A Singer sewing machine is just not made the way it was years ago. I have a Singer Touch and Sew that is at least forty years old, and it works and sounds better than the new Singers I have bought. They changed from being a quality machine with an A plus reputation to being a piece of junk. A Singer sewing center where I take my machines for servicing does not carry them any longer. It's sad, but true. I wish you all the best with your new machine, and it is truly wonderful to get a brand-new sewing machine for a retirement gift. I worked for a small company, and did not even get a phone call from either the owners of the company or the department that I worked for everyday. So, congratulations on your retirement and don't forget to make some quilts for charity on your new machine.