I started sewing as a hobby in conjunction with my cycling back when I was a young teenager. I sewed my own cycling jerseys because I couldn't afford (or didn't like) the commercial jerseys available at the time.
I have 6 sewing machines that I use on a regular basis (straight stitch only, zig-zag, embroidery stitch machine with cams, and 3 different sergers) plus a collection of quite a few "collectable" machines I couldn't pass up.
There is an abundance of excellent quality vintage sewing machines available at relatively cheap prices. Some of the finest machines ever made were produced from about 1950 until the mid 1960's. Since then the machines have been decreasing in quality by comparison.
You won't appreciate the difference between a $100.00 new machine until you sew on a $100.00 vintage machine from the 50's. I know the new machine won't last 60 weeks of hard use, let alone 60 years. There is a lot more to stitch quality than just holding two pieces of material together.
Last edited by Snydermann; 09-28-11 at 12:11 AM.