For many years I had stopped sewing because I thought I didn't have the time, nor did I want to go to the basement to sew. (I felt like I was in the dungeon) So when I finally pulled out my old sewing machine, I found it had rusted a little and really wasn't working the way I needed it to. My solution was to buy a brand new Pfaff 2170 so I could do everything I ever wanted to do -- and with this expensive purchase there was absolutely a "No Basement" rule. I set up my machine on a portable table in my living/dining room area and now I sew almost every day -- sometimes it may be just for a short time or sometimes for hours on end! Having it convenient to where I can use it certainly helps and I can honestly say, Not only do I LOVE quilting and sewing -- but I have been able to complete many, many projects over the course of the last 3 or 4 years even while I am working full time as a teacher! Good luck to you all and your sewing and quilting endeavors :)