Advice getting my first sewing machine?
Hi all, I'm a beginner seamstress who wants to look into finally purchasing my own machine. I'm accustomed to working with Janome & Singer and generally know my way around a sewing machine, but definitely still learning about all the different settings. I know what I want, but I'm completely at a loss of where to look & what's most sustainable.
Does purchasing a sewing machine from the brand website vs. Walmart or another "everything store" make a difference? My budget is $200, so I was avoiding brand websites, but I'm worried I won't get a sustainable machine any other way. My preferred brand is Janome, but I'm also considering Brother. I would also love lots of different stitch settings as long as I can keep it within my budget.
Does anyone have any advice for someone looking for their first machine? I'm not opposed to a beginners machine, but my goal is for this machine to help me transition into an intermediate seamstress, as my work is in costume production and I want to grow my skill. I'm just overwhelmed by all the possibilities I see online. Thanks!