Hi Milan,

We have a sewing program at the Manistee County Library for kids, and we are currently starting a program for Adults. We purchased 4 Brother sewing machines XM1010 (product code 888-X73) from Amazon and 1 inexpensive Singer Start model. We also have 3 different ones that were donated to the library. The Brother machines work really well. It's very simple to use and the instructions include a CD/DVD.

We started out with an inexpensive Singer, and I personally do not think it is a good fit for us. It seems like it has lots of issues. We also purchased some really cool sewing bags (Kemanner sewing machine carrying case in several different vibrant colors) from Amazon to keep them clean, and makes transporting them a lot easier.

The Mid-Michigan Library League has 2 sewing machines and 2 accessory boxes to borrow as well.

We have 22 children signed up already, and of course everyone wants their own machine. We have to double up until we can possibly get a few more donated machines. We currently have 7 adults signed up and expect many more.

We purchased all of the accessories from Amazon. You can get some pretty good deals from them.

Our kits contain the following items:

Seam rippers
Measuring tapes
Pin cushions
Straight pins with the ball on top
Thread

Scissors

Bobbins

Machine needles

Needle threaders (plastic)

Grease pencils

Hand sewing needles

Safety pins

Thimbles

We started out making simple projects like Halloween bags, pillows, hand warmers, and placemats. Then we went to a little more advanced projects like Holiday stockings and fleece hats. We have not used any patterns from a fabric store yet. We simply made our own.

We are now starting a small quilt with 8x8 squares. We will be transferring a photo onto white fabric and this will be in the center of their quilt. This particular project will take more than one class to finish.

If I can be of any further assistance please feel free to call me at 231-723-2519 and ask for Carol.