My first sewing machine, given to me as a wedding present 12 years ago, was a Singer. The woman who gave it to me was older, and hadn't bought a machine in years -- when she was actively sewing, Singer was "the brand to buy." Unfortunately, the machine she gave me was just awful -- I had constant tension problems, and I finally gave up on using it. I finally bought a Husqvarna Viking for myself a few years ago, and I LOVE it.