Go to several dealers and try out a bunch of machines. I'm not saying buy them. Try them, including used ones. When you find what you want look on e-bay, Craig's list, thrift stores and see if you can find one there. The best advice I can give you is to buy the BEST machine you can afford. I have had cheap machines that nearly cured me of sewing and now have great machines that make me forget laundry and cooking so I can play.