Go to a dealer, explain your needs, and test drive several...including several brands. For sure, your purchase should be from a dealer as they will offer sewing classes and will be your "go to" for problems/ repairs until you are experienced enough to know your own machine. He can be invaluable when when a glitch arises. I have been sewing for so many years, with various brands, that I can usually diagnose my machines when they have tantrums. Personally, I would choose a Janome, Pfaff, or Brother. I have 3 Brothers--I love sewing on them. The Pfaff has a built in walking foot (IDT), so you won't have to buy the accessory. I also love my 2 Pfaffs. And I have an Elna from early 80's that is still chugging. Start with the best you can afford and it will give you years of sewing pleasure.

For a first time sewer, you can't do better than to buy a used machine....you can get so much more machine for the price. Look for vintage 60s and 70s machines including the Singers (back then they were so much better made) and Viking Husqvarna...really great machines. They were made with metal, not plastic and are real work horses. Many of them had fancy stitches as well so look for something that does more than just zig zag as, as you get into sewing, esp if you start working with knits, you'll want stitches that can accommodate those fabrics.

See recent thread on favorite vintage machines....

Here is a link that might be useful: Vintage machines

This post was edited by AnnieDeighnaugh on Mon, Oct 21, 13 at 9:06

Thank you both for your input. Sorry it took me a bit to reply. I've been teaching myself to knit and that seemed to take up my week! My mother and sister-in-law both are happy with their Kenmore machines. Any thoughts on that brand?

Cheers!