OK, so I've read through all of the previous 43 responses and I've seen LOTS of great advice. I've been sewing on machines for over 60 years and have several - a Singer Athena 2000 (which refuses to break down/purchased in 1976); a Singer Featherweight (inherited from my mother/purchased in the 50s); a Bernina 170 (sewing and emboidery machine/purchased from a quilter friend who was upgrading and I coveted a Bernina); and an Elna 7200 (also purchased from a quilter friend who just wasn't using it because she had an embroidery machine and a Janome Jem and found she only used those). Now, those second hand purchases were fantastic bargains - so I'm lucky to be able to reserve the Bernina for embroidery and use the Elna for sewing and quilting. I've been told that Elna is actually made by Janome and has that same quality. Here is my thought. There is a machine known as HQ 16 which is a Handiquilter sit down long arm machine that is on the market in the $5000 range. That would likely knock the socks off of any quilter who doesn't already own a long arm. I would recommend that you give some thought to that along with the ideas about buying locally, etc. She could have a long arm quilting machine for the same - or less - money than a high-end sewing machine. I think we are all dying to know what actually happens here so please do tell. And, have a great Christmas at your house! Ciao!