I would suggest the top of the line Kenmore. You can't beat the price for the value you are getting. I have used the Bernina 830 ($10,000) and every other brand there is from Janome to Baby Loc. The top of the line Kenmore is the perfect beginner machine and will satisfy the advanced sewer too. I am blessed to be able to buy any sewing machine I want and as many as I want and my next new machine will be the top of the line Kenmore. The local Bernina dealer stays mad at me for not buying one of her expensive machines. She thinks because I can I should. I won't. LOL