Hey there, Helen Ann -- thanks very much. My interest in sewing and machines is one borne of necessity. I decided that I needed to learn to mend a small stack of clothing I hadn't yet tossed rather than buy new clothes. Also, I have a Volvo wagon that needs a nylon cover so I thought I might try to make one and I also have a bench that needs a custom-sized seat cushion. I'm not a quilter at all so I hope I'm not considered an unwelcome interloper; perhaps you and others can convince me to start one.
My very first machine is a used Janome 6500P. Way too much machine for a beginner and not the best choice for heavy-duty sewing (although I've never had a problem putting anything through it). So I bought a White. And that machine addicted me. I'm more into machines than sewing. When I scroll through Craig's List, I want almost every single one of them and I'm starting to eye some of the industrial machines with the big clutch motors and custom tables.