What are the negatives of the sewing machine?

Drawbacks?? Hmmmm...... most people would say that the biggest drawbacks would be the lack of different patterns (zig-zag, scalloped, etc...) and the time used to thread the machine. The new machines offer a plethora of varied stitching patterns, and most are almost "self-threading". HOWEVER, the new machines are built from plastic and nylon. This allows the gears to slip and pop, but not break. So, the machine will look "normal" when viewed, but not be working properly, because the gears are not aligned correctly! The first machines were made by craftsmen, and designed, literally, to last for a hundred years! More and more, people are buying the old machines to USE, not to collect, because the gears, motor, etc. were heavy-duty, and virtually indestructible, and did not require the constant up-keep of some of the new machines! I use a Kenmore model 117.141, built around 1930, that runs as good as when it was new.