Old machines do have a nice stitch and I have a featherweight and a treadle. They are reliable and I use them for certain tasks. I own a Bernina 440 that I use for most of my daily sewing. Must haves for me were, needle up/down, nice buttonhole stitch for fusible appliqué, zig zag for satin stitch and sewing batting pieces together, lower feed dogs for FMQing, my ruler foot for working with rulers. Love my ruler foot quilting!