I gave my daughter one and since then I have purchased two more. About the needles...I run the size 206 needles in mine and they are readily available at Sew Classic. Not all the sizes are available anymore but that doesn't hinder my sewing at all. One of the machines I bought was switched over to the more modern size and I didn't like the quality of the stitches so I had it timed back to the proper size. Now it stitches beautifully. One thing I discovered is when I free motion on mine it is almost like you cannot make it break a thread! Don't know why but I sure am not complaining! The bobbin sits at an awkward angle but I love those machines so that I do not care. That is a very good price! And it just leaves you more money to purchase singer flat cams to go with it! Lol!