I have given each of my granddaughters a Singer Sewing machine. The first two were 12 but this last one was 13 because I was waiting for interest. I felt it was important to pass on life skills that had been passed on to me. These skills helped to pay bills when my children wanted to do something special. I'm hoping my granddaughters will have this skill to also fall back on.
I wanted a sewing machine that I could count on as my previous machines were frustrating with the thread tension that could eventually not be properly adjusted. This machine is very high quality for a reasonable price and has worked well for the small alternation and hemming jobs that I purchased it for although it's capable of a whole lot more. Getting a lesson on the use of the machine from Joanne Fabrics was a total bonus that got me off to a great start as my skills were a little rusty. I used to sew a lot when younger, but it's been quite a while since I had touched a sewing machine.