For me it is simple and selfish. Joy and contentment. That's it.

That is what I feel every time I touch one of these machines.
Regardless of whether I am cleaning, repairing, sewing, or showing them.

I bask in the history, marvel at the engineering, and practically weep at the pride in craftsmanship that is for the most part long gone in our society.

Every show I do, people have made virtually the same comment "well, it sure seems like not all "progress" is for the best..."

Yikes!!! Please, no!!!

Ok, you got me Miriam. I’ll try to behave myself for a while.

CD in Oklahoma

That's probably the one best answer for me. It's kind of like the warm feeling one has for their family, but, it's hard to explain that to an outsider. I've dabbled in guns, cars, cameras and watches. But, the sewing machine has me mesmerized with its simplicity and at the same time, its sophistication.

Miriam this is great.
My first machine was Minnesota just because of the name. It was so dirty I could hardly bring it in the house. I found Glens tut cleaned him up and I was off .. I had taken that dirty old thing and not just cleaned it up but made it sew. There must be more cool ones out there. I will stop counting at 20. (just like on my birthday I am the same age every year).

I could have joined you in Mc D's since I am only few miles north. Vintage seems easier to use --simple !
Love your list and all is true.

A year or so ago, I spent 70 minutes watching a film on how Featherweights were made. I could never find it again, but if anyone knows about it, please pass it on. It's worth your time. Sew interesting.

I'd love to see a video on the production of Featherweights!

Sorry CD I dropped your nuggets all over the curb I fell off at McD's - fractured my ankle...

I have a 70 minute video of the Singer Factory in Scotland. It is a silent film made in the late 1930's

Oh, dear, Miriam! I hope it will heal quickly!