I will also add that I was given a vintage machine when I was younger, and it was a nightmare! I wasn't taught how to use it, though, and I am sure that would have made a big difference. I learned to sew in Home Ec classes and so I knew the basics, but that machine was very mean to me! I stopped sewing for a very long time because I was intimidated by the old machine. I got a cheapie one from Walmart when I started again and I'm glad that I did b/c it didn't scare me!