Check out all your local sewing machine shops - sit down and actually sew on them (bring a piece of cloth) and ask about any upcoming sales or incentives or reconditioned used machines for sale. Take all your info home and look it all over and eliminate all the machines that you can't afford. Then choose the one that best suits your needs. Remember to include how the shop staff treated you, do they have "guide" classes for you to learn how to use the machine and are they conveniently located to your home. This will help you make the very best choice for you!