The one that was destroyed by the tornado was a Singer from the early 80's. The roof was removed from the house and shingle pieces and water got into it. It probably could've been repaired if I had gotten to it quickly enough but couldn't get in to that part of the house for about a week. I didn't take it in for repairs even then - just had way too much else to deal with. I wasn't sewing then and only the things I had to have to live were given priority
I don't even know what is available. I mean I know the brand names but haven't looked around to know what I'd want. Since I can't afford one, I won't look!! And it's nice to use mom's machine. She was an amazing seamstress when she had good vision. So I like knowing that I'm using the same machine that mom made dad's seude coat from.
I just wish I had some more decorative stitches or maybe something I could embroidery with. But if you don't know what options are out there, you can't want them so again, I just don't look!
I also own both my grandmother's and my husband's grandmother's sewing machines. They are treadle machines in the wooden cabinets. My grandmother's still has the last thread in it she ever used. I've never attempted to use either one and wouldn't have a clue how. But I love them. My grandmother was a piano/seamstress for a living and my husband's grandmother was a beekeeper. She also hooked beautiful rugs - dyed the yarns herself. I don't know how much she actually used her sewing machine though. Probably not much from the looks of it.