Ok, so I too have been wanting to figure out how to do some simple embroidery type things with my current machine (a fairly basic Kenmore).  I'd been toying with the idea of using a narrow short zigzag stitch (kinda like an applique stitch, but narrower) to more or less draw with the sewing machine...  Well today I finally tried it, and it seems to work!  I definitely need more practice, but I think they look pretty good for a first and second try.. basically, I traced the design onto the fabric with fabric markers, and then I set my machine to a narrow zigzag stitch, and turned the stitch length about as short as I could get it without the fabric not moving at all...  and then i followed the design that I had traced onto the fabric.. and it worked!  First I tried Nijntje/Miffy on some scrap muslin i had hanging around, and then I tried Hello Kitty.. 

Here is my latest addition to my "group"..  its a Singer No 27, birth date January 10, 1910.  I picked it up at a pawn shop on Wednesday for a whole $2!  when i brought it home, it barely moved at all (the needle went up and down a little bit, but that was it)  After lots of oil and work, it now moves smoothly, and I have even sewn a little bit with it! (turning it by hand, the belt is too loose)  Also, the wiring is just plain scary, so I dont really dare plug it in (My husband has promised to rewire everything for me so that it's safe).. we did plug the motor in, and it runs just fine   I am very excited.  It has the foot control and all that, but is missing a cover for the bobbin area (Vibrating shuttle bobbin even!)  Anyways, here are some pics ...







I'm very excited to have it, even though its pretty worn, and I can't wait to sew on it more than a few inches by hand... Going to need to order some bobbins for it...

Oh!  and one of the best parts is that I have an old Singer puzzle box full of accessories that i've held on to for a number of years (bought at an auction sale probably like 10 years ago..) that fit this machine    very exciting.. 

I have



A Kenmore, mostly basic machine, but it does most of the stuff I'd like it to do...  I got it for free from a co-worker of my husbands... he was moving and his ex-wife had left it behind when she moved out, it was barely used when I got it, still had the box and all the accessories!... Its an awesome machine, no real issues with it that aren't my fault... I love it and use it most often....

I also have



a Brother 920D serger.  Works pretty well... needs to go see the repair guy again...  I got it used for about $60 bucks almost 4 years ago...  Can do either 3 thread or 4 thread... 

Then I have



a White Rotary Electric Sewing machine...  I picked it up from a Garage Sale a couple of years ago for $5, including the cabinet (yay) and in the cabinet was a whole LOT of accessories, including a ZigZag attachment.  It seems to work, although the motor pulley is warped from not being used in so long...  I have just ordered a new one ($9! almost double what I paid for the machine) DH is always after me to get rid of it, but its so old I have trouble parting with it....  I'd like to try using it first... especially with all the attachments it has...  I am a little nervous that it needs a different size needle (teeny bit longer than a standard universal) But we'll see... It even still has the owner's manual...

I also have a vintage green Viking (no pictures since its in storage) which works great, but the bobbin winder doesn't work...  And I think I still have another vintage machine sitting at my parents still...