Sewing Machine Advice - 12 year old DD.

[Splishysploshy]

Hi,
My DD will be 12 soon and top of the birthday list is a sewing machine. She is keen to work in textiles when she is older and undertakes many sewing projects at home. At the moment she uses my mums very old machine which only does one type of stitch, is very heavy and takes up a huge amount of space. Does anyone have any suggestions as I am not a sewer so do not have a clue?
Ideally the machine -
Will have the option to do different stitches.
Will be able to be stored away easily when not in use.
Will last her for a good few years.
Is not overpriced.

Thank you in advance for any help,
xx

Ideally about £100 but could push to £150. Would that be enough or should I give her the money and ask others for money so she can buy herself one which is more expensive. x

Personally, I would recommend the small sewing machines they sell at John Lewis, whic are £50, bright colours, and all a 12 year old would need to get started.

A number of my pupils in year 4 and year 5 have recieved these recently as birthday presents and they love them and aparantly they are great little sewing machines.

here is the red one

Have a look at Janome machines. I know a lot of quilters who in the past have used expensive Berninas and are now changing to the janome range. They've about 4 machines in the £100 to £150 range. Another thing to consider is your daughter's interest. What do you think she'll end up doing with the machine. I would get one with the most features I could afford - if she's really keen then it will take her longer to 'outgrow' the machine. You don't need a computerised one but get one with a range of stitches. I'm not suggesting you buy online, but there are a few websites that offer good deals on sewing machines and which have good details on the machine specs.