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mom2mpr
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| Posted: Nov 10 2010 at 10:42am | IP Logged
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I have never sewn. But I am starting to see I need to learn 
Hearthsong catalog has a beginners sewing machine dd was interested in.
There is one at WalMart that runs around $80 that I was interested in. The Hearthsong one is more expensive.
I would like to give her one for her birthday and Christmas.
What features should I get for her, and a beginner,me? I know the ability to sew backward and forward is key. I am also thinking buttonholes might be helpful.
Thanks in advance for your help.
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Anne, married to dh 16 years!, ds,(97), Little One (02), and dd (02).
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mathmama
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My daughter got this Hello Kitty one for Christmas last year. My mom looked around online at several different children's sewing machines. She liked the reviews of this one. It has worked out well so far. It seems as nice and sturdy as mine.
Beth
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Beth, wife to Tom and mommy to 4 beautiful girls:
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Nov 10 2010 at 11:08am | IP Logged
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generally a regular size machine is easier to use than a mini one.
you can do just about anything if the machine can go forwards, backwards and zigzag.. the 4 step buttonholer is very easy to work so there's no need to upgrade to a 1 step button hole.
But yes if you want to make clothing.. definately get the button hole function.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
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JennGM
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| Posted: Nov 10 2010 at 11:16am | IP Logged
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Toy or child size will be frustrating to learn to really sew. I have heard for a basic machine the Kenmore that runs around $200 is a good machine.
There is also a Singer one at Costo around $150, but not as strong a workhorse than the Kenmore.
I DO know how to sew, but haven't sewn in a long time because my machine wasn't working. I've been machine shopping for years and afraid of commitment.  My mother is now letting me use her secondary older machine, so my sewing needs are satisfied.
I have had a few moms say they wish they could learn the basics of sewing. It is nice to learn the fundamentals. I keep thinking I'd love to get a ggroup going with my local friends.
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Nov 10 2010 at 11:21am | IP Logged
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Jenn, I'm looking at one of the basic Jenome for myself. I've heard really good things about the brand and we have a local dealer who can also repair the machines.. so it makes sense to go with that one. Now to "find" the money some day.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
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JennGM
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| Posted: Nov 10 2010 at 12:10pm | IP Logged
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I did a search in our archives, and this question has come up many times, so you might find some great wisdom from these.
This one in particular, Sarah asked the same question. I thought the conclusion of getting an adult machine for the family, and a sewing basket and books perhaps for your daughter. Child’s Sewing Machine
Threads on Sewing Machine Recommendations:
::When should I replace my sewing machine
::Sewing Machines
::Frustration Free Sewing Machine
::Beginning Sewing- Advice Needed
::Kenmore Sewing Machines
::Sewing Machine Purchase
::Sewing Machine Recommendations
::Sewing Machine Choices
::Sewing Machine, book for beginners
::Another Sewing Machine Question
::Sewing Machines?
Beginning Sewing Support
::Questions: Sewing Supplies and Equipment
::Learning to Sew
::Teaching Sewing
::Beginner’s Sewing Books
::Learning to Use a Sewing Machine
::Beginning Sewing – Straight Lines
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Jennifer G. Miller
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KC in TX
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JodieLyn wrote:
| Jenn, I'm looking at one of the basic Jenome for myself. I've heard really good things about the brand and we have a local dealer who can also repair the machines.. so it makes sense to go with that one. Now to "find" the money some day. |
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I have a basic Janome and love it. A friend of mine had a Kenmore and they were identical!
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mathmama
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JodieLyn wrote:
| Jenn, I'm looking at one of the basic Jenome for myself. I've heard really good things about the brand and we have a local dealer who can also repair the machines.. so it makes sense to go with that one. Now to "find" the money some day. |
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The one that I linked to above is a regular size Janome. It is very similar to my Kenmore.
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Beth, wife to Tom and mommy to 4 beautiful girls:
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Anna Mary 6/07
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Martha in VA
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I'd not get her a "toy" sewing machine. We did that when dd was that age and regretted by the end of Christmas week! It didn't sew well and frustrated her so much. We'd have been much better off putting that money towards a real one for her - which we bought off Criagslist only about 3 weeks later.
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SuzanneG
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There are lots of $80-100 machines that are on-sale on Black Friday for around $40-60. My mom is planning on getting one for my girls this year for Christmas, just so we can keep it out and they aren't using mine, which I don't want left out. They can practice going back and forth, learn the parts of the machine, maintenance, work on simple projects, etc.
Here is an example. On Friday, I think it goes down to $39.99. If it only lasts for a year.....then it did its job and we'll move on to a nicer machine or they can use mine and I don't have to "hover."
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cvbmom
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I use my grandmother's old Kenmore or my great-aunt's old Singer. We didn't think the Singer would work after being idle so long, but with a little grease on the gears, it's GREAT! Both machines are older than me, but are more than sufficient for sewing and are very durable. I've seen similar machines at thrift stores, church sales, and garage sales in our area. Maybe that's a place to look?
God bless,
Christine
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4 lads mom
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One thing I bet was said on some of the previous links is...it is nice to buy from a dealer that is really good at customer service. Find a Janome dealer if you can....that Hello Kitty is a nice machine...and Janome is a great brand. I bought a starter machine..for $224, and they have been terrific at follow up and such. They give free classes to know how to run your machine for ever. That said, I also found a Janome machine almost identical to the one I paid for above...and I got it on Craigslist...for $25. I took into my beloved Janome shop, they gave me the right bobbin, oiled it, and I was off running. So, check out Craigslist and such, and your dealer would be happy to tune it up and do some introductory classes. Our local Janome dealer is a real friend to the homeschool community, giving classes for $10 for 2 1/2 hours!!
Anyway, get me going on sewing machines....I babble.... 
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mom2mpr
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You all are wonderful.
Thank you so much for the input. The Hello Kitty machine looks great. I will check the links for books and off I go!!! I am excited.
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Anne, married to dh 16 years!, ds,(97), Little One (02), and dd (02).
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Erin
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I'd buy her a basic Janome, my dc can all use mine with confidence. My dd9 love it.
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violingirl
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I will second (third? fourth? fifth?) a Janome! I have an HT2008 that I absolutely love. :)
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4 lads mom
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violingirl wrote:
| I will second (third? fourth? fifth?) a Janome! I have an HT2008 that I absolutely love. :) |
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My sister bought that one as well, Erin, when I bought my first Janome....we got our sewing machines at the same time  and she loves that one!!!
Forget being a nurse....I want to sell Janome sewing machines.....I actually told my Janome dealer’s manager that if she ever needs an RN on staff...I am her girl!!!
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JennGM
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I haven't viewed them yet, but there are some free webinars for beginning sewing.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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SaraP
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I am coming back after reading this thread at Christmastime to let you all know that I did get my 5yo DD one of the Kenmore 1/2 size machines that SuzanneG linked and it is perfect for her. Durable, easy to use and it sews slowly enough that she can easily control the fabric without the risk of getting her fingers caught.
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Topic: Sewing machine for 8 year old
