I do need to be careful not to bury myself in them though. Sewing machines have a lot going for them. I like machines of all types. Sewing machines are mechanically complex and have a huge variety of designs. They're also portable and you can work on them and use them indoors. This has become important, I'm disabled and some of my medications make me really sensitive to cold. I also can't do the heavy lifting that I once could, sewing machines are small enough I can move them around. Finding them is also fun, I like the hunt. I also like making things and I've discovered it really doesn't matter what. My enjoyment is in the process. I've also met some really great people thru sewing machines.
I do think my wife would be happier if I slowed down on them a bit. We live in a small house and space and finances are both limited. She is supportive but doesn't quite get why I want more than just a few. Realistically, one good zigzag machine would fulfill at least 95% of all sewing needs. I think what I'm going to focus on is machines from about 1900 up to the 70s or even a little later. I don't have any interest in the modern electronic and plastic ones and doubt I'll be able to afford any of the truly early ones. I do want to try to get a good representation (cross section?) of the evolution of the sewing machine though, including some of the dead ends.
Rodney