Yes, you can get a machine for $1000 that is good. I did, it was a Janome 5700; bought it used for $1000 and I
have been sewing with it for at least 10 years. I have had a Singer 401A, New Home (which got stolen from
a Western Wear Store that I worked at), a Necchi (which my DD wants someday), Pfaff 122 (which now doesn't work and I have put too much money into it already), a Brother from WalMart for GD#2, Another Singer used that
quit. I have been sewing since I was in 4-H many years ago. Go to a dealer that you like and see what they
have used, try it out first, especially lift it cause if you are going totake classes, you want to be able to lift it
and carry it. My Janome is heavy so I use the Brother for classes. I hope you find the right one for you.