Since you live where the amish live you might get some in put from them. Im from Indiana and used to go to Goshen and the quilts are beautiful. I know they hand sew or use trundle machines,but they have a lot of knowledge in sewing so being a novice they might help with issues other than sewing machines.I have a featherweight and I love it but you are limited to what you can do. I also own a Baby lock and love it.I looked on line for featherweights and found tons of people who sell them and have spare parts.I got mine for 200.There is a man from oregon or washington who travels to teach and sell featherweights.I met him and his wife.Very honest and have been in business many years dealing in just featherweights.Good Luck, Merry Christmas,God Bless Dawn