I recommend a Janome Jem. Janome is a very easy brand of machines to learn on and the Jem line is light weight. So as a diehard Janome lover, that's my recommendation! :thumbup:
For sure, others are going to recommend other brands and you should consider everyone's comments before making your decision. If you get the chance to test-sew on a machine before buying it, that would be the best.
I don't recommend new Singer's either. The older ones are good, but not the new machines.
Good luck! :)