Each seamstress has individual preferences, but in general ease of use is priority number one of a good sewing machine. Take a look at consumersearch.com for reviews of top brands of sewing machines. think about what you want in a sewing machine. What features are you going to need. What kind of sewing that you will be doing. clothing construction, interior decorative pillows, curtains, quilts etc. would you be doing embroidry, quilting, etc. each machine has it's different variety of stitches. at HSN.COM shows a variety of machines with a video of each machine. Brother Sewing Machines have the highest rating on HSN.com. It is what you want the machine to do for you. Recommend going to HSN.com, Singer.com, Brother.com. Do your research first before spending money on a machine. By the way - Walmart has the Brother 60 Stitch sewing machines for $158.99. This would be a good starter machine that will last you a very long time. Stay away from the Singer Sewing machine that is at Walmart Stores.