Any machine made by Brother. They are an easy machine to learn, instruction book is very easy to use, and they are durable. Prices can start at approx. $150 and go up from there to the top of the line machines at over $1000. If you will be taking it to classes, these machines travel real well. I shipped my low end Walmart Brother machine across the country from Washington state to Texas, under a Greyhound, twice, and never had any issues. I have sewn thin leather and vinyl with both machines and as long as I use the correct needle, it works like a dream.