childrens sewing machines

[deerhoof.livejournal.com]

question about sewing machines..i'm looking to get a machine, but i am VERY broke. i know kids machines (button makers etc.) can be cheap and work really well, so i was wondering if anyone has used childrens sewing machines (there are a shit ton of barbie machines on ebay), and if they produce even semi-proffesional results? something that might look a little better than hand sewing, and won't break after one project, basically.
thanks.