I didn't have such good luck with 8 year old Mercy. I figured she could be on her own. I set her up with that Singer 66 redeye with a turn knob. She didn't think she had enough Grandma time I guess. She went off in a pout. I had Wilbur on my lap and Lovie was 'getting it' so I let her go off. We had a talk later and she should be ok for another time. She did get pretty creative with a piece of card paper and the 66. Mercy has some vision problems and is not quite ready for sewing with speed. I was amazed at the control she got when she used the hand crank though. I think she might be ready for thread next time - but I sure don't need a 3 ring circus then either.