I sew on a Janome Memory Craft 3500 that I've had for around 9 years. It has been an good machine and more than capable with any task I've thrown at it. I've been thinking about buying a new machine and while I was in the store I saw a really cute new Janome machine called The Threadbanger. It seems like a great machine for anyone starting out and is geared towards the home crafter as opposed to a garment maker. It retailed at the store for 699.00 but I thought it was overpriced so I'll bet you can find one elsewhere for a lot less. Good Luck and bless you for supporting your lucky wife in her new hobby!