Oh, I love your story and your quilter. I have an 8 year old quilter. He shows no signs of letting that go as a sissy thing to do. I noticed he is sewing on a Bernina Record 830 (circa mid 70s)... a wonderful machine. My GKs love sewing on mine too. And they love the Bernina Artista also with the needle down/up positioner. Sewing grandkids are the greatest!!