I bought my granddaughter the Janome 3128 and it sewed very nicely. It was similar to the Jem (but at $119). I debated about the mini but the shop owner didn't know much about it. The 3128 has about 8 stitches, but has the old fashioned bobbin, so it took me a few minutes to figure that out. I think this will be a good machine to grow with her.