You've gotten some good advice, I don't have a lot to add, but I would get another machine, and not a new Singer, an old one yes, Brother and Janome have a good reputation, even for the low end machines. As for seam rippers, I haven't used one in years, ever since I found these little snips(
http://www.123snip.com/Nippers.htm), I love #6204, they have excellent service and great prices.