momma5750, although it would be nice to start three gdd's out on featherweights, it's probably more practical to start them out with Janome machines. If you don't like the "Hello Kitty" version, the same machine comes in plain white:
http://www.amazon.com/Janome-11706-H...dp/B0012PTMAG/
Check out the reviews. Just be sure to get the 3/4 size machine; the 1/2 size machine is more of a toy and not as good.
Edit: Just a note. If the product is "sold by and shipped by" Amazon, it is very easy to return it to Amazon within their time period (which I think is 60 days, but check) for any reason. If the machine is defective, Amazon will cover the return postage.