Quality child's sewing machine

Anyone know the reputation of children's sewing machines? I want to
get one for my 8 year old granddaughter, but after looking on eBay
it's confusing. I don't want to get junk -- it would frustrate her
to have something that doesn't function well.

Thank you

Joan

Joan wrote:
Anyone know the reputation of children's sewing machines? I want to
get one for my 8 year old granddaughter, but after looking on eBay
it's confusing. I don't want to get junk -- it would frustrate her
to have something that doesn't function well.

Thank you

Joan

There is no faster way to turn a child away from sewing
than to have them wrestle with a toy machine. Many people
have found it much better to give a simple "real" machine
such as a Singer 99, which is smaller than a standard
head. Not light, but lighter. Some have removed the
motor and put on a reproduction handcrank, others have
rigged the foot control to limit speed. There is even a
needle guard that I understand can be had.
--

Joanne @ stitches @ singerlady.reno.nv.us
http://bernardschopen.tripod.com/
Life is about the journey, not about the destination.

99's are great little machines. Once in awhile you see them
in cabinets and that is a fun set up. They are small but heavy.
If you can swing a Featherweight they are great to learn to sew
on. Singer 301's are great too.
There are some good pictures on my website with a little info too.
Taria

Pogonip wrote:

Joan wrote:

Anyone know the reputation of children's sewing machines? I want to
get one for my 8 year old granddaughter, but after looking on eBay
it's confusing. I don't want to get junk -- it would frustrate her
to have something that doesn't function well.

Thank you

Joan


There is no faster way to turn a child away from sewing than to have
them wrestle with a toy machine. Many people have found it much better
to give a simple "real" machine such as a Singer 99, which is smaller
than a standard head. Not light, but lighter. Some have removed the
motor and put on a reproduction handcrank, others have rigged the foot
control to limit speed. There is even a needle guard that I understand
can be had.

On Sat, 30 Oct 2004 20:48:01 UTC, (Joan) wrote:

Anyone know the reputation of children's sewing machines? I want to
get one for my 8 year old granddaughter, but after looking on eBay
it's confusing. I don't want to get junk -- it would frustrate her
to have something that doesn't function well.

Forget children's machines, they are all junk. Try an old handcrank
machine, e.g. a Singer Model 99 or 128. These are 3/4 size machines
and are great for kids to learn on.

--
No one died when Cinton lied.

(Joan) wrote in message om...
Anyone know the reputation of children's sewing machines? I want to
get one for my 8 year old granddaughter, but after looking on eBay
it's confusing. I don't want to get junk -- it would frustrate her
to have something that doesn't function well.

Hi Joan! You can find some advice about this in The Sewing FAQ, at:
http://www.tomfarrell.org/textiles/s...ml#toy_machine

Tom Farrell

That's kind of the conclusion I'd reached about the kids' machines. I
know the Barbie is useless.

The needle guard sounds really essential. Thanks, because it's not
something I was even aware existed. (I bought my LAST sewing machine
in 1960s, a Bernina, then the Cadillac of sewing machines.)

What about the Kenmore Ultra mini #11206 or the Sew D'lite sm888.
I've seen both on eBay.

I'm leaning toward the Kenmore because they live in Las Vegas (I'm
not) and they could take it to Sears for help.

Thanks,

Joan

taria wrote:
99's are great little machines. Once in awhile you see them
in cabinets and that is a fun set up. They are small but heavy.
If you can swing a Featherweight they are great to learn to sew
on. Singer 301's are great too.
There are some good pictures on my website with a little info too.
Taria

If you want a greater range of stitches than the Featherweight, look out
for an Elna Lotus: there's one with my son sewing on it on my web site.
He's 10.
--
Kate XXXXXX
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!

Pfaff makes a needle guard. You can ask about similar
attachment for other SM. PAT

Joan wrote:
That's kind of the conclusion I'd reached about the kids' machines. I
know the Barbie is useless.

The needle guard sounds really essential. Thanks, because it's not
something I was even aware existed. ...cut...