I also have a Singer Genie (named Starlet here in Europe) and as far as I know, all Singer Starlet / Genie were manufactured in the French factory of Bonnière-sur-Seine in 1973-1974. Unfortunately the archives of the factory are lost so there is no way to date machines according to the serial number, unlike machines from other Singer factories in the world.
There are 2 sorts of Singer Starlet: the 353 series featuring the zigzag stitch and the blind stitch, the 354 series featuring the stretch stitch on top of the 353 features, both have the groovy flowery 70s style decor on the top front.
I have read that the Starlet / Genie was meant to be the successor of the Featherweight due to its light weight and portability with the pedal and cords being stored inside the case cover... But then that my just be French pride talking
