My wife sews and she's been hinting (outright telling me) she'd like a sewing machine. Might be a good investment if she'll sew me some clothes.
You should hit up the thrift stores near you. They sometimes have those machines up for sale for a really good bargain.
I really love it when I see girls in skirts on a bike. That old timey image that somebody mentioned is exactly why it is so appealing.