Yeah, I well remember that the AV department was where the geeks of the day used to hang out.
Re. the sewing machine: I didn't realize it was a toy (though a working one; no way anyone's going to sell toys like that today -eek, needles, danger, lawsuits!), but apparently Singer still make some decent portable sewing machines, about $150 to $225 if I recall correctly from the search I did last night. It would be especially useful to find one that could be operated by crank if needed, for use under off-grid conditions. And/or the oldfashioned type with the foot treadle; what are those going for nowadays if one wants a unit in good condition for practical use? Any suggestions?