I learned to sew on my Great grandmother's (she died before I was born) singer model 27 treadle, as did my mother and my grandfather (yes grandFATHER, but all he ever learned to do was patch a hole:))! I have this machine now and it's one of my most treasured possessions even though the decals are basically shot from 4 generations of sewing! I love my treadles, I've made everything from pin cushions, to wedding dresses, to quilts, and a wide variety in between on them and they just keep clicking.