First off, your machine matters! What do I mean by that? Your machine can make or break your sewing experience. A cooperative sewing machine contributes greatly to an enjoyable sewing experience. Alternatively, an uncooperative sewing machine can bring you to tears in an instant. No one wants that. Here are some machines that I recommend. I like these ones because you get a lot of features for your money, and they perform wonderfully. Janome MOD-30 Janome MOD-50 Brother CS7000X Brother XR9550...

Sewing room must-haves.

Most of the sewing magic that ensues in my studio is completed by young sewists. With that being said, my scissors get A LOT of use and even more "not-so-gentle" use. Kids need scissors that are strong enough to cut through fabric easily yet don't require adult strength to open and close. In other words, kids need scissors that can cut through just about anything easily, and scissors they can operate without their hands getting overly tired. When it comes to scissors, I have two favorites,...