I learned on my Mom's Featherweight portable. She hated to sew and was not the one who showed me. I learned at 4H classes in our county, starting when I was 12. I loved that little machine.
Afterwards, she upgraded to a 401J but kept the Featherweight.
I was supposed to inherit the Featherweight, but it was given away by my mother. I did get the 401 J. I also have a 401J that was my first machine (purchased used in 1974).
Now, I alos have a Featherweight and a treadle (can't remember the model) as well as both the 401's and a "garage sale special" that someone gave my daughter. She doesn't use it and left it here.
Add on my Janome 1600 and my Elna 740 and hubby is so understanding. . . . .