Whilst things are still fairly fresh in your mind as to what happened and then how you solved the problem Kayfersmum, why not have a note book nearby that you can write down what happened and then how you solved it. You never know it may happen again. Also useful as you progress with your sewing, is to write down any particular settings you are using, and perhaps attach small samples of what you were doing just for reference.
For example I always, always do a test buttonhole first on scraps before doing them for real on a garment. However I have one particular machine (a fancy machine at that) that is able to memorize the settings after the first buttonhole is stitched and then repeat it again and again for as long as necessary, that way you get absolutely identical buttonholes. Well my trial buttonhole did not go according to plan, and instead of just one trial run I had about 20, and I was beginning to tear my hair out with frustration. Then one day I was in a fabric and machine shop and the owner was playing Saturday Girl, as the real girl was absent. He was quite enjoying his encounters with his customers. They were not busy and I took the opportunity to ask him about my troublesome buttonholes, and he mentioned that on my particular machine I had a sensor built into the machine but is totally hidden up above near where the needle goes up and down, and this particular sensor needs to be kept free of dust and particles of debris caused by the constant needle going in and out of fabric. There is also a corresponding sensor attached to the side of my buttonhole foot - that one is easy to clean, but how do you get to the one hidden. My answer is a dental mirror, and a box of cotton buds and some microfibre duster strips wound round the cotton bud. This works a treat, and another lady here on TSP Nevis5 was also having problems on a newer machine to mine, in fact her machine had been back to her dealer, and when she tried making sure the hidden sensor was clean she got perfect identical buttonholes. Now her dealer who also happens to be my dealer as well did not know of this - so it just goes to show we do and can learn something everyday. By the way the machine I am talking about is a Bernina - mine is an Artista 200 that is computerised and also has an embroidery attachment.
Now I also have another older Bernina 830 Record which was my mother's machine - bought the same year as I bought my Elna. Now some would argue that there is no need to have multiple machines, - have to admit I only had one up until I inherited the 830 Record, and now I have added an old vintage 1925 hand crank machine, and also a Singer 201-2 treadle, plus I have two overlockers.
So do go and make a list of what you think you need, what you think you would like, and then what you can afford. If you can get to a machine dealer there are bound to be some trade in machines, some excellent ones, some computerized, some mechanical, don't be rushed into deciding on one, make sure you can sit and play with it in the shop, if necessary take some fabrics that you know you are going to be using to try out. The trade in machines often come with a guarantee, they will have been serviced as well and sometimes this is a good way of getting a better, newer machine at a price you can avoid. A lot of today's machines are rather plasticised and are not partcularly heavy and can then walk on the table when actually sewing. Of course some of the older machines are still metal based and are much heavier, some come in cases, others just have a plastic cover to cover them. Some places will offer a part exchange system particularly on buying brand new. My advise would be to hold on to your current machine, as there does come a time when it is going to be useful especially in a newer machine has to go away for servicing.
People here on TSP will all have their favourite machines and also lots of advice, so do't be afraid of asking questions. Occasionally people will also be selling a machine, so another opportunity to get a tried and tested machine. There are lots of places on the internet that are offering deals, some seem too good to be true, but are in fact to be avoided at all costs, so do go back and read through the threads on sewing machines and you will find these. However there are a few really good outlets that others have used and used again and again.
May I wish you lots of luck i choosing a new to you machine whether it is brand new or a trade in one and then have fun.