I leaned to sew on a treadle machine also and I wondered why? The St. Michael's Academy School that I went too---The home ec. teacher--I still remember what she said--someday you will be glad you know how to use the treadle machine--she was right my first machine was a treadle and that was 54 years ago--I was happy to have it. I have advance a couple times since then--I have a Pfaff Quilters Expressions .04 now and love it.