Since you have a bit of time till you're ready for your machine could you go to a sewing machine dealer and tell them what you want to do and how much you'd like to spend? Most dealers have used machines that have been traded in,checked out and are more reasonable in price. They will usually offer a warranty of some sort and classes and let you try out different machines. I went the superstore route but when there was a problem I was pretty much on my own.
I have all 3 types of machines and use all of them for different functions. Be forwarned tho, machine embroidery can be addictive
and in some cases expensive!
My machine family is:
Singer Featherweight 221
Singer 337
Singer Pro Stitch
Janome Magnolia
Singer Serger
Janome 300e (embroidery machine)
See what I mean? They just keep following me home!
