Hi Vanessa
I've been sewing for 46 years now, and I don't know how many times over the years people have asked my advice about what sewing machines to get. I'll tell you what I told all of them....
It's better to get a reconditioned machine of a good brand than to buy a new cheaper one...you'll end up getting something that just doesn't work well. I've known it to happen so many times.
Learning to sew is not the easiest thing to try....why struggle with the learning process and also have to struggle with a junky machine...sewing is an importan skill. Make it as easy as possible and get a decent machine. A starting seamtress doesn't need fancy gadgetry..just a reliable machine. Hope this helps. Mary