My great grand daughter aged 8, decided last August that she wanted to learn to sew. By December she had made gifts for her whole family. She was eager and learned quickly. For her 9th birthday she now wants her own sewing machine "with all the buttons". In other words she wants a digital. I am leaning toward a Brother CE 5500 computerized machine. What do you think? any pros and cons on this ? Any other suggestions?
Joan A.
Hi Joan,
I am partial to Baby Lock who has the A-line series and light weight machines that would be perfect to learn on and keep forever! I already had an embroidery machine and was looking for a really durable light weight machine to take to classes. The Audrey was my choice. It is elctronic and has if I am not mistaken over 60 stitches to choose from. It is not as expensive as the others. At the shop that the girls and I sew at, the work bench has Singers and Brothers.
Joan,
I leaned to sew with my daughter when she was 12 and I bought her a Brother slightly upgraded but not computerized. At 8 years of age I personally do not feel the need to give her such a high powered machine at that age. If she continues to sew and enjoys her time with you then after 3 or 4 years I would surprise her with a better machine. Remember children do not know the importance of caring for something as valuable as a sewing machine at age 8. I bought a Janome 5500 for myself and taught my daughter the importance of respecting the value by letting her use it with me. Today my daughter owns machines better than mine and she has a degree in fashion design while her old man is still quilting away and enjoying his hobby thanks to the time he spent with her growing to learn to sew together. I hope this little bit of advice helps in your decision. Please keep us posted.
Richard L "TheQuiltDaddy"
I guess I need to clarify things a little more. Liana has gone completely over my machine, top to bottom and side to side. She has even taken it apart to clean it and put it back together again. She tried to sew on her grandmother's (my daughter) and she told her she didn't like it because it made 'loops' and wanted it to be more like mine. I wish I could show her progress from Aug to Dec.but I don't know how to add pix here. I really think that she is well aware of the value of a sewing machine.
Joan you are the only one who knows what your DGD is ready for, go for it! Her love of sewing will only increase as she enjoys her computerized machine.
Me I'm regressing, wanting a treadle machine like I learned on...
Joni, your response lit an old memory. I too learned how to sew on my grandmother's treadle machine. She died in the middle 1940's and I was given her machine. (Am I giving away my age here?) I taught myself to sew. I began making my own clothes. I even learned how to make button holes and sew in zippers on that old work horse. I friend of my mother's saw how I was progressing and gave me an old dress form which we immediately named "Aunt Bedelia." Do I yearn for those good ole days? No. I think that I am very happy with my computerized machine. And I am beginning to think that is what Liana will want too.
How did we ever manage on those old treadles?
Joan, I think it is great that your DGD has a love for sewing, I personally think a good Brother with some computer setup would be a great machine for her. It has enough on it to give her some really good skills. The Project Runway machines are really good machines for learning everything she will need ,and attachments are easy to get. I just think it is awesome she loves to sew and I hope she will continue to want to ...Barbara
Joan
I think it is awesome that your DGD wants a sewing machine all her own. Only you know what she is ready for and how advanced to go on the machine. Brother makes some good machines. Have fun sewing with her.
Vinton, Virginia
I always had old or cheap machines growing up so when my daughter was ready for her own machine, I bought her a Janome (can't remember the model) but I wanted her to have a good machine so she wouldn't get frustrated as she advanced her skills. Now at 25 she still has the machine and still uses it all the time. I believe it is worth the investment.
Thanks to all of you who replied. I have placed my order and am anxiously awaiting the delivery. I can't wait to see the look on my DGGD's face when she sees the machine. I hope I can wait till her birthday to give it to her. I guess I am just as excited as she is. I will try to get a picture of her .
Bravo! Be sure to have your camera at hand to record the joy on her precious face!
Joan, make sure yo take some pictures so we can see to , We are nosey bunch lol...Barbara
Boy, Boy,is my age beginning to show! I finally realized I could post a picture here. The pillow was Liana's first attempt at sewing. The Christmas stocking was the last gift she made. I always love the look on her face when she turns something she has made to the right side and sees the finished project. Her dad recently brought me a pair of cotton curtains to shorten. Her reply was "I told him I could do it if I had a sewing machine".
She is doing great Joan
[Ava, Missouri
Joan, the stocking is beautiful.