3 years ago but she has been warned not to use even with a converter. She is at Mildenhall AFB in Suffolk I believe. I hope I have gotten that correct. She is going to be in England for 2 1/2 years more. She is not an fancy sewer just needs a good basic, preferably electronic sewing machine. Janome would be nice as I also bought some of the extra feet but certainly NOT a deciding factor. Thanks, Becky