Go ahead and sew. Just put your machine on a surge protector, which you should be using even when your power is coming down the line. The only time I've burned out any machines (VCR, phone, Sattelite receiver) was when a surge came down the power lines while the company was doing some work! I've done a lot of sewing while hooked to a generator. BTW, did you know that you cannot hold any power company liable for damage caused by a surge? Yup. I found out the hard way that they are "indemnified" by law.