there has been some good advise here but I would never want someone to pick out my sewing machine it would be nice to go to the local shop that offers classes and get a machine that does more than straight stitch as she may be a novice now but a good sewing machine lasts for years and she will not be a novice for long Berninas are wonderful machines they have good service and classes and verys in prices but also Brothers and Babylocks but do stick with a dealer where there is service and one close to you