My mother had a Singer treadle converted w/motor & lamp that she got in the 1940's when I was a baby. I learned to sew on that machine. Fast forward to 2013: I have a room devoted to notions, supplies, fabrics, 3 sewing machines, 2 sergers, & a TV & radio. Mother did all her operations out of a hatbox and the 5 drawers in the Singer cabinet, and made all my clothes, all hers, and most of Daddy's short-sleeved shirts. Sometimes I think we have too much stuff and not enough practicality. I'm just sayin'