Welcome! You are starting out on a wonderful journey. I hope that you can find someone to take you under their wing and help you get settled in. Wish you lived close to me, I'd love to help you. As far as a machine goes, I would try to buy an older machine. The older Singers are great...well built. The newer ones, not so much. One of my sewing buddies buys the lower priced Brothers at Wal-Mart and gets along just fine. Just what ever you are comfortable with. Have fun!