I went to a craft fair in Ak. in the early 90's, where I first saw my dream machine, way over my budget at that time. But it in no way kept me from making quilts, stopped counting after 400, well about 4 or 5 years ago I got that dream machine I had fallen in love with, LOL and did not use it for over a year, what if some thing happened to it? then I would not have my dream machine any more. So I got another one for backup. then I could learn how and to use my dream machine, long story short, ended up with 4 dream machines, what I really use on them, the built in IDT, up down needle, straight stitch, yep that is about it,
I had heard so much about the 221 featherweight I started getting them have 5 right now, (gave one to one of my 4H students) and they are really great for nice even stitch, and light weight to take to friends house or guild,
or classes, took 2 on a retreat in Sept. and they are soooooooooooo cute! The best part of the FW 221 is that you can service them your self, I got the book and DVD on how to care for them. saves me about $80.00 each time I would have had to take them in to be serviced. I also have all my 4H students use the FW;s have 3 classes a week, so they get used a lot, and they are ALL metal so will last many many more years. In MHO I would suggest FEATHERWEIGHT, or an older Pfaff with IDT made before 1995, made in Germany. I really love my machines, and would not even think of a high end machine as I would not havea any use for all the bells and whistles, have more of them on my Pfaffs than I will ever use! GET a FW and save up for a mid arm or long arm.
No matter what machine she ends up with if she really wants to quilt, she will, my quilts are no better on my dream machine than the ones I made on my old machines, Pfaff, singer kenmore, it is the quilter that make the quilts. Good luck and it is great that you are so supportive I hope she is of the things you love to do too.