i used to have a little sewing school, we had 6 machines...3 of which were $79 brother's from walmart...i also had my viking designer one ($5000 machine) most everyone would stand in line to get to use one of the brother's they are wonderful inexpensive beginner machines. all 3 of my granddaughter's (ages 14,13 and 8) have brother machines (for 4 years now) have had no problems with them and i believe they will hold up till the girls are older and ready for bigger and better...for a first machine i would never spend $300-$400 what if she decides sewing is not her thing? if you get a good machine for under $100 it will be around for a long time and if nothing else be good for hemming pants :)