my husband bought me my first machine. My first serious machine was a Bernina 830, the original one, back in 1981. I love it, just have it , it sews wonderfully even after 7 kids, 4 wedding dresses and a couple of quilts. Sometimes you can find a really good deal on a top of the line machine that is older and has been traded in for a newer machine. Currently, if you can find them the 1980's 830, runs about $650.00. There is a 900 series one that is excellent as well. It is nice to have a machine with just a bit more than straight stitch on it especially if she might sew some household linens and/or clothes as well. I also have a Featherweight but i wouldn't want it as my only machine, not with what is available out there in good reliable high end used machines or a good basic new one. Kenmore makes a nice one, which is probably a Brother or a Singer under it all. Buy from a dealer if possible versus Walmart or even Sears, though Sears works if you need to use your Sears card.