I learned how to sew on my Busha's old knee control Singer. By the time I was 12, I was making all my school clothes. Wore out an old Kenmore my Mom picked up at the scratch and dent store. A couple of years ago , I picked up my first Singer 15, then a Handcrank. Since finding this website, I have added a 15-90,FW,301,403,a 66-Redeye treadle,2-127'S,a Franklin in a parlor cabinet and just last week a 201, in a beautiful cabinet w/stool. My Bernina is in the closet in case I need a buttonhole or 2. But I love the old Singers. I can clean them myself and they sew thru anything and the stitch size never deviates no matter the fabric. For tailoring, you can't beat a Singer Treadle. I learned that from a 73 yr old lady I met in 1991. She always had the most beautiful garments in the class.