There is a great beginner machine on sale today until Jan 2nd at Hancock Fabrics. a href="http://www.hancockfabrics.com/index.htm>">http://www.hancockfabrics.com/index.htm>;

It is the Janome Sew Mini Swing Machine. It is normally $79 but on sale it is $39. They have other on-line specials like free shipping if you order over a certain amount, etc.  It is a great machine for newby sewers. This machine does several zigzag stitches as well as straight--just what you need for most projects. Great price for a "learner" machine or a back-up machine for when your expensive one is in the shop. LOL I have found that the more bells and whistles an item has the more likely it is to break.