cashs_mom

Any of the machines mentioned would be great. If finances are really a problem, you can find a lot of older machines like 301's and 401's for very little money at estate and garage sales. They are bigger and heavier than FW's but not as much as new machines. Great of piecing too. I have a new Bernina, but still prefer to piece on my 301.

Stitchnripper

I have the 301 and 401 found "in the wild" over time. Both good machines. But, they are not always easy to come by, and if one wanted to get started on a project pretty soon, and didn't have the time or availability to go to garage/estate sales and thrift shops, it might be a better idea to get started on one of the machines noted above. Could always keep looking for vintage.