I sewed professionally during the 90's (ran a 15th-17th century reenactment supplier name Syke's Sutlery), and 3000 shirts later I can happily scream out one name: Viking by Husquevarna. I still have three of those machines, an old three dial mechanical from the 60's (model is something like 6080), a 950 electronic from the early 90's, and an electronic 1060 from the mid's 90's - bought new.

If you can find one of those three-dial mechanical machines, get it. They're simple to operate, and more importantly have a build quality and strength just under a commercial sweatshop machine. The machine has a gear-down ability (yes, a two speed transmission) that will sew leather very nicely. My initial introduction into motorcycle clubs was due to may ability to sew patches and colors - made me a lot of friends real fast. And I can repair my bags - will start making my own in the near future. Unfortunately a Brooks saddle is way too thick for the machine.

I'm seriously considering selling off at least one, possibly both, of the electronics, but that mechanical machine stays with me for life. Besides clothing and biker stuff, it also built my medieval pavilion for my years in the SCA.