BERNETTE is like the little sister of Bernina. While not technically a Bernina, is quality controlled by Bernina and a very good sturdy machine. The only ‘mechanical’ machine on my list this is a very easy machine to control and use. Maybe a good option for a child who easily gets distracted by fancy buttons on an electronic machine? I have not personally used this one but researching mechanical machines this one kept popping up. (a mechanical machine is a machine with knobs you turn to switch a stitch, on an electronic machine you press a button to choose a stitch or a different setting)
Update: 12/1/2020: The Bernette 35 is currently on sale at Sew Vac Ltd in Long Beach. Special price for my students $299 plus tax. (Not affiliated just my favorite store for machines)
Hope that helps! As I test new machines I will add them to the list. Happy shopping!
Please let me know in the comments below which machine you ended up buying and how your little one is doing with it! I can’t wait to hear!
Ms. Camilla