I have a Bernina, Pfaff, Brother, several other machines and several Singer feather weights. Each machine I use for different things. What I like most about the Pfaff is the built in walking foot. I like the Feather weights for piecing quilts as it's a small machine. The Bernina sews really good, but all the feet are very expensive and on piecing I find the need for the walking foot. If I was your daughter, I would like a picture of a sewing machine with some money, then I would go to the store and see which one works best for me.

I love my Pfaff with IDT, (duel feed). I have looked at other brands but Pfaff is the one for me.

I personally own both a Juki (which is a work horse) but only sews forwards & reverse. It has no bells & whistles but work it does. It will sew 10 layers of denim without a problem. I bought it because the throat area was bigger than most other domestic machines here. I now own a Series 8 Bernina 820 machine that is incredible. It has all the bells & whistles. The biggest draw back here in Canada is the price. They run about $7500 - $8000. I don't know what the price is in the States but I am sure it is cheaper than that, but still pricey compared to many other machines. It is certainly a quality machine & the throat area is even larger than my Juki. I hear good things about Janome as well so you have quite a decision to make.

You could also check out craigslist in their arts and craft section.I live in New York but there have been wonderful machines on there for a great price.Your daughter is very lucky.

If you intend to do any machine applique, Bernina has a feature that I can't do without. Its a leg lift that lifts the presser foot so you can have both hands on your applique piece and turn it without taking your hand off the project. Also they are wonderful machines. I have 4 different kinds of Bernina. Two just do a basic straight stitch and a zigzag. They do a great piecing stitch and also a zigzag. It depends on how many extras you want as to the price you will pay. The very basic machine I paid $125. They have a bunch on e-bay--all prices.

My Babylock and both of my Janome's have the knee bar to lift the presser foot. I have never used them when sewing...only to change the presser foot. Just goes the show that what is important to one person is not important to another.....different strokes.....

The cheapest real Bernina (The Burnette line is not made by Bernina and is not of the same quality.) is the 215 and is on sale with a coupon for $700.

The Bernina 820 is my dream machine....big harp space and built in walking foot......lucky, lucky you!!!

I have two Berninas and a 1950 Singer Featherweight. My older 180 is what I use for piecing and garment making and repairs. I bought the 440 for the Stitch Regulator and Emboridery. I'm not having much luck with either one .
I'm to far away from dealer or anyone I can get training from. My Singer has been with me 55 years and goes most time that I take a machine and I can hem demin Jean on it with no problem, more than I can say for the others. Yes repairs and maintenance on the Bernina is costly.

I have a Kenmore/Janome and love it. But I recently got a Viking Ruby and really love it. The Ruby is more than what you want but Viking has alot of simple machines and they are great machines.

I have a Bernina Activa 145 and it is about 7 years old a great machine. Never caused me any problems and sews perfect I saw one on the board for sale about a week ago and if her machine was well maintained it most likely has a lot of perfect sewing for many years to come.

I have a featherwight, 2 pfaff creative 7570 and a babylock Grace (one of the basic models- definitely not top of the line one) .. I love the 7570- great for piecing and quilting and the babylock, geez dont get me started!! It does not like to quilt- its ok for piecing but not worth the money if you plan on quilting with it..

If your in a small town buy it from a dealer nearby so she can get information and supplies to go with it. I personally prefer the Bernina.

Your Bernina dealers have used trade ins for sale

I have always had Viking machines, so I cannot give a comparison to Bernina. That being said, I love my Viking Lilly 550. It's about 12 years old, never had any mechanical problems and have moved it around in moving trucks from California, Oregon, Tennessee and Nevada. It's set up now in the dining room and I sew EVERYTHING on it from sheer to denim. I think either a good used Bernina or Viking would be great.

Do you have a sewing machine dealer in your town? If your daughter lives in the same town
it would be a good idea to buy a machine from the dealer. That way she would get free classes
and help with the machine. If no dealer there then the Bernina would be your best choice.

I have a Bernina 730 which is quite expensive; but I also have 3 Janome machines and just love them. A great variety to choose from and they are work horses. You need to try out several machines to see what feels the best.

I have 3 Baby lock machines, have had Singers, White, brothers and Elna, and I can say of all of them I love all of my Baby Locks, I have a Baby Lock Decorators choice, that I take to class every week, love that, my two home machines, One is the Baby Lock Quilter's quest, love that one for most of my general sewing at home to big to take to class, then there is my high end Baby Lock Ellisimo, that I do most of my embroidery on. I think you should try out different brands to see what you like the feel of, they are like cars, everyone has their own option of what is best.
If you do a LOT of sewing, get a machine that will hold up to that.

if possible get one where you can get service. I know the big box stores and internet have some good deals and prices but having convenient service is essential

I've never met a Bernina that I didn't like ! I have a 150 QE now discontinued, it is a great machine.