My maternal grandmother started me out on her old Singer treadle. It now holds a place of honor in my house. I am still (50 years later) working on getting the hang of stopping and starting when I should. When I was about 9, my mother got a Necchi-Elna with cams that made many decorative stitches and I thought I was in heaven. My mother sewed so well and made all of my prom formals and even my wedding dress. I always had the best dressed Barbies in the neighborhood! They also taught me what every girl should know--how to crochet, knit, embroider, etc. How I wish they could see how I embroider now--on my Janome 10001!