If all you need for your class machine is a straight stitch without any bells and whistles, I recommend that you get a Singer 221 Featherweight. Singer began manufacturing these in the 1930s and stopped making them in the 1960s. There are many of us on this Board who have at least one, if not more, and I have not heard a negative comment about them. They are light at 11 lbs., are easy to maintain and parts and accessories are easy to find.