Everyone has raised excellent points! Personally I love my Bernina 170, but I was nearly 50 before I could save up enough to buy it, and even then it was used. I have gone on to acquire most or all of the nice quilting "upgrades", including a very large stash, but none of those would be easy or possible on a tightly restricted income.
That said, I would sure hate to quilt without my rotary cutter, mat, 24" and 12" rulers.
These young women just want to know where and how to start their quilting careers, and we will begin with a mug rug and doll quilts, then a lap quilt. Most cannot initially afford any kind of machine, and will if they like the craft have to save up and hunt for that great, affordable first sewing machine. I am in Canada and we do not have a plethora of resources for recyled/used/thrifted items or materials.
I would like to ask all of you who have hand-pieced about the durability of hand piecing. I take those quilts are handwash only?
Last edited by WesternWilson; 09-30-2021 at 03:02 PM.