If I want to buy a sewing maching....

If I wanted to buy a good starter sewing machine.....just for small craft projects, purses, simple stuff which one would you buy (on a tight budget) and where?

I've seen some at Target and Wal Mart, but I have no idea if these are good or not so good.
Would you buy a reconditioned one?

My daughter wants to learn (play) on it too. She's 13 and a perfect age to learn.

Thanks in advance for your advice and thoughts.

I got mine at Wal-Mart and it was a Brother (Project Runway Limited Edition). I don't know if they still have that one or not, b/c I have had mine a year or so....but it was a good price..not to expensive and I LOVE IT!!! It's great for starting out. I hope you have good luck finding a good deal on one!!

I'm the wrong person to ask for sure. I got a Pixie craft sewing machine by Singer a few months ago... it was on clearance at Wal-Mart for $50. I have yet to use it... I really need to have someone to show me how to use it as I haven't used a sewing machine since 7th grade Home-Ec class! Ohh Ellen and Joyce... maybe you two can help me out!

i got a janome off overstock.com and its been awesome!! it was about $60 and then like 2.95 shipping

I got a Janome on over stock as well (enabler Kristy!) it's an OK starter machine but it does have it's flaws. Mine was $65. I believe and is reconditioned. It wouldn't be the best to finish a quilt top but does work well enough for crafts, bags and scrapbooking. I'm sure I will upgrade one day but not sure to what. I did by the least expensive Brother at WalMart first and it was very cheap, had awful reviews and it wasn't easy to assemble so I returned it. Let us know what you decide.

I have a Singer Simple
it is very easy to use but it has tension issues....my mom is an avid sewer and she got it for me and i trust her judgement...

Most basic sewing machines will work. Kenmore, Janome and generic brands are fine, the more bells and whistle the better the machine for more than basic simple sewing and sewing through paper itself.

I have a computerized Janome New home but that is because my degree is in clothing design. I will say that you need to change needles and tension when working with paper. Some people I know have a machine for paper crafting and another for fabric sewing for that reason.