Re: Sewing machines
Check walmart.com. There are several nice machines, and some with free shipping to store, or .97 cents shipping to home.
This machine is slightly over your price range, but with the features included, it is worth the extra money.
Brother 80-Stitch Limited Edition Project Runway Computerized Sewing Machine - Walmart.com
This machine is the bare minimum, but part of the frustration beginners have is with the machine limitations.