Like everyone else, i hope you find another machine you can afford. Like many of the others, i also encourage you to try hand-piecing. it's a lot slower than doing it by machine but it does have some advantages.
- needles and thread cost waaaaaaaaaaay less than machines.
- much easier to replace a bent or broken needle than a malfuntioning machine.
- you can take your project with you just about anywhere you go. instead of being irritated by how long the doctor makes you wait, you'll be irritated because he's interrupting you. :lol:
- it's quieter than machine piecing so can actually be quite relaxing once you "find your zone".
- it's a LOT easier to piece intricate blocks by hand (think Y-Seams) than it is by machine.
- you can sew in the same room as the TV and actually hear the TV. (what a concept!)
- everybody who sees you working on a project will be extremely curious and impressed. it's a real conversation starter.
- you will be extra proud of each and every project you make completely by hand.
wow! i don't know if i changed your mind about anything, but i'm suddenly itchin' to drag out one of my long neglected hand-piecing projects now. i'm off to dig through my drawers and blow the dust off my needles. :lol: