My daughter's 13th birthday is coming up and I have considered buying her a starter sewing machine. She is interested in fashion/clothing and she's pretty crafty, although she's never sewn. I used to sew but my old Singer machine has sat somewhere in basement storage for about 15 years. Any advice?
Thanks for all the great advice!! I didn't even think about Joann's having classes. I am going to check into having my Singer tuned up, but in the end we'll see what it costs compared to a new one.
I suggest you look into some basic sewing classes. I don't know if you have a Hancock Fabrics or a Joann near you, but I know the ones around here offer classes.
You also likely want to get her a newer machine. If it's sat in storage 15 years, it's going to need a major tune-up, which can be just as pricey as a new, basic machine.
Wal-Mart sells basic machines geared toward teenagers. They're usually aroud $75-$100.
When I was in college I made a coat on a machine that was so old, it did not have a zig zag stich. I used that machine to make a lot of things.
My point is that it was a great machine and my desire to sew was strong, so I figured it out. Until then, when I lived at home, I always borrowed my mom's machine, and she taught me all the basics. Now I have a very nice, simple Elna.
If you do get her a machine, get the best one you can. Cheap machines can make sewing very difficult and frustrating. Also, I reccomend staying away from the "big-box stores" and shop at a reputable local store.
Teaching me to sew was one of my mother's greatest gifts to me.
Have fun!
C.
My daughter is 9 and we got her one last year. I taught her some of the basics and she has made little pillows for dolls, tooth pillows and we made asimple bag. Im signing her up for a basics class at JoAnns and they will make a pillow case. Its a 3 hour class for 40.00. That will teach her alot of the basics. I got her a Brother machine on sale at Wal Mart for 70.00 last year. Its perfect for what she does and I use it all the time for odds and ends and have made many sets of curtains with it. I did not want to spend alot because I was not sure how much she would enjoy it. If the hobby really takes off for her will can upgrade when necessary. Good luck and congrats for getting her something crafty
Singers last forever if you take care of them. Have it serviced, and check with your local fabric or craft store for classes for beginners. They're cheap, fun, and educational. Sewing is like piano playing---once you get the fundamentals down, you can teach yourself.
Most of sewing involves a straight stich. If your singer does that, and doesn't grumble over the thickness of what you're sewing, then you're in business. Get it olled and tuned (you should be able to find a coupon, or ask a sewing machine store for their coupon price).
Otherwise, if your machine isn't good and you don't want your daughter to be frustrated, there are a lot of good used machines. Take some fabric and sit down at a store and sample sew away. Again, most of sewing is straight stitch and then nice buttonholes if you are going to do clothes.
Check around at sewing stores for ones that do repairs and take in the old one. That Singer will have more life in it than a lot of the new box store machines even if it is a Singer. If it will not work properly a good used machine or a Brother for around $200 is good. It will have basic stitches and a few extra and zig zag.
Then sign her up and yourself for a few sewing classes. This could be something that you two do together for the rest of your lives.
Maybe we will see her name on a fashion line of clothing. It will be a wonderful gift and she can make what she wants to fit her the way her body is whether size she is.
Happy trails of string to you both.
The other S.
If your Singer is still functioning, just take it to have it serviced and cleaned and let her learn on that. They have made VAST improvements on them since then and added crazy amounts of features (all for a price) but it is best to start her out on a basic machine. I learned to sew when I was 12 or 13 and my grandmother (who was a seamstress) got me a cheaper version singer that had a carrying handle. You could do that if you want to buy her a new one but I would stay away from anything too complicated or with too many features -- just more to break :) I had a LOT of fun (and still do from time to time)!
Best wishes!
I bought myself a new sewing machine a few years back. It has worked out wonderfully, for me! It is nice and lightweight, easy to learn and use, and has some great features for the price. The quality, is very good. I went to a sewing center and the owner suggested the machine to me. I love it!!!
http://www.brother-usa.com/Homesewing/ModelDetail.aspx?Pr...
My mother in law was going to give me her machine, but it cost more to service it and get new parts...then a new machine! I would check out how much getting your machine costs to get fixed up first. If it's not too expensive, you might just start he on that. It can be very costly, to fix and old machine, though.
Take it in for a tune up! My mother still has her first Singer sewing maching she got in 1973. Not a thing wrong with it and everyone borrowes it all the time (but that's just because she refuses to give it away!!!). Every town I've ever lived in has had a sewing maching/vaccume repair shop and you might check into Sears as well.
