I agree. I have a newer brother machine that does fancy stitches,zigzag and buttonholes,but it has taken a back seat to the singer 239 that I picked up a few months ago at a thrift store for 14.99. The singer does a great straight stitch which is mostly what I use for piecing. It came with a cabinet with the fold out table that is helpful for resting a quilt on when Fmq or when laying out pieces to sew next. I love my old machine!