get the most powerful and feature-loaded machine you can afford. because it will handle whatever you want to do in the future, you will grow into it.
otherwise you'll keep experiencing the deflating frustration you feel now.
take test samples with you to the dealer. whatever you choose needs to not only feed several layers of fabric, it should be able to sew smoothly over bulky seams. don't trust brochures. test it yourself. there are a lot of very expensive models available that do all sorts of nifty things, but jam up at bulky seams.
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- necessity is the mother of invention. lazy is the crazy aunt.
