sewing machines

[readmorealexie.livejournal.com]

hi-

long time reader, first time poster. sorry it's a question and not a pretty picture. but PLEASE help.

my mom has been promising to teach me to work her sewing machine for a long while. i know it's never going to happen. a friend once taught me how to use her sewing machine 4 years ago, but i have since forgotten anything i learned. instead of waiting for the day my mom actually says "sure i will stop being lame and teach you how to use the sewing machine," i am taking matters into my own hands.

i want to buy a sewing machine. i want to use it for a great many tasks, like patching pants and making clothes and modifying existing clothes in exciting ways. but i have no idea what sewing machine i should get, if the instructions manual is going to teach me what i need to do, or if i need guidance at all in terms of operating one.

please educate me.