I learned as a child on my mom's old singer. I love the older singers, and will go out of my way to buy one, or to let mom know where one is. I bought a singer when we lived overseas, because the one my mom gave me siezed up (probably high humidity). It was a piece of do-do. I got to where I wouldn't even sew, because it was giving me trouble. I finally let my husband know I really hate it, and that is when I got my refurbished Bernina. I absolutely love it. It is a little bernette, and I still sew all sorts of stuff on it all the time. Hope this helps!