How often do I upgrade my sewing machine? NEVER. Mine is 12 year old Bernina and I've heard it is one of the not so great models, but it has been a work horse for me, I love it and I long as I can get it tweeked and serviced, I hope to have it forever. It's been at my new mechanics for almost a week now, so I'm pretty much in withdrawal until I can get it back in better than new condition. It just takes so long......