Our 17 year old daughter's creative side is really blooming due to a teacher in her school. She is loving the arts and really took to sewing and expressed interest in owning a sewing machine. Can you ladies recommend one? It will be her big gift for Christmas. Thanks
If you can find a used one that is in good condition I would get that because the newer models have a lot of plastic. I have 2 Kenmores and prefer my older model. Both are just basic machines. My mom likes her Singer and I got DDil a Brother from Walmart, she is a new sewer and again it is just a basic. When and she "takes off" and wants her machine to do more she can upgrade.
The sewing machines they have in the schools have settings for various types of stiches which she likes. She made a should bag last school year using a couple different stich patterns and that got her really hooked. She wants to make more bags, pillows and has stated looking at patterns.
I would recommend this as well. Also, do you have somewhere like Joann in your area? My local store has a section where the sewing machines are all set up and you can try them out. If it's going to be a surprise, just casually take a trip there with your daughter and let her see what interests her there.
I have a very basic Brother machine which is fine for me and my basic sewing skills. When DH bought my machine he also got a 4 week sewing course run by the shop which I found very useful.
If you are looking for a bargain, usually around Christmas time I've found that Costco carries some type of Brothers sewing machine for a really good deal. Might not be the fanciest, but an option for a good price!