I collect old sewing machines and I have eight treadle machines amongst my collection, the smoothest sewer is a 201K from early fifties, though I love my Bebarfield Bluebird, which is actually a Vickers machine. I use all my treadles. I have one Singer which is a treadle that does zig zag. I find that I slow down mentally when sewing on them, a bit like you said, you step back in time. It is relaxing, as long as they are behaving on the day of course! I love them all and do have the latest big Janome quilter and also two embroidery machines but somehow the treadles are much nicer to just sit at. Perhaps the computers on the modern machines mean that we in fact are not so in touch with what we are doing, with the treadle the power comes from you, not a wall plug carrying electricity. In essence you are totally involved in the creative process, it is your body power controlling the machine......