I have the Janome 4120 QDC. LOVE IT!!!! I wanted something that had variable foot tension for sewing stretch, easy button holes, and a whole bunch of other things that have gone out of my head. It also has a knot lock stitch option instead of reversing (neater on garments), and can cut the threads for yo, which is very handy when you have a lot of material everywhere. It can do a simple alphabet for embroidery, but it is probably better to get a separate embroidery machine then trying to buy a sewing one that does it as they are easily $2500+

I think I paid $800 for it from Metr0 sewing in Southland, but it was worth it. I've been doing lessons for 2 years now, and I notice when people come in with cheap machines that can't do a lot of the stuff, they end up frustrated. Ironically the mid range machines make it easier for beginners, and the advances people know what to do on cheaper machines IMO.

The other thing is they are built so well, that if you take care of it, they will last a long time, so I knew the initial investment was worth it, rather than spending $200 on something I didn't like.

Go into metr0 if there is one near you and get them to show you all the machines they have a have a play around and see how the feel to you. A lot of girls at sewing have the entry level digital one that is about $500. Once I found what one I wanted a called a few places and found it for $100 off, and then price matched. Metr0 often have big sales which are the same price as mothers day machines, so you might not have to wait.

Good luck, it is very exciting!

Oh, and cehck what machine feet come with the machine, as it is $20-$30 to buy extra feet, which also adds up (but you don't need 1/2 the useless ones they give you anyway TBH).