Sew, what should I get?

Yeah, I agree. Bad joke.

I really want to get a sewing machine, and I have no idea where to start! I don't really want to spend a bunch of money on it. I know that I need something semi-automatic, because I know I will lose my cool too easily if I have to deal with making my own straight lines, and undoing too many fabric jams! I have NO previous experience with a sewing machine. Well, I take that back cause in 7th grade I took a home ec class and made a pillow for my gramma. And while using the machine I shorted out the damn thing and caused every machine in my near vicinity to turn off.

In that same class I blew up some cupcakes in the oven cause I filled the cup full instead of half way. I got a C in that class. But I got an A in wood shop that same year...go figure. But I digress.

What am I actually going to be using this machine for anyway? I have big plans for this machine! I'm going to sew up some purses! And make a bunch of Christmas presents! And hell, even sew all my own clothes! So you see, I need something that can do a bunch of different stitches (an embroidery option would kick ass!) and will withstand all the usage I plan to besiege on it. (I wanted to use that word cause I just watched the move Besieged last night- it was really well done- I highly recommend that you watch it too!).  But I don't need a fancy-pants-Project Runway-type machine.

OK, so in summary, I need:

• Cost-effective (aka, cheap-ish)
• Semi-automatic (it does the sewing for me)
• Can do a bunch of stitches (embroidery would be a bonus, but not necessary)
• Takes all the besiegement I plan to place on it (I plan to make a ton of stuffs)
• Not as fancy-pants as what Tim Gunn requires (he won't be telling me to "carry on" anytime soon)

So, I found a couple websites like About.com's sewing machine buying tips, the clippings at Garden Web, and this guide from Sew and Serge, but I just want someone to tell me what to get! Please! What do you sew with?

Comments

[Dani]

Great timing! I was wondering all these same things so I will wait to see what kind of suggestions you get! I'll be waiting unti after we move to pick mine up (one less thing to pack and move, ya know?) Maybe by then you will have made your choice and can point ME in the right directions *S*