The 1/4 foot and the walking foot are so worth the money, no matter what the cost. They have each saved me many heartaches. I have had a Singer of one kind or another since I was 16, I've had a Simplicity (still have it as a spare, oh, wait, I loaned it out about 6 months ago), I've had a Kenmore (one of the 1966 variety, many moons ago) I suggest you try them, right there in the store. If they won't let you try it, maybe there's a reason....? I make them open the box, I try the machine, and the foot pedal. Saves a lot of heartache sometimes.
IMHO,
Sharon