I have Vikings, and my DGD was 9 when she made her first quilt. I had her use the D1, computerized machine, and I slowed the speed way down. I sew very fast, but she needed to learn control. I had her follow the lines on paper, then draw some shapes and follow those. She had fun and was eager to start on the quilt. By the end of a small lap quilt of 9" squares, she was bored! I wouldn't buy a machine for her until she has demonstrated that she will stick with it. I might turn over my featherweight one day, but she isn't interested now at 11!