she needs to test drive both, both are quality machines and are about the same size and feature wise, and are both popular models so its really which one she likes the feel of. I think the racheal does have a metal frame so it should be as solid as the janome. I am a brother girl so I would choose the brother-made babylock racheal, but I know the magnolia is also very popular model but have never owned a janome. I have been very happy with all my brother's. One is over 20 years old and still runs well so I know they last.