I'm going to check out the Sewing with Nancy episode - thanks for that!!
I know this sounds very elementary.....if my machine has a button holer is that the same as a button hole stitch or not in this case?
There's a local shop where I'd like to take a class and it sounds like they use the button hole stitch. From reading all the replies to my question, it sounds like I could get away with a zigzag stitch. The shop doesn't sell machines but they directed me to a Janome dealer.
I think making a list of the must have features is a good idea. And I do think I'll start with something used.