As this topic peaked my interest, I sat down and read all the comments. I starting sewing on a treadle machine when I was 9. The first item I made was a gathered skirt. That was in 4-H. I sewed on whatever machine(s) my mom had while I was growing up. There were 4 of us sisters plus my mom, so we fought for time to use the family sewing machine. For several summers I stayed with my Grandma and got to sew whenever I wanted to. (After the household chores were completed of course) Such bliss. When I married, I went to work, saved, and eventually purchased a Montgomery Wards, then later a Kenmore, then much later a Kenmore that had more features. Eventually I saw the 7570 Pfaff embroidery machines. (My older sister had purchased it and was singing it's praises.) I bought one on eBay. Then the 2140,2144, & 2170 were released. I again went to eBay & bid on, & bought the 2140 (later upgraded via computer to the 2170 software).
I have worked my entire adult life, and continue to do so. In 2010, I had saved enough money to purchase the Pfaff Creative Vision, as I started embroidering for pay & I wanted (note, not needed) a larger embroidery surface. I started my research, found a dealer that impressed me, went to the store & walked out with the new Bernina 830. Do I like it? YES. Do I brag about it? PERHAPS A BIT. Do I belittle others who don't want this machine? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Do I hesitate to tell people what machine I have? YES. I DON'T WANT TO BE JUDGED OR TREATED LIKE A SNOB. I do not go out to eat, I don't drink or smoke. I don't buy extravagant clothes or shoes. My house is paid for. So, am I justifying own my owning my Bernina? YES, A LITTLE. I still have both my pfaff machines. and I recently gifted my granddaughter with my Kenmore recently.Do I have a large stash? THAT DEPENDS ON THE MEANING OF LARGE. LOL
Each person has different wants and needs. Mine are right for me and yours are right for you. If we all fit in the same circle or square, it would be overloaded with people. LOL.
I love this board and although I have been quilting/sewing/embroidering for years, each day I learn something new from all you wonderful people here. I feel this board is equivalent to a master's in fabric related crafts. I love to see what others create and the diversity of the projects. (I have several projects that I have finished in the past six months that I haven't posted due to my career or lack of getting around to it.)
In closing, and I apologize for the lengthy post, thank you all for your contributions and let's make all feel welcome and loved as I do. THANKS & GOD BLESS!!