I found these facts in a book titled Heirloom Machine Quilting by Harriet Hargrave published by C&T Publishing, copywrited 1995. She is quoting Suellen Meyer who wrote a research paper for AQSG about early machine quilting.
1. When the sewing machine was introduced it cost $125.00; at a time when the average annual family income was $500.00. This is equal to purchasing a car today. The machine was a true status symbol.
2. By 1859. machine quilting was being entered in California fairs. By 1860, it is reported that about half of the quilts dated after 1860 are machine pieced, and that the edges of both applique and pieced quilts were commonly finished by machine.
3. During the period of 1865-1900, 10% of all quilts bear some machine applique or quilting on the surface.
4. By the end of the century, machine quilting was not looked upon favorably in fashionable circles.