I don't sew clothes for myself anymore - only crafts/household decor. I do sew for my 2 1/2 yr. old granddaughter, but judiciously . . . they outgrow clothes so fast and you can get them so cheap now - much cheaper than I can sew them, so I only make very special or unique things for her. This winter, I made her a couple of animal-print fleece coats with black fur trim that get comments every single time we go out the door! My Joann's store has a rack of flyers right inside their door, and every one has a 40% off coupon for a 'cut' of fabric - as much as you want, as long as it's not on sale. Once I use my mailed coupons, I can go back as many times as necessary and use another flyer coupon. When I have time, I look through the pattern books and make a list of the patterns I want, then wait until they go on sale for 99 cents to 1.99 . . . which they always do, within a few weeks or so. I really miss our Walmart fabric section, so I'm pretty much at the mercy of Joann's . . . although we have a factory a half hour away that makes worldwide draperies, bedding, etc. They have an outlet store that sells end rolls of all their high quality decorating fabrics for next to nothing. I have made lots of valances, pillows, etc with their fabrics for a few dollars. I also mix and match pattern pieces to get a new version of something . . . it's true, sewing isn't what it used to be (cheap), but with a little effort, you can still "get your project runway on" and express your creativity without breaking the bank :)

Marti, I know that Janome machines have a great reputation for being workhorses, but allow me to put in a plug for the Brother PC 420. I've had this machine for several years and the value for the money is simply astounding. I paid 500 for mine, but on Amazon, they are only 400 now and it gets mostly 5 star reviews. For that price, you get a knee lifter, push button thread trimmer, adjustable presser foot pressure, one touch automatic needle threader that works the first time every time (and doesn't require two hands to operate), needle up down, push button stop start, a sliding speed control that can also be set to be the stitch width control. Brother has even put some really cool small details into this machine, for example there is a ridge on the top of the hand wheel so you always know when your needle is in the highest position, and the buttons you use most frequently are covered in clear acrylic so that the graphic doesn't wear off over time. It is a little heaver than the really basic machines, but that is because it has a metal frame... many of the cheaper machines (especially Brothers) have plastic veins inside for support instead of a metal frame.... that makes it lighter, but they can break over time. This machine also comes with a walking foot, free motion/embroidery foot, zipper foot, button attaching foot, button hole foot, open toe foot, regular foot, teflon foot, and a few others that I can't remember. It also monograms.... it is truly remarkable for the price. Super easy to thread and change bobbins on and you don't have to raise the bobbin thread to begin sewing. It comes with a hard plastic cover and nice carrying handle for transporting to class... I've taken it to quilting classes and to sit and sews and it was really easy to transport. It sews well and isn't picky about thread. The needle does make a "different sound" when it hits a seam, but it goes over it with no problem. Sometimes, the presser foot will push a seam the other way when I go over it, even if I've ironed it down, but if I raise the foot and allow the seam to go under the front of it, it's not a problem. I can't sing its praises loudly enough! I'll link to the Amazon page below so you can see the reviews... Here is a link that might be useful: Brother PC 420

Welcome Nancynancy.....I'm sure you will find yourself walking the aisles of the fabric store soon and coming up with even more plans. I must say you are on the right track with your new machine....just getting yourself familiar with it and what it can and cannot do. Practice away every chance you get...mend all those little rips and holes in anything you find, practice corners and straight stitches..dial in a few fancy ones and see how they look...play with the tension (but make sure you know where to reset it for your perfect straight stitch)...just play away. The more you know about your machine the more worthwhile your l0 hours of lessons will be. Practice filling the bobbins, try and make buttonholes, put in a zipper in some old fabric....and LIST any problems you seem to run into....then you can ask at your classes. Take your samples in and show them what you have tried....you really are on the right track...read your manual and play with your machine. Too many of us think we can just sit down and sew away before we even know how to wind a bobbin. Practice, practice, practice....that is the key IMHO..once again welcome.

I have to go with ninigret on this one. You are so sweet to have thought of this but, if you want her to love it, let her have a say in its design. I also sew but what I’d want may or may not appeal to her. Personally, I’d want a narrow table/desk to hold my sewing machine. Mine is already in a cabinet but, if hers isn’t, I’d recommend a tabletop in which she can recess the machine so that she has a flat sewing surface. She should be able to pull this table away from the wall (if she sews anything large, the fabric needs to be able to trail off behind the machine). I’d want as much storage as possible so, drawers under this table, on either side would be great. It could be L-shaped but I’d add shelves and drawers on the end wall, for storage. I’d probably prefer a straight table with a bookcase and bins at the end. Be sure the table top won’t snag fabric. You might want to pick up a laminate countertop and cut it to size. Finally, I’d add decor pieces (oversized buttons, vintage signs, etc.) and small storage racks (for bobbins, thread, peg board for scissors,etc.) along the wall facing the dormer. Hopefully the room doesn’t face west because it would get very hot. Present her with some options, to show you’ve given it some thought, but let her decide. It is such a treat to have a space dedicated to sewing and you want her to love it. Again though, so thoughtful of you!