My mother would not let me and my sisters touch her electric Kenmore machine. When I was 7, she got a singer treadle at an auction for $3.00. I made my first skirt, with a waistband, then lots of barbie clothes. She never let us touch her Kenmore, but when she wanted to use the treadle for what ever reason, we had to give way. I don't know what happened to that Kenmore, but my sister still has the treadle. We drew straws.