I love the needle up needle down and all the stitches on the computerized machine. I just got the new Bernina 830LE and have to say, it's intimidating! Can't wait for the classes on it!

Maia, I think the pressure foot pressure for old machines is brand specific. I've got a 1960's White and a 1970-s Morse that have a button on the top that you can press in or release to change the pressure.

I love both but my computerized Viking has a sensor foot that lifts automatically when you take your foot off the pedal which is great for privoting...Whereas you have to lift the bar manually when doing applique or turns on the older models...time consuming and annoying.

Am teaching 10 year olds to sew and the only thing they may use is my mechanical. It is much more forgiving when they sew over needles and other rough stuff.

I have both the old mechanicals (hand crank, treadle, featherweight and my 1973 Viking 64 30) and the modern Viking Rose. I've recently gone back to using my 1973 machine and I'm going to sell the Rose. I never used the embroidery side of it (I didn't do enough research about the expense of the embroidery side).

I don't want a machine that 'thinks' for me. I know what I want to do when I sit down to sew, the machine does not. I don't mind picking up the pressure foot to pivot either. It takes all of 2 seconds, if that long.

They're solid and sturdy and do not have plastic internal parts.

if thats what you like and prefer

I love the computerized ones but they do tend to pickier about how clean the bobbin area is! I love all the features it has.

if thats what you like and prefer thats all that matters.

i have vintage singers, semi industrial straight stitch for frame quilting, and the most recent computer sewing machines and the only machines i never use are the vintage singers.

i like them for the art work/style but my modern computer machines are just as well built and have an even nicer straight stitch so why not have all the extra technology.

but like i said, it doesn't matter what i prefer - its your art and your sewing room so its what you prefer.