Sewing stuff

[Soubriquet]

So dd asked me today for sewing equipment and fabric for Christmas so she can make dresses.

She has never shown interest in sewing before so I don’t want to spend a lot of money in case it’s something that will die out again.

I saw they do a child’s type of sewing machine that makes handbags and bobbles so I thought this might be a good start up.

Any ideas?

If she genuinely gets into this, I’m more than happy to encourage it but I don’t want to put a fortune in, incase it’s a passing fad.

Shes 9. 10 in march

Is a singer machine any good?

Had a quick look in preloved and there’s one nearby that’s £40

If it’s working then yes. My mum has a singer she still uses that’s older than me. If possible I’d ask for a demonstration to show that it still works and how to thread it before you hand the money over.

Apparently it’s in good working condition. Comes with a cover and an instruction manual. Just no longer needed

I will of course ask for it to be shown working

Have a google and see if anyone local is offering sewing lessons. There’s several women near me who do 1:1 or small group sessions and can tailor to your needs. It will give your dd a feel for it before you start spending money. Plus they may be able to advise on local resources for machines and fabrics an notions.

Having said that, if all you want to do is sew in a straight line then a vintage Singer would be a great choice as they are sturdy, simple and reliable. Plus the hand crank ones are less scary for a newbie than the electric machines as you totally control the speed. They often come up on local FB selling sites - don’t get one delivered as they are heavy chunks of cast iron and don’t travel well unless dispatched by specialists. There’s plenty of online groups that will help if any maintenance is required (usually just a bit of cleaning and oiling). Mine is 90 years old and can sew through anything.

My mum still uses the Singer she got at 21 - it has these little black cams (plastic discs) to sew fancy stitches - I remember the clothes she made with little ducks sewn all along the edges from it!

Dad got a similar model second hand for me when I was younger, although I've since upgraded to a slightly more modern Bernina (it's plastic through, so TBH, doesn't feel as solid!)

Do check the thread cutter works - although it can be replaced, the cutter's busted on my bernina and it is a pain (although clearly not enough of one that I've got round to getting a replacement!)

I way prefer a footpedal (electric!) to a hand crank myself - although you do need the hand crank occasionally for delicate bits at the edges.

Get spare needles, as a beginner I was snapping them all over the shop!

It’s an electric one