Quilt in a Day Forums

Hello, all...posting a question for a friend...

Does anyone have any suggestions, opinions, ideas on a sewing machine for a young girl? Friend's daughter is ten, has recently expressed an interest in learning to sew. It sounds like her mom would like some additional features like a buttonholer and perhaps machine quilting capability. She'd also like the option where the bed of the machine can be narrowed to allow easier hemming of pants and sleeves...and of course I can't think of what that's called to save my life!

I also suggested she search in local shops that sell repaired and reconditioned machines. She doesn't want to search Craigslist or the want-ads as she is worried about being ripped off (understandable).

She is open to a new or used machine, and is willing to spend up to $200.

I would check the local sewing machine shops - They have good buys on trade ins. The shop sells them as reconditioned. The short arm is called a "free arm" or at least that is what I learned it as. Be wary of some of the cheaper new machines out there - the workmanship is poor. I know from past experience in teaching sewing - a machine that works properly does more good than any lesson in sewing. If the machine gives the student problems they will usually quit and not give it time to learn. Also ask around her group of friends - they may have a older machine lurking in the closet.

Good luck
Jana

Jana, THANK YOU for reminding me that it's a "free arm" feature...gack! Can't believe that went right out of my head yesterday!

Carole

i bought a small, still in the box brother for my 12 yr old grandson when he was learning to sew and quilt. i got it at the pawnshop for 20 bux, it is the one you see at the store for under 100.00. he even taught his mom how to use it. it was well worth the 20 bux, and it even has several fancy stiches on it.
pawnshops are nice places to look.

I know that when my Pfaff bites the dust - I would get another one - but with a self-threading device.

My Pfaff is at least 10 years old and I've done many quilts on it!
Good luck - Shelly

Hmmmm, hadn't thought about pawn shops! I will pass that info along to my friend...thanks!

I bought a Babylock Demin Pro for under 200 and use it to teach young girls how to sew and they have had no trouble working the machine.

I am using a cheap brother machine now,ugh. what I wanted to say is "as good as you can afford" when it comes to tools for sewing. Those gingher sizzors may seem expensive but they will hold a sharper edge than the cheaper brand.
An art professor impressed his opinion on me once.."You can't paint a master peice with a twig!" Good tools give good results.
For a beginner a complicated or expensive machine is not such a good idea, I have shopped my local sewing shop for used machines and was very happy with what I found.