Inexpensive Sewing Machine

My 9 year old DGD would like a sewing machine. I can't spend more than about $100.00. (Even that amount is more than we usually do for a birthday gift, but I think to get her a machine I'll have to make an exception to the usual)

I've been doing some looking around on the net and what I'm seeing in the doable price range are Brothers and Singers. Does anyone have experience with or advice about an inexpensive machine? Thanks!

Okay, I posted on the other forum about this...but here goes again....

Craigs list and Ebay are good places to find nice sewing machines that are for adults....I would not purchase one of those 'kid' sewing machines as they are expensive junk. If you know the make and model of what you are looking for, you can put that in the search at either site and see what is offered. I have seen some very nice barn new or almost brand new machines for a fraction of the orginal price. I purchased my Babylock serger from Ebay and it was used...it is a wonderful machine and I can't imagine not having it now.
Bernina is having a special....purchase $1000 and get a Bernette machine free....so if you are in line for a new machine or serger....you could get a new machine and get her one too!

I bought a cheap backup machine from KMart, was just under a $100, its basic but sews fine, after all mostly she will be needing a simple straight stitch for seams initially and you have the KMart backup of money back, repair etc. Just an idea, Ive been thinking I will let laura use it soon and start to teach her, I figure its simple and standard, just right for learning

I bought Emi a Singer at Walmart for $100 + and I took it to my repair man when she bent the needle... he took care of everything and said that machine should take her right thru college.... and he was a Bernina salesman... so I bought another one to take to open sewing and it does everything I want it to do...

I agree with either maching from KMart or Wal Mart. Singer is a really good machine for one to learn on. Kids don't need all the bells and whistles like we older ones "think" we do! Me included!

My next machine will NOT have all the fancy stitching on it. I don't need it, so why pay for it? I just want a nice machine that does buttonholes, zigzag, and straight stitch. I ain't fancy. I just wanta sew. Nuff said from me......



hugs

Memaw I have never wanted a machine I needed to plug into a computer or anything really super duper fancy, I know I wouldnt use most of it. I would like to be able to lower hte feed dogs though and quilt but one day when I have to replace my machine, I can make do for now happily

My first machine was used. Often you can get a very good one for about $25, although that may not feel like as much of a gift.

Here's something I think is interesting:

I've always heard really good things about the Janome Jem, especially for 'class' machines. Recently, I read a surprising number of really, really positive reviews for the

Hello Kitty Sewing Machine, by Janome

The machine has 10 stitches AND a buttonhole function. Costs $110-120, from what I can tell. So far I've only found it online, don't know where to actually LOOK at one. (Hmmm... maybe a Janome dealer?)

Anyway? I told Mr. W. that's what I want for my birthday. I need a class machine and something to use as backup while my Bernina is being fixed from all the 'tuneups' unqualified places have given it. (oops. My opinion's showing. Move along, everybody. Nothing to see here...)
:horseyourode:

My DD's last machine is a Brother. It has more stitches than she needs but it sews just fine. A simpler one might be around $89.00. I'd recommend Brother.

I have a Janome Harmony, this machine was made for Sears, I have only good things to say about it.