Anya bought her first sewing machine on Saturday. It was a Singer Chainstitch machine - really more of a toy than a serious piece of equipment. But she has really been wanting to sew her own items and this looked like a great age-appropriate, beginner machine, since it had a needle guard. She spied it out in the store and spent her own money on it.
Sadly, the thing was a total piece of junk and she only got about ten minutes of actual practice time on it. Just when she was really getting comfortable with using the machine and had started a project. Poor thing was so disappointed. And Chris and I were pretty angry that Singer would put their name on such a junky product.
So we decided to use this as a teaching opportunity, about the power she has as a consumer. We went back to Homegoods and Anya returned it. She took the sewing machine, walked up to the customer service counter, and clearly and politely said, "I bought this sewing machine yesterday and it doesn't work. I'd like my money back, please." And she got her money back, plus two stickers. I'm very proud of her for having the courage to handle it, since she was pretty nervous.
I also plan to, with Anya, write a letter to Singer (another learning opportunity). I'm just that disgusted with them about this. It wasn't a one-off, defective machine. I checked the reviews on Amazon afterward and they are one star, across the board. They have caused many an upset child.
So yesterday, we stopped by Quality Sewing to see if a non-junky, age-appropriate machine exists. There isn't really one. There's the Babylock Anna, which was a good price and is a basic, beginner model. But there is no needle guard and I'd have to always be right next to her while she sews. So I think she's not quite ready yet. We might still cave and get it, or, more likely, wait for Santa.
I'm thrilled she's so interested in sewing, though. I'm looking forward to teaching her and it's a good skill to have.
