I have big problems with this...............

http://www.ecouterre.com/alto-an-intuitive-sewing-machine-that-encourages-making-do-and-mending/ Bandwagons and coat tails spring to mind. Now, I know I've been sewing for some 45 years or so, but tht has no bearing on what I am about to write here. ''Sarah Dickins wants to bring "make do and mend" back into fashion. Her "Alto sewing machine, a contender for the 2012 James Dyson Award, combines sleek, vintage-inspired lines with beginner-friendly controls to encourage display and invite frequent use. "Sewing machines are ugly and complicated which puts beginners off sewing," says Dickins, a student at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom. "By increasing the appeal and accessibility of sewing, Alto encourages users to ‘make do and mend,’ inspiring them to recycle, customize, and repair clothes which would otherwise end up in the bin." What a load of nonsense; make do and mend has never ever been out of 'fashion', and has certainly seen something of a renaissance over the past ten to fifteen years with the rise of environmental consciousness - hence the bndwagon bit. Modern sewing machines are not ugly and complicated at all - take time to learn to use your machine properly for goodness'   sake - more of the 'microwave mentality' of today .  Why are folk not prepared to take the time to learn to do things properly? Everything worth doing takes time to learn, often over years, never mind weeks or days. Bit of patience and practice - you can't epect to run up a 'perfect' garment within a few days of buying a sewing machine. I learned to sew many types of seams, finishes, all about cutting out, fabrics, threads and notions, scissors, tools etc as well as learning to work and look  after the sewing machine - it really is all part of it. Personally, I think that is one of the ugliest and unsturdiest looking things I've seen in a long time. You couldn't sew a pair of decent curtains on it........ Why re-invent the wheel? Why use up precious resources making changes for change's sake - get an old/second hand machine - refurbish it, learn to service it, get to know it and it will last you until you pop your hand made clogs. Sheesh. Mine is similar to this one: - and my electric one is a New Home from the early 1970's, still in perfect working order because it is used often, well serviced and maintained.