I have had a Singer for probably 20 years. I do a lot of garment sewing and home dec. I especially like to sew with tricot and knit fabrics with it. As to threading, I found out if you start at the bottom and work your way up, the machine will sew right off. There is something about threadin the needles and then the loopers that messes it up. I don't use mine for quilting. But it is nice to alter ready made clothing or to fix them if a seam gives way.