These are easy to take to classes. My big machine has a motherboard in it, so you need to take care with it. Old machines are easy to use (not so over the top as the new ones). I remember about 1963 being with my Greatgrandmother in her little apt and watching her sew on her Treadle machine. I was the only one in the family she would sit and sew with. My Greataunt dumped the machine ("THAT OLD THING"), after her mother passed away. That machine gave me a love of sewing. So now when I use my Treadle I think of my GG and it makes me feel all warm inside. I have newer machines, but they do not have the same feel. I now sew for my granddaughter and the feeling is different with each machine. But it is still the best with my old "Iron Queen".