My main machine is a Bernina 140 that I got in 1999. I started a quilting day once a month at the library where I work--we are fortunate to have a huge room with big tables. Project Linus joins us there, and a few of that group did not have a portable machine to bring, so they tied quilts, but they were wanting to sew, too. I started buying thrift store sewing machines--older Kenmores, a Janome, Singer 401 and 404--real workhorses. Now I come to our quilting day with my machine and about 6 machines to share. They usually all get used. It's fun to sew in a group. It's a lot of work because I line them all up and clean and oil them after our quilting day--put a full bobbin in--use neutral thread and they are ready for next month. But I get a thrill of sharing my passion with others, so it's worth it!