Daughter got a older Singer sewing machine (maybe circa early '50's)in a blonde cabinet from an elderly neighbor. She gave to me - I started off making queen size quilts for both daughters using Sawtooth Star pattern - why or why start off sooooo big????? Daughters then bought me a Brother sewing machine from Wal-Mart for Christmas one year - and I have been happily sewing ever since. Just completed 6 quilts for Project Linus - and like may others have many UfO's. Would like a newer machine - but this works just fine until my pocket book an handle a major purchase. Never took a class but have a few books.