How much money would you like to spend? Everyone's version of "cheap" is different so a price range would be very useful.
-renee

Ginny; welcome to the forum, hope you continue, but no lurking anymore ! LOL, sounds like you are enjoying your retirement, great, I love mine.
Most machines today are pretty good, for simple sewing that your MIL plans check out Brother, or Kenmore too, there are several online sites that offer all types of machines, look through their data then you will be more informed about the products, we all have likes and dislikes. But a good overall view helps. Rene

Here is a link that might be useful: sewing machine epinions

A few of us have been happy with the Brother Machines available at Walmart from around $89 on up. If she just wants to sew and do a little fancy stuff they are great.

Are you sure her machine isn't worth cleaning? Sometimes all it takes is a tune up and off it goes. If it was one that she enjoyed using before, then she won't have to go through the process of 'getting to know' a new machine. Just a thought.

That's a great web site. So much good information on it. I hadn't realized how low the lower end of the the price range was. That's likely because, over the years, I've drooled over the higher end ones but couldn't justify new one to myself because I wasn't sewing enough. I've got a about 40 year old Singer and a 25 yo White that I got because it has free arm and stretch stitches (haven't used it much). As far as my MIL's old machine, both her grandson and son worked on it (read: took it all apart) after general checking for lint, stuck thread, lubrication, etc. and decided something inside was bent and it wasn't worth fixing. Don't ask me how they know that since neither has worked on sewing machines before but, hey, they are her grandson and son so she trusts their opinions. She seems fine with the idea of a new one. I didn't get a chance to talk to her about what she'd like in a new one but I will during holidays. Don't think any of my 3 SILs sew but maybe mom can seek opinions of her new neighbors (moved into a condo in another town in May when my FIL was diagnosed with terminal illness). Thanks for your help and I'll let you know what she decides on.

Ginin, I just started sewing, learning alot!!! I went to Walmart and bought the cheapest machine they had it was a brother for 99.00. I love it, My husband asked if I would like to upgrade to one with more options and I said no way, this is all I need. Zig Zag stich and straight stich works great!! and if it stops working I wont feel to bad about buying a nother one.

Awbrey,
thanks for your report. Walmart flyer says they have a Brother LS1717 on sale for $55. It's one of the limited time specials to get folks in (I think 7-11 a.m.). We'll be visiting my MIL for Thanksgiving so I'll see if she wants to check it out. Would make a good Christmas present for her. We always have such a tough time coming up with something for her and expect it'll be even harder since she downsized when moving from a large house into a condo this summer before my FIL passed away.
Wishing you and others on this forum a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Ginny

The best thing to do is to take her to a sewing machine store and let her try out a few of the machines, Then you know for sure what will fit her. They also will have a line of refurbished used machines that might be better than any of the garbage you buy at walmart.

I agree with Vikki, I would not buy a machine at Walmart. If you have any problems there is NO one to help you. I would find a shop and check out the used ones. Also I bought a Janome silver a couple of years ago for $200 and I love it. They do turn up on the used shelves at the sewing shop as do the Janome golds, same machine. Very light weight and easy to use.
I do not work for Janome, just LOVE my littl machine.
Karen L

By all means do look into a good used machine if all your MIL is going to do is basic stuff. Some of the new machines are on record as not being worth the money paid. Look around and you will find lots on the market...the key is to purchase from a good reliable dealer who will stand behind his machines. Ask around. Bud

I'd like to say that you may want to get her old machine fixed if it won't cost too much. Many older models are very well made and well worth the money into repair.
You MIL is older and it is hard to learn a new machine for many peiople.
Look for an individual that does repair work. I know a guy that fixes machines for $25 and then there is a business that I know of that you don't get anything done for less than $65.
Aline

I am also new,been lurking for years. saw your post and think I can be of some help. Bad hands,feet,knees,(you
name it I got it. A drop in bobben is the easiest way to go
for the hands. I have a brother pc 2800,I use the needle
down,forward and back,automatic buttonholer,and zig zag
all time. Nancys notions has a needle threader that makes life easy.