Bernie's firsts...

Isn't the fabric pretty!  I actually bought it for a Project Runway dress and I always buy too much fabric for Project Runway patterns.  Math eludes me.

Okay so I saw this knit and fell in love.  I had to have it for my 80s dress.  I love these ridiculous sleeves.  They make me look busty!

Bernie's done for tonite.  My back hurts from crawling on the floor cutting out patterns.

Wait'll ya see what I'm cookin' up for next time.  ;)

Take that, ridiculous fashion trend!

I just cut a pair of shorts out of a really cute skirt.  Take that, ridiculous fashion trend!

(Stupid skorts.)

Welcome my newest family member!

Say hello to Bernie, my brand new Bernina Bernette 46.  I had planned on getting the 56 but while I was down there I saw her and fell in love.  It's not a ridiculously fancy machine but then again I'm not a ridiculously fancy seamstress.

It's a Bernina which I'm already familiar with and there's no computer inside.  It's all moving parts. 

So far I've tried out the button hole foot and started and 80s knit dress and she's been wonderful.  I love my new machine!

(Note: This is the very first machine that's my own.  Everything I've ever used has been a hand-me-down.  I feel like such a grown up seamstress!)

Help!

This one is for my fellow seamstresses.  I'm in the market for a new machine.  My mom wants the Bernina back and the federal goverment would like to buy me a new machine.  ;)

Well, having never purchased a sewing machine in my life I have no idea what to buy.  I don't do a lot of fancy pants work; as you can see I just sew stuff together.  I'd like a machine that does easy button holes and I think I'd like it to be around $200.  Like I said I don't do a lot of fancy stuff so I don't need a fancy pants machine.

Your thoughts?

EDIT:
I've read some reviews.  These two seem to be the best based on user reviews.  Anyone have either of these?

Singer 120 Stitch Function Sewing Machine - 7444

Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions