Jacquie, I'd like to make a couple of comments to you. I teach sewing and quilting, both, and as of today, knitting, in my home. Back in 2008 we had a 7 yr old great granddaughter living with us for a year. We bought her a Janome Sew Mini for Christmas, and after one apron, it sounded like a train roaring through. I was not impressed with it at all. I have a vintage New Home, and a Brother CS600i which I let me students use. (I keep my Pfaff 7570 for myself). I am very impressed with the Brother. When I talked to a local quilt shop's sewing machine mechanic, I discussed machines with him. His comments were, to stay away from all new Singers. His best recommendations were Brother and Baby Lock. He said they are the best being built now, and have the least amount of problems. For your info, I got both of my student machines on line from Ken's Sewing in Muscle Shoals, AL. I have been very pleased with his service. My Brother was a Refurbished machine, and I got it for $125, instead of the usual $175 or $200. These are just some thoughts that might help you. I, too, love teaching kids to sew, but I would get them a fairly good machine that won't break down in a few weeks, like our Janome Sew Mini did.