Candace

Kind of. For example, using the Elna SU or any other vintage machine for the blanket stitch (for me) is very frustrating after coming from a modern machine. There are basically only so many adjustments you can do with a vintage machine because the machines are limited by stitch width and length(usually 4 or 5mm) and then there's no way to get that same, exact stitch without fiddling and doing samples(unless you leave the machine as is) and I jump between projects. And, for me, to get a perfect result doing applique with a zigzag or blanket stitch, automatic needle down is very important.

For example, my modern Bernina has 11 needle positions, 9mm wide stitching and 6 mm long max. stitches and the stitches can be customized by a tenth of a mm. and it's easy to go back to the exact stitch I was working on, because I just write down the setting. Most modern machines have similar capabilities.

If someone is just looking for a simple blanket stitch and aren't too fussy with what they need or want, a vintage machine is ok. I need to customize my stitching more than what's available on vintage machines. I just finished a project that has intense applique, both blanket stitch and other stitching, on it and it had to be done with my Bernina. Basically, it's about end result, the ability to customize the stitch, needle down and returning to that exact width and length with ease.