I love my simple Janome. I think to start out with, one of the "lower" end machines would be good for her. Something with a couple of different stitches. She can also get a universal foot that will be kinda like a serger for the Janomes. I have one actually. got it from my hubby's grandma. I got my Janome used for 100 and it works great. I also have a singer. If she is not a sewer or has never really sewn before I would suggest something on the "cheap" side that way if she doesn't like sewing, (hehe) she will not have put too much money into this. She can always up-grade as she gets more comfortable with sewing and wants to do more than straight stitches.