AshleyR

Are you? I think it might have something to do with ease of use.

I can tell you why I have a plastic toy (Seems like I have explained this to many a Harley-rider when they say the same about my Ninja!). I have had vintage machines and I have had newer machines. Right now, I have a Janome 3022 and a Singer 7422 that I purchased for less than $50 each.
There are pros and cons with new machines and vintage machines. Let's compare apples to apples.
I am a new quilter with very little sewing experience (As in, I helped my mom make my prom dress 20 years ago). If my budget is $100, I'll check Craigslist. Right now, 3/30/12, I see a couple of decent used machines in that price range, ignoring treadles. I see a “like brand new” plastic Kenmore for $85 just down the road from my house. I also see an ad for a vintage machine in a dovetail box with Sears stamped on it for $65 that is about 90 miles from my house, so let’s assume they’re the same price, after gas! The old one actually a pretty cool looking machine, so it wins points for aesthetics!
However, it quickly looses points for being a straight-stitch only. Even though the Kenmore is a basic machine, it still has zigzag and blanket stitch in case I want to do more than FMQ or piecing.
And I have to admit, I love having a built-in needle threader. I’m also used to my machine’s needle up/down option, but it doesn’t look like the Craigslist Kenmore has that option, but my $40 plastic Janome does. My $50 plastic Singer always keeps the needle up and has a button that ties a knot before you cut the threads. Neat-o, I think! Also, I’m going under the assumption that I can go to Walmart and buy needles, pressure feet and bobbins for the Vintage machine (I wish they’d listed a model number or something so we can really compare).

For me, I am perfectly happy with my paid off, easy to find parts, not-picky $40 plastic toy. It has decorative stitches (which I love), it is light-weight-so I can put it on the kitchen table or my sewing table upstairs, or move it out of the way to use another machine. I just started using my Singer 2 days ago, so I’m not ready to jump to its defense yet, but so far, it’s great. My point is, there’s nothing wrong with it, or the Janome, or the plastic toys that Walmart sells for $80 (which yes, I had and found it wasn’t large enough for me, so I sold it to a friend, and it still works just fine and dandy). Not everyone is in love with the idea of a metal machine in a cabinet (like me and my grasshopper legs) nor do they want to bother with shopping for one when they can go to their local store and get a new plastic one with a warranty and lessons and who knows what else?! Plus, a vintage machine is fast and mean, which is scary to a beginner.

I hope that helps!