My friend is using an old basic machine from the 60s.... I have a much newer, "fancier" machine and I tell you what... I envy her perfect neat stitches!!! Try looking for a book or magazine article or short story where a quilter tells about learning on an old machine or how she loves a certain vintage machine. I saw an article like this once and wish I could find it for you. This woman had an old machine that she used and she went on to teaching her friends to quilt and sew and each one of them started on her old machine which went home with them as they were learning. It was very sweet and really made you love that old machine of hers. New isn't better!!! I hope your wife will stick with it. Sewing has been the best thing that I learned in my entire life. I have a college degree but I value my high school sewing classes just as much...if not MORE!! And now, sewing is my therapy when when life just gets too stressful and overwhelming! Good for you for encouraging her. That's so kind and caring!