I couldn't help it, honest.

A Singer 201K on eBay caught my attention, and I placed a bid which happened to be the winning one: £33 + £10 postage. I don't think that's too bad for a 201. Quite how I'm going to explain it to my wife, I don't know. 

It needs a new power cable, but I plan to experiment with a DC motor rather than the supplied AC one.  I hope it's not in need of too much attention internally. A clean and an oiling is what I'm hoping for.

If I remember correctly, Rolls Royce chose the Singer 201k to sew their original upholstery because of the stitch quality.  (I may have dreamt this....)

Yes, I believe you are correct.

I'm a fan of the older machines, and have my eyes on the lookout for a Jones zig zag. A two-tone blue one. I had one a few years ago, but sold it, which I now regret. Ah well.

Hello fellow SEWISTS (not sexists!)[apolgies],

I am Mr Twingo, and I've been sewing for many years. In my currently line up of machines is a Janome SMD 5018, Janome DX9300 overlocker, and an Elna eXperience 340. The SMD 5018 was bought to take the place of a 40 year old Brother industrial machine which had to be sold as my wife really didn't like it as it took up rather too much space in our bedroom.

Sewing on a domestic machine after using an industrial was frustrating; lack of speed, a minuscule bed to work on, no presser foot that exactly suits my style of sewing, restricted stitch length. I've grown used to it now, though, and made mown extension.

At present I am considering making a set of leather car seat covers for my car, and I'm hoping the SMD 5018 will be up to the job. I'm sure it will cope, and I'm not planning to sew huge quantities of the thicket leather.

I shan't ramble any longer. Nice to meet you all.

Mr Twingo