Laurafaith, I have several machines - and most of the ones out there are good machines. You might want to give the Babylock Sofia a look - while it is just a little higher than your price range - I think I paid $700 or $800 for it new, it is a sewing AND embroidery machine. This would give you the option to do embroidery when you were ready without spending any more money. It is a GREAT machine and light enough to take to classes. I use it mainly to sew because I have other embroidery machine options - but really for the price, you get it all.