Candace

I agree somewhat, but although I love, love my vintage machines there are simply some things that new machines do that old machines can't. I wouldn't ever go so far as to say a new machine won't make you a more competent sewer or give you better skills. There are techniques that newer machines can handle much easier and better to let you get perfect results and a professional grade end product. I agree new machines are not made nearly as well as old machines, and many are junk, but to tell someone they should never spend more than $200 on a machine is hooey. Everyone needs to shop for a machine based on what they'll need it for and what they want their end results to be. The precision and results that new machines offer is something I'd never argue against. With that being said, my vintage machines can handle about 50% of what I need a machine to do. The other 50% is handled with newer, computerized machines and embroidery machines. I would not make blanket statements about what other people need their machines for.