What is a devout elemental obedient priced sewing contrivance?
Answers: http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm
Best advice I can give you is above. For a trainee, general purpose sewing machines need (I think):
-- really good straight stitch
-- good meander
-- a method of making buttonholes that doesn't drive you nuts
-- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps with cloth handling)
Nice to have, but not necessary:
-- triple wind
-- stretch and regular blindhem
-- a few decorative stitches (which can mostly be lived without!)
The best standard machine for the least money will be a used device. If you buy from a dealer, it will typically have a short guarantee (6 months to a year), repeatedly can be traded back if you decide to trade up, and you'll be skilled basic machine operation and running.
New machines on the lower end should be considered disposable -- they're often balky, require lots of tweaking to produce a righteous seam for a bit, and repair parts are not available.
Suggested reading, probably available at your library:
-- John Giordano's Sewing Machine Book
-- Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing (especially first few and last few chapters on using and choosing a machine)
-- Gale Grigg Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting Machines
If you're thinking nearly quilting or most home dec sewing, you really probably only need a straight stitch appliance; a used one is often very inexpensive. In reality, I've pulled machines off the curb the night past trash pickup, cleaned and oiled them, and sent the now working appliance on to a good home with someone else.
Walmart have some for around 100.00, but can go up to thousand. According how much you want to do with it. Button holer, embrodery, custom stitiches, the best or a moment ago simple.
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