I'm rather new to quilting although I have sewn at the beginner to intermediate level for the kids and grandkids. I have two machines but I need to know what the attraction is for the really old machines. Everyone seems so excited when they get these machines and I just have to know why?? What is it they do that others (newer ones) won't? Thanks for indulging me.

No computer parts to break, can easily be fixed by yourself, sews a straighter line are a few things I can think of off the top of my head.

The are kind of like a classic car. Love the oldies but goodies. I have 2 old singers. They are simple, all metal, straight stitch. easy to maintain, quiet and I could go on. I also have one new model with bells and whistles but the old singers are my go to machine for most project.
Completely a personal preference!:)

Hmmm, interesting!

Agreed! :thumbup:

And in the case of Featherweights, small, lightweight, and just incredibly CUTE

I love mine just to look at and they are a part of history when things were made to last, unlike so much of what is made today. I grew up sewing on a black beauty and so there is also the nostalgia {sp?} And yes, I am into the blacks and can be different brands.

i collect them because i like the art work and the history of the machines.

all my vintage machines work but i never use them.

i prefer new machines with all the technology for my actual piecing and quilting.

they sew through just about any fabric unlike the new machines. i was making potholders, 2 pieces of fabric, 2 pieces of batting and 1 layer of insul-brite. i got so many skipped stitches with my brother computerized machine. i wouldn't dare try to sew layers of denim with it. i was a garment sewer now turned quilter so i always wanted a sturdier, workhorse machine.

i personally like the all metal machines because to me they are sturdier plus you cannot beat the classic look of a vintage singer machine. to know that some have been around approximately 100 years and still sewing! oh my!!!!

they are little work-horses-
mostly cast iron so nothing to break- very basic- easy to maintain---no visits to the repair shop- you can take care of them yourself- much less to ever go wrong.
they stitch a nice even straight stitch-
mine is a 1956 singer and it is perfect for taking back and forth to classes- to work- to where ever i want- i hate lugging around my big expensive computerized Viking- when something gets banged- or what ever it costs hundreds to take it in- with my little vintage singer i can maintain it- and it never lets me down! as long as i clean it, and oil it- i believe it will last for my granddaughter's to use too- my viking on the other hand- will at some point have to be replaced- because technology keeps advancing and after a while you have to upgrade to keep it going....not so with vintage machines