I agree with others who have commented about cheap machines. You do get what you pay for. The problem is new operators-they are hard on machines and they do have problems. The plastic parts warp easily under hard use (and unintentional abuse) and repairing them is very difficult because of the plastic. How do I know? I was a Home Economics teacher. I would recommend asking for 'loaners' or donations from the congregation. The last thing you want to happen to these young sewers is discouragement.