Complete novice looking for guidance

[BrendaP]

I personally would never buy anything but brand new.
Find a shop or phone if you don't have a local one. Tell them what you hope to sew and ask their advice. Good luck 

Don't listen to @Lowena - she won't have anything that's not brand spanking new!

If you ask a dealer for something new in your price range they will only be able to offer cheap, plasticy, lightweight machines that won't handle several thicknesses of denim.

The vintage Singers mentioned are excellent workhorses, especially the 201 - but they are straight stitch only.  Mine made piped box cushions from upholstery fabric which is thicker than most denim without complaining and at times it had to go through six layers of fabric.
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However, if you want to sew garments where you need to neaten the seam allowances something with a swing needle to do zig-zag stitch would be better such as a Singer 306.

[William]

Hello-

There is nothing like an older all-metal mashine. I have an old Singer and a Pfaff 94. Both are older than I am and run beautifully. They do both straight and zig-zag and that is all i need! In addition, the buttonholes, once You learn how to do them are just great.
These maschines are also made with the understanding that the owner will be servicing them. This means that they are easier to clean and oil. If You can get one in a table You also have the bonus of a large area to work on as well.
Your biggest ally? Patience. Do not get frustrated (we have all been there - and still are!) and do not give up! Start slowly, proceed with patience and You will be rewarded with a skill You can use your lifelong!

WD

[jk1066]

Borrow a machine . Before spending any money at all ask around friends and family -  it is very likely one of them will have something they don't use sitting in a cupboard that you can try out. That way you can get a bit of experience of sewing before actually buying something.

[Iminei]

Don't listen to @Lowena - she won't have anything that's not brand spanking new !

Hear Here ! And I had to 'like' your post because of that beautiful pic of your Gorgeous George!

What? The pic was meant to showcase your lovely sewing ??? Ooops!

[BrendaP]

Don't listen to @Lowena - she won't have anything that's not brand spanking new !

Hear Here ! And I had to 'like' your post because of that beautiful pic of your Gorgeous George!

What? The pic was meant to showcase your lovely sewing ??? Ooops!

@Iminei
That's not George  he's a red fox labrador.  The black and white dog in the photo is DD's Barney, a CockerPoo - cocker spaniel/poodle cross.

[Iminei]

Sorry Ive only heard you mention George ... A Red Fox Labrador ... That sounds very exotic!

[William]

Sooooo @SewingNoob , How is the search going?  Found anything yet?

[Sara-S]

That’s an ambitious first project.  Go to a shop, find a machine and practice on some simpler stuff first.  If the shop offers any classes, do take at least one.

[SewCanDad]

I use heavy canvas regular (16-18oz.) with a old Singer 15-91 without any issues. I'm a sucker for the old machines though. I also use a secondary vintage Japanese made machine for zigzag work (same Class 15 bobbin). The reason I personally prefer the model 15 over the 201's is the maintenance is less involved and the Class 15 bobbin holds more thread