Don't buy a Singer!!:yuck:!! I'm a Costume Designer and sew about 8 hours a day. The sewing machine I am currently recommending to friends and family who want a basic home machine (for repairs, halloween costumes, basic sewing) is the Bernette 65 that Hancock Fabrics is carrying. They list it for $299, but generally have it on sale for $199. I have 2 in my shop for buttonholes and zig-zagging (and just regular sewing when we get super busy). It is the only machine (including my industrials) that I haven't had to have serviced in 2 years. Great, reliable little machine that does really nice work in fabric up to denim weight. Kasey