Sewing machine?

[6pack-of-apathy.livejournal.com]

Hey all!  I saw this comm on lj spotlight, and pounced.

So, I'm new to this comm, and sorta new to crafting.  I've always been crafty (drawing, painting, collages, and sewing) but lately I wanted to get into it more.

I was thinking of getting a sewing machine.  I have never used one, so I'm afraid I have no clue about them.  All the sewing I've ever done, I've done by hand.  My projects come out fine, but they are very time-consuming!

Do you guys have any recommendations on which brands/models might be good for a newbie?  I've seen the ones they have at Target; they seem kind of cheaply made, but they might work fine, for all I know.  We have a Jo-Anns's in my town that has a large sewing machine section, but to be honest I feel a little intimidated!  I want to get the best one I can, with my small budget.  (and by small budget, I mean... SMALL.  Like an I-work-at-a-coffee-shop small lol).

Thanks for helping!