I have to say, the 'ole Touch and Sew got me in to sewing again. I purchased a different brand, brand new and it was just awful. Stitch was never right, couldn't go through any fabric at all, frustrating every time I sat down to sew. I gave up sewing for about 15 years. I finally decided it was time to try again, picked up an old Touch & Sew, with cabinet, all the goodies still in the drawers (threads, needles, scissors, zippers, fusing etc.) for $20. I LOVED that machine! It had a good stitch and would sew through anything I gave it. I used that machine until it literally burned out (smoke was coming out!). That machine got me excited about sewing again. So another possibility is to try Craig's list, which can have those old machines for cheap. (Just be careful!)