My GD is 8 and is learning to sew I found a New Home at thrift store for $40 I set her up next to me taught her how to run the machine and all the safety rules (I printed out a list of SAFETY RULES for Gramie's Craft room)I watch her closely. first day she learned how to sew a straight seam,(almost) by the end of the day she had made a pillow out of my scraps. Had to laugh She and her Mom stoped by yesterday, she disapered found her in the craft room with the machine cleaning out the bobbin area and checking it out.Said she wanted to make sure it would be ready to run when she came by next weekend. Wonder what she wants to make next?