Advice on Sewing Maching
I am not someone who sews. I have done a couple of small things like attaching DD's dress strap back to her dress, making a ramp cover for our guinea pigs and sewing a button back on. My mother used to sew, she has a very old sewing machine that no longer works and hasn't sewn anything since the early 90's. I have asked for her advice and she told me she wouldn't have a clue anymore. My SD22 took home ec in school but she doesn't have a clue about sewing, she wasn't any good at that part.
The older I get the more crafty I have become, or try to be 
My DD and DS both like to do "projects" too. DS is more into model cars but DD is into all crafts. She is now wanting to learn to sew! She is only 8 but when she is doing any project she picks out she has the focus of an adult. She wants a sewing machine for Christmas but I don't have a clue what would be the best thing for her. I really want to get something user friendly but something that will allow her to grow with it, if that is possible. She wants to make doll clothes for her 18 inch doll and hand bags and blankets. She has also stated she would like to make beds for our piggies but that seems like something for down the road a bit.
I know I will have to invest in some sewing for dummies books but I was wondering if anyone here had any ideas on machines. Any advice would be great!! Thanks!
I also sew. I agree with
I also sew. I agree with fightingcrazy there is no need to get a machine with fancy stitches. I have a Brother machine that has just the basic stitches and threading. It was a graduation present and I'm 36 years old now, and it still works fine. Over all these years I only had a problem with it one time. I took it to a vacuum repair shop (they usually repair sewing machines and vacuums). The guy took the machine, cleaned it up and haven't had a problem with it since.
I also suggest signing up DD for a couple of sewing classes. Reason being if she starts sewing she'll need to know how to thread the machine. Local fabric stores usually offer them or you can check out Michael's or other craft stores.
I ditto the stay away from
I ditto the stay away from Singer. The have not made a reliable machine that can be repaired for 40 years. I bought a top of the line singer and when the foot pedal broke (fell in floor and cracked) the whole machine became worthless - no parts although it was only about 3 years old when that happened.
I have a pfaff that is 25 years old and is great. It's right up with Bernina.
If she really likes crafts you might consider a machine that also does embroidery. Brother and Janome are good for that. I'm sure Bernina and Husqua.. (however you spell that one) are good too.
Thanks for the advice! I will
Thanks for the advice! I will have to google my area to see if there are some sewing shops around. We have tons of craft stores too so I will have to check the classes. I was looking at Singer brands, that is what my mom has and she loved it. But they don't make them like they used to either!
DH bought me a brand new
DH bought me a brand new Singer machine a couple years ago and I have had nothing but problems with it.
It will sew fine for a while and then will lose tension and start messing up, missing stitches, etc.
I almost have to tear it down and rebuild it to get the machine straightened out to sew for awhile. Then it will happen again and I am right back to square one. It is the most frustrating machine I have ever sewn with.
I hate to hurt DH's feeling but I literally cannot stand sewing with that machine and desperately want a new one.
Echo, I sure wish my machine
Echo, I sure wish my machine sewed that well! :?
My mother has a Bernina, a
My mother has a Bernina, a Pfaff, and an Elna. All extremely good machines according to her. She also has a Brother surger, two Brother embroidery machines and a Tin Lizzie long arm quilting machine.
That thing takes up half of their game room.
Right now I think she uses the Bernina more than the Pfaff or the Elna.