Have you ever HAD to get something finished and your machine broke? I have. Thats why I bought a Kenmore on line at Sears and paid next day delivery. The project was finished well but the Singer was toast! And it took my repair shop a month to tell me although I called every day. I was handed a box of parts and told "So sorry can't fix" I don't go there now. Sears has a good warenty and service plan. and I was in huge hurry and can't drive.
So now I try to not have less than 2. I currently have four as my adopted Granny gave me her two antique singers. the Cinderella singer is FAST. I do chain and strip piecing on her. The second is a sew-master and with the large opening I am learning FMQ on him. For pricision piecing and fancy stitches I use the Kenmore. I can't seem to get the kenmore to do FMQ but still trying. cinderella will do FMQ but it's half size. Not much room in the( is it called a harp) opening.