I learned to sew on my grandmothers Singer 15-91 (1946) and used that machine until I left home and married. Our first Christmas together (1977), my ex bought me a Koyo, with stitch cams, it came from Fingerhut, lol! I used it until the early '90's when I purchased my first Janome with my first annual bonus check. Three years ago my DH bought me a second Janome with lots of fancy stitches on it but I haven't used it much as I love the Janome I bought for myself. So today, I moved my favored machine to the RV and set up my newest one in my home. All these stories got me to thinking that a sewing machine might make a good graduation gift for my DD2. I bought one for my DD1 when she and her new husband shipped out to WA state a few years ago. I went ahead and ordered an entry level - 25 stitch - Brother machine with case and two newbie sewing books for DD2. I hope she likes it and gets good use from it until some day she can buy the machine of her dreams.
Thanks for sharing your stories, everyone!
Rose in Nebraska