OK I'm going to try to explain what I want because truthfully I have no idea.  My 11 almost 12 year old Niece asked my mother her grandma for a sewing machine this Christmas.  My mom finding a good deal at joanns on a full sized singer machine on black Friday she went for it.  NONE of us know how to sew; not my mom, not my sister and not me.  Well past the simple pillows my sister and I made in home development in high school.  So now we are left trying to help her figure this out.  I purchased her this book for Christmas The Very Easy Guide to Using Your Sewing Machine and while its easy to follow and has a few projects that can be customized to make your own.  What I was wanting was actually a book that contained more than 10 projects and or patterns that are easy and age appropriate.

So I guess what I'm wondering is does anyone know of or have a good book on their shelf for this age that contains patterned projects or easy to do projects for beginners to start out.

I picked up some cheaper fabric today at Walmart and we are going to start out making the simple cinch bag that was in the book I gave her tomorrow.  It mostly only contains straight sewing.  I might start her out on some of the small fabric squares her other grandma gave her as starter fabric so she can work on sewing straight and maneuvering first.

So if you have a book, know of a book, or know of a site or something else that might help that would be great.  I almost posted this in the crafting forum but it looks like its not used very often, thanks! 

Hi, This book isn't on my shelf but it sounds like one you'd be interested in.  http://www.paperbackswap.com/Between-Thimble-Thumb-Shirley-Botsford/book/0030505461/

How wonderful- that's a skill she'll always have a use for - the best gift is if you do the projects together & also look for local sewing classes/clubs geared for kids.

I don't have anything for your niece but saw on internet some great blogs for book reviews- she should also consider library books before buying one.

this one is top amazon seller- My First Sewing Machine Book: Learn To Sew: Kids :: Alison McNicol

http://grandmalikestosew.com/beginner-sewing-books/

Sew Everything Workshop  is perfect for beginners. by Diane Rupp-

1, 2, 3 Sew: Build Your Skills with 33 Simple Sewing Projects by Ellen Luckett Baker

Go to Joann Fabrics and ask the clerk to recommend a beginner's pattern from Simplicity or McCalls, etc.  I'm not an experienced sewer but sometimes I can figure out a lot by reading the instruction pages they include with the tissue paper pattern pieces.  Jumping in with a cheap pattern could be educational. Some patterns are about $3 on up to $7 or 8, or you could wait for a sale. Sometimes sewing places offer short classes on projects or how-to. And, I have occasionally gotten lucky by making  a friend who actually knows what they are doing with a pattern!

You should be able to find lots of helpful videos (on how to use the machine & such) on Youtube. Just put in the make of the machine. 

Fleece is one of the best fabrics to learn on for kids in my opinion.  Fleece hats are simple and easy to make.

This book is available  Sewing Essentials Vol 1

I use The New Sewing Essentials (Singer Sewing Reference Library).

Some craft stores such as JoAnn's, Hancocks, or Hobby Lobby may offer beginner sewing classes. Check out the locally owned craft stores as well. Also the Home Extension Service in your county may offer help. 

I also recommend a beginner sewing class. My local quilt shop hosted a "Welcome to your machine" class, in which we were taught about all the machine attachments, feet, how to choose stitch type and length (and why),how to clean and oil the machine (very important), which needles to buy, how to thread the machine, how to pin and cut a pattern. The class was 3-4 hours, and we walked out with a scarf we made ourselves on our own machines. Worth every penny.

Pinterest!!! Go to pinterest and search sewing tutorials and how tos--you will find thousands of helpful tutorials on the web that will guide you step by step through the process. Also, if you are close to a local 4-H group, they will have a sewing club that is a must for young girls starting out to sew. Who knows, you and your sister might learn how as well!