Instead of you choosing a machine, let her choose it. Go to dealers, check out machines. Since she is the one who will be using it, let her decide. There have been several women on this board whose husbands had picked out a new sewing machine. While the ladies loved their husbands for giving them a new machine, the actual machine that they were given,they didn't like them so much. Imagine your wife picking out a new tool for you. While she would have only the best intentions, you might not like the new tool so much. A new sewing machine has to fit the new owner. If it doesn't, it probably won't get used as much. Just a thought.