Welcome from the Suburbs of Chicago. As far as a recomendation for a machine... get a good used machine! The older machines can out perform the new cheap ones any day. Check for a Sew and Vac in your area .. some will offer a limited warrenty. Look at garage sales and estate sales... do test drive. Check good Will you would be surprised what shows up . Older machine with all metal parts are so easy to clean and service yourself .
Once you have some more experience under your belt .. and know what you might like .. then make a bigger investment.