They are definitely handy if you are doing other sewing as well - I finish off all my edges with mine and do all my joining on it- super easy and a nice neat finish. I know some people just zig zag theirs but I love it.

I know what FJ is saying about the o'l but if you are making do without one at all right now MrsBexie I would think that this would be better than not having one ITMS and it is a really sturdy great machine for the price.