I would buy a good vintage machine. If she needs more than straight stitch, a simple Kenmore 158.1350 or so is a solid, reliable, strong machine. The plastic ones are throwaways, jump a lot at higher speeds and have plastic gears. My 158.1350 has a free arm and 10 stitches, a presser foot that raises extra high, made of metal, and a wonderful all around machine. It will last for years and years without issues. Just clean and oil. I do my quilts on Singer 301s and 15s. I had bought a $2200 machine and it was unable to sew reliably, went vintage and am never stuck.