Check into what was said under the posting "Sewing machine for 13 year old." That has lots of good advice. Budster who wishes you luck on your search.

Check your local sewing machine dealers for used machines. The Used Machine stock at my dealer is variable (depends on what's been traded in that he considers good enough to resell), but I've often found sturdy brand-name macnines in the $100 price range. They tend to be older machines in good working order, but perfectly servicable.

Your dealer may offer free "how to use a sewing machine lessons", even with a used machine. One dealer I worked with would teach children as young as your granddaughter as long as the child was accompanied by an adult. Ask your dealer what his or her policy is.

CMC

Thank you to both of you - good suggestions!! I'll post what I end up getting.