Hi all, Hope you are all well, I haven't been around for a few days, a combination of being heartbroken, busy and other stuff.

I went to a sewing machine store today, a local place recommended to me by my Auntie Sue who is a quilter and all round expert when it comes to anything you can do with fabric and sewing machines, she's a whizz.

Anyway, having never used a sewing machine that was less than 25 years old, I am BLOWN AWAY by the ones I tried at the store today. My goodness! It is liking driving an Italian sports car when all you have driven before is a rusty old tractor. It made me realise that some of the things that I experience with my old machine should not be like that.

Well, money wise I am not going to spend a fortune. I am sensible enough to know that as a beginner, a real expensive machine would be overkill for me at this stage. But I did a car boot sale yesterday and sold a load of old junk, making a total of £90 (about $150) in cash! Plus it is my birthday tomorrow so I hope to get some cash from my Mom and Dad. I can afford a Pfaff 1122.

I am in such a quandry, as I am so broke at the moment I should really put all this money towards bills and debts. But then I think that I have had such a bloody miserable few months, I never buy anything for myself, have just split up with the love of my life and am heartbroken, why shouldn't I buy something to make me happy?

I'm sure I will go ahead and get a new machine anyway, but right now I am torn with guilt that I am being so indulgent. So I think I just need a few friendly nudges. :(
Mary

My personal opinion (which would not be the same as my husbands) would to buy something for yourself for your birthday. A new machine, or at least one that works well and does not bring you great frustration will do wonders about brightening your days. If you really enjoy quilting and sewing and am getting rather frustrated with your old machine, I would buy the new one. It will help you be much more relaxed and less stressfull. Go for it girl!!!

I say new machine. Go for it.

Kitty, here are some ((((HUGS)))) for your heart!

I know how you feel looking at the machines; I went thru that last year. Who knew that they were making machines that do everything but brew your coffee??? A good basic Pfaff will serve you well, tho - and who knows, you may even be able to make a few things to sell and balance out the old checkbook.

When one door closes, another opens - the hard part, I know, is finding the $#@! open door :lol: Hang in there, and hang out with us :wink:

My machine that I used for 20 years before I got my Bernina 18 mos ago was a Pfaff and that machine is a workhorse, it's still going strong, never had any troubles with it. I just wanted something with more bells and whistles after quilting for a few years. I sometimes still take my Pfaff when I go somewhere to quilt as it weighs far less than my Bernina.

It's just my personal opinion, but it sounds like you deserve something for yourself. The birthday money and sale of junk I would consider YOURS!

Wishing better days for you!
Susan

I think you should sack feeling guilty....get the blinking machine ordered and quickly girl!! Think about yourself for a change, you deserve it :D

Kitty
Get a new machine you deserve it. If you pay enough $$ for the machine it will last for years . You will not regret the purchase ever!!!! :D :D

Happy Birthday :thumbup: :thumbup:

Mary this is just my opinion, I think you should take care of your bills first so you don't have that monkey on your back and regret later buying the machine, then with the money you got left buy yourself a new machine it may not be the one you are dreaming of but it will be new and your bills will be up to date.

I so hate to be a wet blanket!! But if you are behind on your bills by all means take care of them first because if they come shut off your electricity that new machine wont be much good! But if you are current and just thinking about paying extra... well then go for the new machine!!!!!!! Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!