I got my grandaughter (age 6) a Janome (I think it was around $100, not the Sew mini) and it is a great little machine. She made pillowcases for her aunt's wedding gift and loves to sew. Not really so much making anything right now, but she loves playing with the stitches and explaining to anyone who will listen all the safety rules and all the features of the machine. Just wished I lived closer so we could sew more often (Mom is too busy right now and needs some lessons as well).