Another warm welcome from Southern California! I learned to sew on the Singer 15-91, and sewed most of my clothes growing up. I love the machine and still use it from time to time. A few years back I wanted a sewing machine for "quilting" and went to the LQS which happens to be a Janome dealer. Told the lady I was not into fancy sewing and ended up buying the Janome MC 6600P. It has been wonderful. Then a couple years later I went to take my little FW into have it serviced and they happen to be a dealer for Husqvarna and I fell in love with an embroidery machine. They had a floor model on sale within my budget and full warranty and I bought it. So I guess what I am trying to say, don't totally limit yourself to what you do now. If you plan to expand yourself, buy the best machine you can afford, you won't regret it.