I agree with the coupon folks. Getting a machine at a local store that offer classes is the best. Let her decide how many bells and whistles she wants.

I have both newer and older machines. I actually use my newer one more because it can handle so many layers, even though sometime it still can't handle thick seam intersections on thick canvas or faux fur. If it can't handle it, none of them can, even the older Kenmore or Singer. I would not want to part with the newer machine.

A Featherweight is a wonderful gift. If you can also buy her a class with a local featherweight expert to teach her how to use it and take care of it. They can be a little picky if they are not treated right.

You may want to give her a "gift certificate" good for one new sewing machine and then take her shopping. Everyone here will tell you a different machine but in the end, it is what each individual person likes. I think Pfaff is the best with the duel feed. Someone else will tell you something else. Let her decided what she wants.

Yes, featherweights are the prefect gift especially if she enjoys going to classes because they are the preferred lightweight sewing machine. Being an older sewing machine, they only do straight stitching.

This post is two years old--I hope she has her machine by now! :)

I agree that it would be best to take your wife shopping for the machine. What you might research and think is perfect for her, might not be what she wants. A lot depends on what type of sewing she wants to do. The machine that someone who only does quilting picks would be different than the machine that someone who does a lot of garment construction would pick which would also be different than the machine someone who plans to do a lot of home dec type sewing might pick. Take her along and then go out to dinner after. She'll love it.

LOL. I replied before I looked at the date

I would buy her a package of sewing machine needles and wrap that with a note that you would love to spend the day with her to find the perfect machine for these needles.

I agree. I love my featherweight but it's not my daily machine. I would think she would prefer to choose her own machine.

..guess we will never know......I have to remember to look at the original post date before replying....