I know this is usually answered with "it depends", but I'm going to throw this out anyway:
My DGD in New York City would love to have a SMALL reliable sewing machine. I am thrilled at the thought of making this happen for her. She is into CosPlay and although right now she can use the machines in the Juilliard costume shop, she would really like to have one in her apartment. She loves my Singer 401As, (it's so cool that she brags to her friends about those machines!) but DD thinks they are too large, and I don't relish the thought of shipping one across the country.
So, here is my question:
Are there any small, lightweight new/modern machines which are reliable? Any which hold tension, don't have fits if two layers of denim pass under the presser foot, don't break down if you look at them cross-eyed?
I would really appreciate feedback, with recommended manufacturer and model. I haven't settled on a budget yet, probably under $500.00. I have searched Costco in NYC, which would be really handy for her, and they have several models, I thought about using craigslist, but in addition to the risk factor, I am not sure how she would retrieve one, and I don't think a used machine is an option.
I need real advice, from real sewists, on which machines are not going to give her trouble.
Thanks for any help,