The Janome Jem Gold is a great machine for beginners and for you to carry to classes, etc.
I teach sewing to 9 year olds to adult and the kids love the simplicity of the Jem Gold.
It's a mechanical machine and many of my quilting friends have had them for 14 years with no problems.
We purchased 30 of them on Amazon for $199 with free shipping for our program.
Good Luck and have fun.