I was gone for 3 weeks without a sewing machine. I took a book to read, a couple of crocheting projects, my mothers recipes to proof read that my sister put on the computer--all to do in the car while traveling. While at my children's home, I enjoyed the grand kids and when at sister's house we shopped. Got home and was to tired to sew so went a couple more days before I sat down to the machine. Now I am at full swing and enjoying it.