By the time I graduated from high school, I was a fairly good seamstress. My parents bought a 401A Singer for me as a graduation gift. It was in a fire once and got so hot the case melted and it wouldn't sew. I took it apart and oiled it good and away she went just like new. I made umpteen wedding dresses and formals, wool suits, coats, my husband's wool shirts, 4 kid's and teenager dresses and all lot of my clothes. I used it for years and years but finally upgraded to Janomes because of more bells and whistles. Of the machines I have or have had [about 20] the 401A still has the nicest stitch. I wouldn't sell or trade it off for all the tea in China!