For me I love the sounds they make, especially the VS machines like my Singer 27.
Then there is the quality of the machines, the pride of American engineering sitting in front of me. They didnt have CNC machines, computers to design it. It was all done by a pencil, paper, slide rule and trial and error.
But for me its almost a way of life. Treadles are the only type of sewing machine I use. My newest is a 1948 Japanese 15 (which I pulled the motor off of to make use of it in a treadle) and the oldest is an 1870's New Home Model A.
When I use my machines its like I have been transported back in time, to a more simpler way of life. Its relaxing and when I am done making a quilt you can almost see the love that is put into making it. You are holding something that was made on a piece of history. It also means so much more to the recipient knowing the effort and the type of machine it was made on.
Billy