Wildyard, is your granddaughter really wanting a machine? If so, get it and teach her when you can be with her. There are a lot of fabric shops and some Hancock's that have sewing classes for kids.My daughter is going to teach a class for kids at her church.Also, Fons and Porters rotary cutters are very safe. The blades will only cut when pressed down. This is going to be such a great memory for her.