Be careful shopping for a Bernina. I have the Bernina Aurora 440 QEE. You don't need the embroidery (the second E) if you are just starting out. I love love love my Bernina and may never update it. I do have a cheap Janome that I use for taking to friendship groups, etc as I don't want to haul the heavy Bernina around all the time. I make alot of quilts, clothes and have been sewing for years. But anyway....Bernina has a cheap line called Bernette...DON'T buy it! It is not a Bernina! Where Bernina is made in Sweden Bernette is made in Japan or China or wherever. Just like Husqvarna Viking has a line called Husky. Don't buy that either. I would recommend a $200 Janome before I would recommend another maker in that price range. Also, stay away from Singer - not your grandma's Singer anymore, and Brother - just junk in the lesser price range.