I have been using sewing machines for - a very long time! - starting with my mother's treadle singer and about three Singers since. If you need an economy purchase go for a reconditioned machine, and if you are going to sew heavy materials I would suggest one of the older metal bodies which are heavy but nicely solid to sew on. I stitched carpet on mine! I'm not sure my current one would put up with that sort of treatment. You will need a swing needle machine, but its up to you whether you want embroidery stitches. Its tempting but I suspect you would find the appearance of machine embroidery unsympathetic to your bags. Or maybe not, your call. You can do great work with a simple machine. I would buy a reconditioned good machine before a new, cheaper machine.

Hey DanceCakes! (Love that handle, by the way.) Craftzine had a nice sewing machine 'roundup' last year. Here's a link. I have a Bernina that I love, but it was rather expensive. Generally speaking, I think it's best to buy the best you can comfortably afford.  I'd suggest, whatever you buy, going to a store that has the model(s) displayed so you can take them for a test drive. Also, I would take cuttings of the types of fabrics you intend sewing with (particularly the heavier duck) when shopping to see how they do with the individual machines. And early congrats on the new purchase!! That's exciting!