There's a new, small machine out that's under $500 that has lots of decorative stitches. It would be perfect to take to class. The mechanism is all metal, so I was told. There are 3 models at 3 different prices, so something would fit your budget. Made by Bernina. Since I'm not in the market for a machine, I didn't note the name. These were sold by independent quilt shops that were not dealers in other machines.