Hi Joanie2,
what a lovely gesture. Here is my twopenneth worth ...... Prices in the UK are very different than in the USA, we are normally much more expensive over here - that said, at the present time with the dollar being so strong against the pound you will get more bang for your buck!!! Janome machines are pretty reliable so I would probably go in that direction. Amazon are great and a lot of the local retailers will price match which I always ask them to do as this means that if anything goes wrong then the dealer is nearby for repairs etc.
Now... As for care packages of fabric...... Yes yes yes! My daughter lives in Texas and sends me packages all the time... Just remember that you must must must mark the package gift and do not put a high dollar amount on the customs label. I think at the present time a gift to the value of $75.00 is okay, but this can be checked at HMRC website.
If if you need any more info, please feel free to PM me.
By the way, where in England are your family moving to???
Hugs
Caroline