Please start out with a used machine. By chance, does a relative have a machine that they would be willing to give or lend to you while you are learning? Save your money for a good machine for after you have learned to sew and see if you like to sew. Tell the dealer that you are interested in a low cost used basic machine for now since you are just learning how to sew. You could even tell him that you want to hold off buying the better machine until you have gotten the basic steps down and know what you are doing. Tell him you want a just basic starter model and a lot of lessons.