Terrie, I was able to afford a machine with a few fancy bits on it about a year ago after saving up for years, but since the 70s my only machine was a very basic one. I still love, use, and will never get rid of my little Frister & Rossman Cub4. It's reliable, straight stitch quality is superb, and it just feels good. There is also not even a little bit of plastic in that machine - truly a 'Heavy Metal Friend', affectionately called 'Buster'....... Mmmmhhh..... I wonder if 'Buster' should play with boxer shorts???