I collected sewing machines several years before I could sew. I like the mid-century Japanese imports that weigh a ton. The colors and design details made them a nice display piece. We collect mid-century pottery, use vintage televisions as side tables, have mid-century decor mixed with modern furniture and collect and display 1960s TV & movie spy memorabilia (Man from UNCLE, 007, I Spy, etc).
So the love of mid-century design/styling came first, I added the sewing machines of the same era as part of our decor and now I quilt. I like that I can tinker with them and get them running with just basic skills and tools.
No blacksmiths on either side of the family afaik. My spouse, while liking the look of my various machines, is totally disinterested in tinkering with them or using them (or talking about their use, their insides or anything related to fabric). Sigh. : )