New machine for 10 year old with talent
Hi,
I am looking to buy a machine for my 10 year old daughter who is crazy about fashion and has already hand sewn a number of very cool items. She is a bundle of creativity and is going to really take off with a sewing machine, and I would like to make sure she does not outgrow what I get her. I’m looking for something very sturdy, easy to learn, simple to use, easy to maintain, and pretty much trouble free – and of course it has to sew well. I also like the idea of having a lot of automated features, easy bobbin threading, and a 1 step buttonholer. It would be used by other family members as well. We use Macs in our house, so it seems that anything that requires a computer is out. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? The budget is up to about $300, but we’re fine with a less expensive machine.
Replies
Please check out used machines. And please don't get one of those 'school machines' advertised in the newspaper. I purchased one for my sister-in-law, and it was nothing but a huge headache. Test drive everything you can sit in front of! And a great big hug to that talented daughter of yours!
Thanks for that input. I've been looking at the Brother ES 2000 or CS 6000i as they are within the budget and seem to have a lot of features. Does one need a computer to access the stitches, or is that just an issue if you want to download new stitches? There's also a Kenmore 19233 that seems nice. I like the idea of a computerized machine vs. a manual one for her, as I think she will enjoy the features. Does anyone have experience with these machines or insights about computerized vs. manual machines for a kid starting out?
Hi MegI too have a 10 year old. Last year for Christmas I gave her a manual machine. I am upgrading her with a Pfaff 200c. This is a wonderful machine for kids her age. And beginner sewers of all ages who want a basic computer machine! With a lot of wonderful bells and whistles. Has a lot of fun decorative stitches and easy button holes and so on. It is a computer machine but doesn't interface with a computer. I have seen them as low as $400 (it retails for like $800) I know that is a bit more then your budget but it is worth checking out!! My daughter's eyes lit up when she saw this machine. We have techno kids and this machine will be fun and also right up their ally!! She will not out grow this for a long time!!Just check with what kind of deals and specials they are running for the Holidays!!Hope this helps!! I know my daughter loves it!!Connie
I set my 7 & 8 y/o grandaughter up to my old Bernina 830. It sits on a child's table so they can be comfortable. It had speed control and best of all it's "broken in". It will go slow or fast. Too often in my sewing classes the girls with new machines have no speed control--they either go fast of won't. I purchased another 830 over the summer and intend to purchase another for another g.daughter. These are top of the line machines when new, if they've been well loved and cared for they'll be good machines for these girls to grow/sew on for years until they purchase their own. I have all the extra feet, book, etc. The girls can sew anything her expertise or heart desires as she grows. They can't wait to get old enough to sew on my computerized machine. A machine that always has trouble or gives bad results will only discourage the art! One g. daughter got one of the pink cute machines ,$25--it was a nightmare to sew and even at 5 y/o she recognized it didn't sound like the old 830. Good luck, we have to keep passing this art on.
Edited 12/12/2006 11:29 am ET by alotofstitches
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