There's nothing wrong with a "mechanical" sewing machine. The only thing you lose are some of the extra features. My first sewing machine was a Viking "Emma", which was near the bottom of the line ($500). That machine had no trouble sewing through 3 layers of leather and a zipper. I used it to sew my first quilt, too. I loaned the machine to my sister to sew up a new canvas boat cover. She loved it so much, I bought a new Viking Platinum 755Q and gave that one to her for Xmas.