LONG: sewing machines $$$?

I have been sewing for over 40 yrs. I have some expensive machines but a few years ago my youngest daughter wanted a machine to learn to sew on. I got her one from Walmart, not sure it's the same model but it was a Brother, which by the way is the brand I learned on many years ago, & it was in the price range of #6 at Walmart. She has taught herself & made many halloween costumes for her boys as well as purses & other items for herself. It is a good brand of machine & I think it would suit you well for what you want to do with it & has features that would help you as you advance. Good luck & happy sewing.