I'm learning to sew myself, for basically the same reasons. Goal: historically accurate Elizabethan era court gown. I'm starting with pj pants, cause they're easy, and help me learn basic skills. Currently, I'm using my roommate's mother's machine. It's a good machine, except its incredibly complicated, fancy, does everything under the sun, and insanely finicky. Pain in the butt overall.
I'm actually getting a sewing machine for the cost of 6 pack of beer. A coworker has an old Singer, one of the types that come in a cabinet, and he's giving it to me (I'm giving him beer). My mom has one similar, but not as old. I'll evaluate this one, but may end up just using it as a table. We'll see, its from 1924 so I'm not sure if it's really going to work for me. Some of the old ones are workhorses and with some basic care never die, but I don't know about this one yet. I know it runs, but needs some repair to be functional. The cabinet alone is probably worth it for me though.
Ideally, I want a machine that does a variety of functions, not everything under the sun, but is relatively simple to use. I don't want a heavily computerized one. I want it to grow with me, not me have to grow into it. I also don't want to out grow it in a year or 2. Does that make sense?
I googled sewing machines for beginners. All of them looked like they're mini-models, so their usefulness is limited, and possibility their durability as well.
Honestly, check second hand sources. This could be a fad, in which case it wouldn't get a ton of use long term. You're better off getting something cheap, or borrowing from someone until you know better what long term use will look like. If you end up with dedicated sewers, then having a backup machine is a good idea anyway.