We recently bought this sewing machine for my daughter Emma. She is 12, but excellent at sewing already! She has made clothes for both her American Girl doll and Smart Doll. She reports that it is so much easier to use than her previous sewing machine, and especially likes the setting options, button hole option, and automatic forward/reverse. She also states that the extra area next to the needle and foot pedal makes it easier for her to feed material in and is easier to control. Her creations thus far have been exceptional!