in "feet first". If your daughter is anything like my two they have shown great interest but with kids and working neither one has alot of time to sew. Let her use the "old" machine for awhile and she if sewing holds her interest!!! After all its "new" to her. Good luck.

SevenupinNC

I agree with asking your daughter what she would like. How long ago did MIL give the machine to your daughter?
Also, I totally agree with BuckeyeRose about the plastic parts and quality.

jitkaau

How good is your relationship with MIL? I would diplomatically approach MIL and ask her opinion on how reliable the machine is, and adding to it or buying an extra one as back - up. I am sure if you approached it openly that no - one would think you were into'one - upmanship' or competing with her. A new sewer needs encouragement rather than frustration with her/his tools. See if you can talk to them both at the same time to judge their feelings accurately.