I was considering the Janome Sew Mini for my granddaughter but my dealer recommended the Janome Harmony (1017). It was a little more but my dealer said it would be a better beginner machine and allow a little growing room. It is lightweight but I've sewn on it and it sews well. I don't know much about the Singer QuickFix. Hancocks is also going to have the Janome 3128 and Brother Free Arm K5590 on sale. You might do a search on Amazon and read some of the reviews!! Good luck...it's lots of fun to sew with grandchildren except mine get a little impatient during the "prep work". They want to dive right in and start sewing!!