I have a brother named Steve( seriously ) who I would trade for any sewing machine, working or not. He's not a workhourse, if you know what I mean..Just putting in perspective what a sewing machine means to me for my daughter.

Because many of us want a quality machine that does more than a straight stitch.

Now that's funny!!!

I would buy local so when you need help, they will be there for you. It would also be more convienent to take some lessons on using the machine. I have a husqvarna viking and just love it.

I found a Bernina Record 730 at an estate sale for $100. I LOVE this machine. It's so old that they no longer make parts for it but that's not a problem so far. I spent another hundred on a tune up and it's fantastic. I have a walking foot and do simple straight quilting and have been perfectly happy with this. I also sew some kids clothes and do mending on this machine. The bernina dealer has a great mechanic so I can trust him and it doesn't sound like that's something you have at your disposal, but it could be worth your while to check craigslist anyway, you may find something worth the drive. I used to live in eastern oregon and I realize so many things are isolated out there, but good luck anyway!!!

I have a Bernina 440QE I love it BUT I also have a Kenmore and love that too. The Kenmore I have is made by Janome and I beleive they still are making them for Sears Kenmore name...The model a friend just bought was too

I have had my Bernina since about 1984. It has never had a problem and is easy to clean. I love it, love it, love it! You can't do wrong with such a good old brand.

Shipping on ebay doesnot cost the moon unless that is how the seller makes $$$. That said there are so many great machines for sale in the Northwest.. ebay, goodwill. Buy one, do the maitance and after she is addicted. let her upgrade. I love all my bernina's . They are solid. That said just be sure it is a machine without quirks. She will be thrilled. If you buy it from a dealer get them to indulde a note to upgrade when she's ready. Good marketing anf keeps her from feeling she is betraying you if she wants to upgrade at some point.

I have a Bernina and a Pfaff have also used Babylock they are nice machines but I love my Bernina but it is also important to buy where you have the closest dealer as there are always questions to ask and most dealer shops have free classes which I highly recommend my Bernina shop has free classes for life and they are so helpful there are lots of models to choose from happy shopping and what a wonderful person you are to do this for someone
Merry Christmas

I think you need to consider the features. I have many machines (about 30) including 4 newish computerized ones, three Janome's and a Babylock. I love and recommend them all. I would not buy a new machine without needle up/down, a needle threader, or speed control.

I recently got interested in owning a Bernina (We actually have a dealer in our small town), so started looking for one on CL and ebay. It seems to me that Bernina came late to the table with those features. Why didn't they like the needle threader????? Even 10 year old $800 used Bernina's don't have that feature. I was offered a slightly used 10 year old Bernina Activa for $300, but declined because of no threader.

Before all you Bernina lovers jump on me....no, I have never used one, and I don't know what features the new ones have. My Janome's and BL do everything I want them to do...why pay more for less (fewer features)???? IMHO, anyway.