I'm not an expert on machines, but I have been doing basic sewing for 35+ years. I don't do embroidery or quilting, just basic garments, mending, simple curtains and such. My first machine(late 60's)was a Sears Kenmore...foward, reverse, zigzag. My second and third were Singers, the last one(model 6235) I used for 20 years, loved it, have it in storage, and someday might resurrect it. It cost me about $400 in 1985 or 86. Earlier this year, it gave up the ghost, some internal parts finally wearing out. I felt I finally needed another one, but I could only afford about $200. So did online research of 'low end' machines that had at least the same features and number of stitches as my old machine. A built in buttonholer was a must, various stretch stitches(for overcasting seam allowances in lieu of a serger, which I could never afford)and enough 'poop' to sew through a few layers of denim. What I decided on was a Sears Kenmore (model 16231) for 2 reasons. First, I could always find parts, and second, I would have Sears support. Most of the machines in this price range come from companies that are hard to find, let alone communicate with. I actually ended up spending a little more($280). The only thing I don't like about the machine, that I hadn't thought about when researching, is that the needle is straight up and down. My old machine had a slanted needle, which made the sewing area very easy to see, and now I really miss that. But it sews nicely for the projects that I do, such as making PJ's for the grandkids, doll clothes, hemming and patching jeans. I'm not saying that this is THE best machine...it just works for what I need, for what I could afford, and I've always trusted Kenmore appliances. I think that both Kenmore and Singer have very good basic machines.
I didn't have the option of trying out a machine in-store, but most people would recommend that if you can do it. You could make a list of features that you want, go online to see what models have those features at what price, then ask for opinions(and read reviews)on those particular models. It took me a couple of weeks to choose my machine, and for the money, I'm happy with it. I hope you get plenty of posts to help with your decision and I'm sorry this one was so lengthy. Good luck!

Thank you so much for your assistance. It was VERY helpful. I am going to go to Sears this week and see if I can try some of their machines (assuming they have them in-store)
You have given me a great idea with the doll clothes! My 2 year old and I were just trying to find a missing doll sock tonight. I would love to be able to sew her doll things.
Thanks :)

I agree with the above poster, you can't beat Kenmore, they are made by Janome, and do a nicer buttonhole than some of the high end machines. I believe Sears is having a sale this week so you might get a higher end machine for your money.

Ironically I have a Singer 6235 and paid $249 at about the same time the other poster bought hers. It's still running well and does what I want when I use it. I have a Kenmore 19365 (more decorative stitches and limited lettering) that does a beautiful buttonhole and sews like a dream.

Ironically you will have to find time to thoroughly read the manual and few times and practice the manual page by page to learn the machine, what it does, and how to use the feet...multi-tasking at its best. In the long run, it will save you time when a problem occurs and you will know exactly how to fix the problem.

There is a chart in the machine manaul that will tell you what size and type needle to use for different fabrics...the chart is never too far wrong.

As far as hemming jeans or slacks in RTW, wash and dry the jeans/slacks first to see how much they will shrink up before you hem...you don't end up with floods that way. I do not hem jeans because I refuse to buy a pair that's too long and always buy a proportioned length that will draw up to the perfect length after laundering.

Actually, when I thought about it more, I had purchased the cabinet with my 6235, so I guess the price of just the machine was closer to $300. I do remember having to pay a bit more to order the built-in buttonholer.

I found a 40% off coupon for Michael's in today's paper. It doesn't say anything about excluding sewing machines.(Joann's coupons always specify no sewing machines) I'm going to head to Michael's this week and see if they have any machines there and if I can use the coupon.

Save your gas money, Michaels doesn't sell sewing machines, they are strictly crafting. Hancocks and Joanns sell sewing machines as well as Sears, retailers, and many of the sewing machine dealers in your city. Go to the manufacturer web sites, use the dealer locator, plug your zip code in, and you will find a dealer in your area. Dealers will let you try the machines out so in the end you find the machine you feel most comfortable using.

The 6235 has a built in buttonholer so you shouldn't have had to pay extra for that, the old-fashioned buttonhole attachment is a different story. The machine is a portable.

I had the same dilemma. After a moderate search, I decided to try a Singer 7444, sold for $200. at Target. I've had it for a week and so far am really impressed! Everything works great; the manual is very easy to follow; and the machine seems to be good quality for the money. I'm very happy with the choice.