Suzisew: I started sewing on my first treadle when I was nine. My dad bought it for $3.00 at an auction. He tuned it up and handed it over to my 2 youngest sisters and I. I still remember the first skirt I made on it. The fabric was a hot pink cotton that was $.35 a yard at the 5 and dime in our little town. Within a couple months I put the sewing machine needle through my right forefinger. Dad pulled it out with a pair of pliers. That taught me to be more careful and to slow down when sewing. I just loved those day.