I've been sewing/quilting for most of my life and I always recommend that you buy the best machine you can afford. If you enjoy sewing you will quickly outgrow the cheap basic machines. Most people really do not use the decorative stitches a lot, but the needle threader, thread cutter, and several more of the "deluxe" features quickly become a necessity. I think Brother had become a very good basic machine and seems to be improving with every new model. Shop around both locally and on the internet and get the best price you can find.