My grand daughter is 14 and uses my 36 y/o Bernina and my newer Bernina QE 440. She just took right off on the 440. I, on the other hand, am still fretting over such a modern electrionic wonder!

I had Kenmore machines for years and years. I found them to be better than the cheap Singers, cheap Brothers, etc. I don't know about today's machines, though. Go check some out and see what you think!! Good luck!

I love the Janome full size line for a beginner. If you want a smaller siz then a Janome JEM, considered portable for taking to quilt class, would be perfect.

I agree that you can't go wrong with a Kenmore sewing machine.

I have seen adult machines at target for $79.00, nothing fancy, I think it had 10 stitch function. God bless. Penny

Walmarts little Brothers seem very nice too. Or maybe you could find a nice trade in at the sewing machine shop!

You can also check the dealers in your area for trade in's. They sell for cheap and are reconditioned after they have been traded in.