ok, you've all insipred me now...so which sewing machine is best to get?

yeah. I'm going to go buy a sewing machine now. I don't want to spend a fortune. I want something that isn't going to confuse the living crap out of me once I get it home. I'm looking at spending between $100-$200, preferably in the lower $100 range, though. I'm probably going to go to wal mart, or maybe sears. They have about the best prices that I've seen. I'm a total beginer....I've used sewing machines before, but that was when I was about 12 years old, and I forgot everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I also had the help of my grandma and a teacher at school.
So yeah, what do you guys suggest?

 

I got mine at Costco for $200. It's a Singer, and came with a 25 year warranty. It has over 30 different stitch functions and came with a great users manual. It's a great machine for a beginner.

 

I'd go to a sewing repair shop and see if they have any available models that are metal construction and most importantly metal gears. Those machines will last longer than the plastic gear machines sold at walmart. I'd also check out sears and see if they have any kenmores that are being phased out.

All you really need in a sewing machine is a machine that does a straight stitch and zig zag. After that look for a "stretch stitch" to sew on knits. Anything above and beyond those stitches are great, but not essential. So be discriminate in what you buy.

*****only my opinion. I'd rather get a really basic $80-100 machine and spend the rest of my money at a thrift store picking up books, sheets, trims, and patterns. Then buying a few other things (sewing kit, thread) to get started at a regular store than get a $200 machine and having to skimp on the supplies.