institches33

I lent a sewing machine to someone who knew a bit about sewing and I knew she would take care of it.
Otherwise, no.

mhollifiel

As a retired educator, I could not bear for a young sewist to be without a machine if it were in my power to provide one. I first gifted my "old" Morse to one of my high school students to take off to college years ago. That was back when most of us only had one machine. I gave an inherited Singer rocketeer to a cafeteria lady friend who spent the weekend sewing drapes by hand because she could not afford a machine. Mama would have loved this. A gentleman doing some extended work for us wanted to know if I thought he could make his girlfriend bras. He knew how to sew. I showed him how and he left with a Necchi Nova in a cabinet that I purchased for $15 all accessories included.There are more gifting opportunities I could share. The point is, I seem to attract inexpensive or free "giftables" and rehome them. Nearly all were mechanicals.

I appreciate those who have personal machines that fit them like favorite old shoes. I have a new speedy straight stitch only Janome that I could not live without. And I can see the problem with giving or loaning some persnickety electronic machines. I have been fortunate to cast my sewing machines out into the world only to discover that replacements find their way to me so that giving opportunities down the line can be met. I'd take the risk.

Cheryl7758

As long as I wasn't leaving my machine, I would let anyone use any of my machines - some that have cost $1,000's. I feel if I am confident that my machine will easily sew what is being sewed, that it has the proper needle and is threaded by me; there should be no problem. A quick lesson on the importance of letting the machine feed the fabric and not pulling it through should be all that is needed for most new sewers. You can usually id those that should not even be allowed to use a hand needle, let alone a machine - LOL. No problem, I like to encourage sewing - I have let me daughter, when she was 10 years old, use any of my machines after a few lessons. I think the most important thing is what you are comfortable with - not what someone else would do, as you are the one that would have to live with any of the consequences.

Lady Diana

Nope, thousands of dollars for my machines.....no experience in this group.....no way. Not selfish, just smart.
Check with local quilt shops, sewing machine dealers, post on church bulletin board.....you might be amazed at the donations. Best wishes.

Iwantasew

Long ago I learned to never loan anything that I would be upset if it was lost or broken. Better the person asking and told "no" getting mad than me never forgiving them. I have had a student break my extended table while I was helping her learn to sew. Upsetting but no big deal. Sometimes schools sell used machines they are no longer using. They are usually pretty sturdy machines. Also watch Craig's list.

Innov8R

I bought my granddaughters a sewing a machine, but they did not care about sewing. They loaned the machine to a church sewing event and it never worked again.

cashs_mom

There's a reason I send my husband off to work and hire someone for all the renovations on our house (and there have been a lot because we bought it as a fixer upper). I can fire them if they don't do what I want.

Austinite

I would (and have) lent my sewing machines and my serger out several times. Everyone but one was a sewist but everyone treated them just fine. They are machines and they are meant to be used and I am happy to loan them to someone who will take care of them. I loaned my Juki 2010 to a fellow quilter who wanted to try it out, the only problem I had is missing it!

sJens

NO, I do let my grandchildren use my machines when they sew with me but that is as far as I would go with taking it out for someone else to use. My machines are high end Berrnina and Featherweights

sewn3w

Oh how I wish we were closer to each other. I have been tasked with disposing of 3 machines from my church quilt ministry. Sadly I have a vintage machine in cabinet with accessories and feet i cant even give away. I fear all 3 will end up in landfill. I may be able to sell some accessories. Or not. So sad.