I don't have any mechanical machines anymore but I do all my regular sewing, piecing on my 14 year old Viking Designer 1. Even though its a embroidery machine too I love how it stitches when doing regular sewing. Have a Babylock for my embroidery stuff. I keep looking at the new machines out there but the prices just make me turn away from them. I remember when I bought these machines how I thought the prices were outrageous but now they're starting to cost as much as a small car..........OUCH!!!!! Sure wish I kept my little Featherweight now.