My daughter loves to sew and create all kinds of things.
About 4 yrs ago, after a lot of research, we bough a BabyLock for her. We chose this particular machine because it is used in our school system as well. I figured if they don't get destroyed by multiple students using them, they must be good!
At the time of our purchase, there were 3 different levels.. a very basic which did not include button holes for instance, a mid level which had a lot more options on types of stitches and made button holes, and the higher level which just and way too many bells and whistles for her.
We opted for the mid level and we paid a little less than $400. She has used it a lot and it is a good machine. We've never had an issue with it.
I am not a seamstress and I didn't know much about machines. We went to a sewing store and they also provide lessons as well.