I have sewn for many years and had LOTS of different brands of sewing machines while I taught home economics. I personally own a Pfaff 1221 which I have not ever wanted to replace. It will do everything it ever needed to do. It has sewn very sheer on up through layers of denim with ease. (I think Pfaff was one of the first to develop a very dependable walking foot.) I used to sew garments for my family all the time--sequin prom dresses, satins, velvets, tailored garments--basically whatever was in style and needed.

I also have my Mama's old Singer from the 1950's that never misses a beat piecing quilts. I carry a little lightweight Brother Computerized Runway 5000PRW to our quilt guild's sit and sew. My inexpensive Brother serger has served me well in making many garments.

One of the keys of use for any machine will be to use it as it was designed to be used and keep it clean and PROPERLY lubricated where required.

So, samlilypepper, if you "know" the Pfaff and trust the person, I would go with the Pfaff in a heartbeat! Maybe she would let you take it to a reputable dealer for cleaning and an opinion???

I grew up with embroidery being a part of home decorations--pillowcases, bedspreads, dresser scarves, etc. My first project was a pillowcase with a cat and dog done by the stamped cross stitch when I was about 4 or 5 years old. I have done all sorts of embroidery since then.

My favorite is counted cross stitch because the blank fabric just comes alive. I have really enjoyed doing samplers. I hope that hand embroidery will not become a lost art. It is really relaxing and just a good excuse to sit sometimes!

My first sewing was done on a treadle sewing machine when I was about 3-4 making the quilting lines on potholders. When I was in first grade, Mama got an electric Singer and I made a shirt.

During my teen years I began making all of my clothing and even sewing for the public. I majored in Home Economics and taught it for 37 years--loving nearly every minute of it. The sewing units were always my favorite ones. The students--girls and boys--were so proud of their accomplishments. Boys liked the mechanical aspects of sewing and were not intimidated by the machines. Lots of the students have done well with their sewing abilities--prom dresses, wedding ensembles, home decor, and just fun things.

Many of the schools in my area--Arkansas and Louisiana--are phasing out the classes because of finances and the lack of teachers. A problem that I faced before retiring was that the students were required to purchase their fabric and most thought it should be given to them. We just didn't have funds to purchase for 100 students each year. It also became difficult to find good-quality garment fabric at reasonable prices at the nearby stores.

I hope there will be a revival of sewing. It has brought me so much pleasure through the years. I am now working more on quilts and less on garments though.

Although it gives a warning against use on fabrics on the container, Purell and Germ-X will remove some stains. Just put a small amount on the fabric and wipe it off with a white bath cloth or white terry cloth towel. My neighbor had some spots on her white carpet. A professional removed them that way. Later she used Purell on an old chair that had been stored for years. It worked. My theory is that if it is already stained and can't be used as is, you don't have much to lose.