i bought a cheap one at sears last year and though i dont use it all the time its been really great. it was $80... its a kenmore. It has about 6 different stitches and as long as you change the size of the needle, its strong enough to sew thick canvas, vinyl, etc. The website shows a higher price now, i guess it was on sale when i bought it last year... here it is the one i got is a pale blue, not white. I noticed that target has some sewing machines for decent prices too. I haven't had a need for more features than this has, but i am not doing "textbook" sewing, just dabbling and having fun. Oh and if you are just starting i also recommend going to a bookstore or library to read a very rudimentary sewing machine how-to book. I thought my machine was broken for a week until i read the basics and learned that i was doing it wrong.

oh i also highly recommend investing in a good pair of scissors (expect to pay at least $20) and a set of thicker needles.

singer.