I don't know anything about either machine, but reneebobby and Bevenger like theirs that is a good recommendation. Also for the price even if it occasionally needs service. for the price, you can have it serviced many times for the difference you might pay for a more pricy machine, until you can afford to upgrade. I have a Bernina 930 that I bought in 1983, it is really a workhorse, but they still sell used for anywhere from $700-1100. I just bought a featherweight on ebay for $180 in great shape, but I was lucky to get it for that price.

Try Sears...they have a good machine... some say they are Janome.... I have no idea....I bought a 200 dollar Kenmore 3 years ago and no problems at all and there are some miles on it

Now for your daughter go to the thrift store and buy an older metal machine...they take a beating and keep going..it will give you a back up also...buy her a sewing box with the money u save......toy machines are frustrating..my granddaughter used my regular machine at 5

Well I decided on a whim that I wanted to make childrens clothing and quilts, having no idea how to use a sewing machine. I went online - researched, asked which one would be best and got 1000 different answers, I ended up getting the Brother CS6000I from amazon. I completley taught myself how to sew on that machine ( bought about 18 months ago), its got tons of extras and is a beautiful machine, read the reviews on it, for the price ( I got it on sale like 129.00 it has many things that the very high end machines have and it stitches beautifully. I am soooo happy I picked that machine to start on, its sooo very easy to use, so many stitches, the guide that comes with it is step by step- to the point that I was able to sew outfits and blankets for my children within 2 weeks, and after about one month I began selling botique outifits, blankets, rag quilts ( so easy) and got such positive feedback I was shocked, and I never had anyone teach me anything- at first I ripped alot of seams but I never made that mistake again, part of the learning process. After using that machine for awhile I decided that I wanted a machine that did embroidrey, I went with the Babylock Ellure Plus, which is a wonderful machine, and I also bought a husky lock 910 serger for professional seams, just to tell you how much I love the brother I often find myself taking that one to my sewing table and using that- when I have the option of my babylock, its just soo sooo simple and works so well, quiet, I can not say enough about this machine, check it out!

I went on Consumer Reports to check it out.

They have a Kenmore for $120. and a Brother xl2600i as well that runs $150.

I started out with an inexpensive Kenmore when I first started cause I was not sure I would stick with it. 2 years later I bought a Brother 650Q. Both machines work extemely well and I still use them both. I find that Brother is a good machine. Don't think you can go wrong with either. Good luck in chosing. THe link for the Brother you posted looks like that would be a great starter for your daughter.

All i can say about Janomes is you can't kill them. I have now a Jem gold, more what you are looking for, a 6500, 6000, and a MB4 I love them all. Do go to a dealer and no other. The store I help at repairs all makes of machines and Janome seems to be the toughest. Our dealer has a program that if you like the one you sold, you can trade it in at full purchase price within one year and get a newer or bigger on. She also gives all the free classes you need for ever.

Thanks so much for the feedback! I just didnt want to get one and have it screw up as much as this old one is. Thanks again!

Last Christmas I bought my three grandaughters Janome Magnolias. I've been real happy with the way they sew. There's not a lot of stitches but they were under a hundred dollars.

Hi, about a month ago I asked the same question. I researched and decided for the money the Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions which is one of the ones you saw on Amazon for $158. Also you get the walking foot and other great add ons.

I needed a smaller machine to take to classes and traveling. I am hoping it is under the Christmas tree a gift from DH.

I have a Bernina 440Q and it is a great expensive machine and I thought the above little baby would be a great second machine.

The free shipping and no tax is a great feature to through Amazon.

Good luck with your decision.

Have a great day,
Denise

My husband bought me a Babylock last year for christmas and I absolutely LOVE it. But I think it's really a person to person thing. Try one out like you'd test drive a car. Good Luck!!

You can find good deals on machines at LQS that have been traded in for an upgrade machine. They are in good working order and usually you can get more bang for your buck instead of buying new. Plus you get the support for lessons, etc.

Just a thought.