I could not imagine paying over $1,000 for a machine but when I first saw that machines had MSRPs up to 12,000$, i was floored. With this said, I could see if someone had been sewing non-stop for decades, it began to make sense to me in that they deserved what ever machine they wanted and could afford ( i did not sew for a period of about 15 years) .
About 7 years ago I got back into sewing after my long absence from it. I went shopping to replace my 1972 Singer which was giving me fits with tension. I felt like Rip Van Winkle who had just woken up ! Machines had really evolved! Embroidery?? Wow! After weeks of comparing prices, features, test drives, etc. i made the decision to buy my Janome 9700 sew/ embroidery machine for $2,200. Gulp ! Never a regret!!!!
My husband was shocked at the price but I gently pointed out the cost of his hobbies and he has never said a word since. He is a reasonable man. BTW, he has 2 boats that have sat in the garage for years. At the time, he was alo flying a lot, prior to aviation gas skyrocketing in price. My machine gets a workout on a regular basis.
Buy the best machine that you can comfortably afford. Save if you can, if you have a stretch goal for particular machine. You won't regret it.
Sandy
Last edited by Sandygirl; 01-23-2013 at 04:03 AM.