When I was 8 years old my mother taught me to sew on an old Singer that she had, don't know the model. Then when I was 19 I bought a Sears Kenmore that I still have and use frequently to this day. I'll never get rid of that machine, I love it dearly. It helped put clothes on my children when we were financially strapped and was there when I made my first quilt. It still does mending and rag quilts and anything ele I ask it to do. It's a Champ!