I learned to sew on a treadle. My sister has it now because she had the luck of the straw. I got one that my mom later bought and restored. It has a long bobin and I have not yet tried it out. I bought another at Goodwill a few months ago and need a belt for it. I do plan to use them both at some time when I have the space. Space is the issue for me. It is great for a back-up machine when the main machine is down for repair, or acting up. I never had an issue with the treadle. No bells and whistles to go wrong.