Sewing machine idea for DD9

[Merriwind]

Hi all-

Not Disney related, but DD9 is thinking about buying a sewing machine. She has been sketching clothing, bringing home fabric scraps from school and making Barbie creations with them. She is quite a saver and has a good bit of money and has asked about buying herself a sewing machine. (Her long term plan right now is to be an LPGA golfer--she has played since age two--and use her fame to launch a successful fashion line.)

I am no help to her whatsoever in this endeavor, as I can barely sew a button. I will be heading to the tailor this morning to have pants hemmed, as a matter of fact. Is there a good beginner sewing machine we should be looking at? I don't want anything too big--or expensive, as we are still testing the waters here. Any advice for me? I have taken books out of the library for her, but I am so clueless. I want to help her, but I am frustrated by my total lack of knowledge or just plain sense about what to do with fabric!

Thanks!

 

[bobcat]

I'm a Home Ec teacher and have owned quite a few sewing machines over the years. If you think this is a passing phase then I would ask friends and family if they have a machine they aren't using. This will let you know if this is something she will actually use and then you might feel more comfortable in buying or letting her buy one for herself.

You get what you pay for. I am partial to Husqvarna models as they are excellent machines and are great work horses. You don't need a comperterized machine to start off with. What you will look for is a basic machine with a variety of stitches. Husqvarna makes a Husky Star line that is less expensive but still great quality. If you go to a sewing machine dealer ask if they have any used machines. Husqvarna lets you trade in your machine towards a new one for something like two years so they will often have used machines.

Sew Young Sew Fun is a great series for preteens. They have a show that is on many PBS channels and the book series is fantastic. It has step by step directions for projects she will want to make. http://www.makeitu.com/
It is done by Husqvarna and they use their machines to demonstrate but you can use any machine.

 

[Hannathy]

I used to sew quite a bit before kids but now it is mostly Halloween and school costumes and when my machine from when I was a teen died, I just went to Walmart and bought a $100. machine and it does fine. I wouldn't spend hundreds on a machine for a kid, I know they sew great but I don't think it is a priority for kids. I learned to sew on a pedal pump machine! My cheap machine has worked fine for me and for my DD to learn on and use and was used by an entire class of 7th and 8th graders last year for over a month without any problems and is still going strong. I don't have to worry about kids using it because it didn't cost an arm and a leg. It is better IMO to get a machine you can relax and let her use than a super expensive one that everyone is always worried about.

 

[meandtheguys2]

I've had great luck with my Walmart sewing machine. It doesn't get screwed up anymore than my mom's did...

Sewing is fun! I hope your daughter enjoys it!

 

[Merriwind]

Thanks all! My Dmom actually has a $80 Brother that she bought at WalMart, so DD will start with that. And, thankfully, Dmom knows how to use it! Maybe I can learn too. I knew she had a machine in NY, but not one here. We went to lunch today and DD was showing her photos of her designs and telling her about wanting a sewing machine and voila!

Thanks again!!