The first machine that belonged to ME? Heavens. I don't know. I used Mom's at home and then inherited my MIL's when I got married at 19. The first one I bought would have been when I was maybe 25 when I wanted one that would do more than straight stitching. Nothing fancy, a Kenmore portale.

My parents gave me a set of luggage and a broken dinner plate for my High School graduation. After I took that hint, they bought me my best friend, a Kenmore (very basic) for my 18th birthday. Years later, that workhorse kept me and my two daughters off the welfare and food stamp rolls for many years. If she were a car, she would probably have close to 5 million miles on her. Of all of the gifts I have ever received, I love this one the best.

I got a Kenmore in 1969 when I was 16. I used her until 1994 when she just gave up the ghost. Sewed with the 'new' Kenmore until 2009 when I got my Bernina 440 and gave the Kenmore to my daughter.

Oops, I forgot to say how old - probably about 8 years old when I started using my mom's old Rockford machine. I used her old machines through college and after. Didn't buy one for myself until I was about 28.