Hi, Welcome. I teach both sewing and quilting in my home. I was recently talking with my sewing machine mechanic about the current new machines. Since he has to repair them, I figured he would be able to recommend some for my students. His recommendation was to stay away from any new Singers. They have been bought out and the newer machines are plastic junk. An older one is a good find. He says the best current new ones are Brother and Baby Lock. Brothers are better priced than Baby Lock, and just as good. He said any Brother is a good buy, so I got a Brother 6000i for around $150 and love it. It has 60 built-in stitches and sews beautifully. I also have a top of the line Pfaff, and other machines, but I find I am using my new Brother more and more. I hope this helps in your decision.