I have 3 old Singers and they sew like a dream, 1-1963 Pfaff that still sews perfect (inherited from my Grannie) and 2 newer Kenmore machines, both are close to the top of the line. Guess which one is in the shop???LOL The 3 year old Kenmore. Have purchased all of my Singer feet for the different machines for reasonable prices. My FW has gone to every retreat, class I have given or taken over the last 10 years and never missed a beat. I would suggest she take the machine her MIL gave her to a trusted service man. Have it checked over and see if he thinks it's worth keeping, and if it is, have it cleaned, serviced and fix any potential problems. Then decide where to spend the money for new machine or feet. Most service people will not charge anything (or very small fee) if machine is not worth fixing. Just a suggestion from someone obsessed with quilting and sewing machines!!!!!!!!!!!!