I have a somewhat old Singer (late 70's..and yes that is 30 years ago!!) It really has taken a beating as I learned on it. My LQS provides Pfaffs for classes, Oh man they're nice, but way in my future!! I piece and stitch in the ditch with the old singer, I wouldn't even attempt anything else. I hope to one day have a machine in addition to it that I can try a little free motion on and which has a few bells and whistles....if wishes were horses....