I got me a featherweight for that. I got it from e-bay for 350 dollars, and that included a purchase of a soft case, bobbins, needles, quarter inch foot, a spare light bulb, and a new foot peddle. I just love the cute little thing. It is easy to take to retreats and does a lovely straight stitch. It is also fun for my grand daughters to sew on. They love it too.

Go to overstock.com they have great prices on machines, they are furbished but they stand behind them. I have not trouble with mine.

If you want a small portable machine to take to classes, etc. Brother makes several in this price range. Check with a good repair shop/dealer. Sometimes you can get a good refurbished machine that has been traded for a new machine. I love my Featherweight, but it is hard to find one in your price range. They are really in demand, so the price never seems to go down---at least not in this part of the country.

Your first reply suggested a Brother CS6000i. I, too, have that machine as my backup to my Pfaff 7570, and I love it. I've had it about a year and a half now, and really do like it. I bought it online from Ken's Sewing in Muscle Shoals, AL for $125.00 and really love it. I recommend it. I also let my students use it.

I have several machines, but my new machine of choice is a 1948 15-90 that I rescued for $10. I am free motion quilting with it tonight . It sews better than my Elna, which I love, and my featherweights.