I am no where close to a long arm. In fact I just bought my first new domestic machine and agonized over which to get with my $500. (we are a young family.) but I really want to stress that if you can afford it, you should do it. We only live once and can't take our money with us when we go. Lots of things in life don't "pay for themselves" and there isn't anything wrong with that. While discussing my sewing machine budget I reminded dh about the cost of one set of his racing tires that he can maybe get 2 seasons out of. That ended all discussion.
