Starter sewing machine?

[thebratqueen]

I've decided that next year I'm going to learn how to sew. Specifically I'm hoping to learn how to make clothing, though I wouldn't say no to some curtains as a warm-up.

Since both my birthday and Xmas are coming up, I've decided to bat my eyes at family members and ask them to buy me a cheap but usable starter sewing machine. (I'd do it myself, but years of never getting around to it have proven that I won't ;) )

I've gotten some positive nibbles back regarding the idea, but as nobody in my family knows anything about sewing either, I need details to give them about what to look for.

So - what would be a good machine to start with? What kinds of features should a basic sewing machine have, given my desire to make clothing with it? (Also to possibly take classes on how to make clothes, so I'd imagine I would need to bring the machine with.) Are there any specific models you can recommend? (I'm fine for either new or refurbished, fwiw.)

Basically my goal here is to have something that's not too expensive, as there's always the outside chance that I'll try this and not like it, so I'd hate for people to have spent a lot of money on something I barely touch again. OTOH I'd still like something that works, since I'd hate to end up not liking it simply because the machine kept giving me grief.

Any help is appreciated. =)

(x-posted to craftyslashers and my own LJ)