One of the better places (imho) to check out sewing machines is http://www.patternreview.com -- you will have to join (free) to see reviews over 6 months old. (Don't worry, there's no spam; I've been a member since the beginning.)

There are two reviews of the sew precise there... one upgraded from a Singer and she loves it. The other is more experienced, has arthritis, and returned it because she couldn't change the stitches comfortably.

Janome is not "my sort of machine", but I do feel it's probably the best maker of lower priced machines around. Kenmore, btw, mostly seems to be Janome in disguise, and may be a better choice if your daughter won't be around the dealer in a few years because of the way sewing machine warranty work is dealt with at dealers.

More reading:
http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

Janome AQS 2009 Sewing Machine

What happens when you cross Janome with the American Quilter's Society? You get the Janome AQS 2009 - a sewing machine with great quilting functionality.

Popular at AQS shows when it was released last year, you can now find a few of these machines online and can enjoy the combination of the added quilting accessories with Janome's precision stitching.

This is a highly portable machine. It's light-weight and, while not a mini sewing machine exactly, its smaller dimensions make it easy to take on the road with you for vacation, classes, or trade shows.

Janome AQS 2009 Stitch Patterns
The machine comes with 20 built-in sewing stitches including two styles of one step buttonholes. The list of stitches include a blend of utility stitches with stitches that are perfect for quilting like straight, zigzag, stretch stitches, blind hem, and overedge stitches, blanket, and smocking.

Stitch width and length are adjustable for select stitches. Stitch selection and settings are completed using arrow keys under the LCD control panel.

Janome AQS 2009 Presser Feet
There are a total of three presser feet included with the purchase of this sewing machine. Presser feet are the snap-on style and easier to change than the old screw-in style. The presser foot lever has three height settings.

* Satin Stitch Presser Foot
* Automatic Buttonhole Foot
* Zigzag Foot (General Purpose)

Janome AQS 2009 Features
While the Janome AQS 2009 comes with a foot pedal, it can be operated using the Start/Stop button instead. This adds to the portability of the machine as all that's needed to get sewing is an outlet - no need to bring your foot pedal along everywhere.

A number of simple button controls are conveniently located above the needle arm:

* Reverse button - Reverse stitch to lock your stitches in place
* Auto-lock button
* Needle Up/Down button

Other features include:

* 4 point feed dog system
* Top loading bobbin
* Automatic bobbin winder
* Variable needle position
* See through bobbin cover
* Speed control slider to cap the sewing speed
* Drop feed dog lever
* Automatic needle threader
* Built-in carry handle
* Work light

Max speed on the Janome AQS 2009 is 650 stitches per minute, or about 25% slower than most home sewing machines. For quilting and detailed work, a slower speed can be an advantage and the speed control slider can further limit sewing speed.

Janome AQS 2009 Accessories
A standard set of accessories are included with the sewing machine. They fit nicely in the storage cubby located in the extension arm.

* 3 pack of needles
* 4 clear plastic bobbins
* Screwdriver
* Seam Ripper
* Spool Holder
* Spool pin (for the top thread)
* Additional Spool pin for loading the bobbin
* Felt caps
* Hard cover case

The Janome AQS 2009 is great sewing machine for anyone whose projects will lean more towards quilting and free motion embroidery although the utility stitches and buttonhole foot mean clothes construction and mending are also easily accomplished.

About the Author

See how the Janome AQS 2009 stacks up to other sewing machines today through this link:  Janome AQS 2009 or through this link:  http://www.sewing-machines-for-beginners.com.