I am a new sewer/quilter as well, and I started with a 40-year old Elna. It was a fantastic machine!! Once I got my feet wet, I thought I needed an upgrade so my husband got me a Juki + Frame so I could teach myself how to machine quilt on a frame. I sold poor Elna. The frame-quilting was a mess and I sold it. In the mean-time, I found a Janome in a pawn shop for $30. It's a wonderful, perfect machine that I wouldn't trade for anything!
You can spend a lot of money on equipment if you want to. Or you can find a used Singer or Brother for $20 while you learn to use a sewing machine (because there is a learning curve with using a FMQ foot!!) then upgrade as you find deals. I have bought and sold several machines and I always get my money back because I'm always looking for that "good deal". Do research and know which brands are best and stick with them. It's a lot like buying a car.
Last edited by AshleyR; 02-20-2012 at 03:44 AM.
Reason: Add Picture