I sew, it's quite an addiction once you get started
I make dresses etc but have occassionally made pin cushions, tote bags etc.
To be honest most of my inspirations have come from watching sewing channels on YouTube. Then you start getting recommended other channels etc. There are lots of different Youtubers, some who do dressmaking, some who do homewares, some who do quilting etc. It's a good place to start.
I have recently upgraded my machine because I was using my first machine every weekend and wanted more features, but my initial Brother machine, around 200 quid, did me fine for a few years and is still my back up machine. I would say it could handle making cushions etc. However I am aware there are a few machines dedicated for more heavy duty fabrics like thick curtain material and jeans, I think one is called the Singer Heavy Duty, and it is grey. I don't have it but there are videos on YouTube where people review it, and their other sewing machines.
Hope you enjoy crafting
There are some videos on recommended machines for beginners:
Screenshot example
View attachment 1869099