When my daughter was 12 she wanted to learn to quilt. She went to a quilt camp and was hooked! I bought her a used Bernia for $450.00 She turned 34 last week and uses that machine constantly including making a quilt for each of her seven bridesmaids. I wanted to buy her a new machine and she said "no way" She is very good about having it serviced regularily and has never had any problems. A dear friend said to me when I told her about getting the mahine she said" you have started her on a lifelong hobby."