DH has back ups for his truck, four wheeler, and John Deere. I'm serious, he won't be without one of those to use when he wants to. I could buy a fleet of sewing machines for those prices so I will never be without a back up sewing machine even if it means leaving the dealer with a brand new one when mine is being serviced. I've done that before.

backups are a must-I have a few just in case

My original cheapy Brother is my backup machine and it still works great. My main machine is a Viking Sapphire that I love. So far no break downs but it is due for servicing.

I have a total of 41 or maybe it is 42 sewing machines. Of course, several of these are classic antiques and I do not use them. But I would feel very vulnerable if I only had one sewing machine for my sewing projects. So, I totally agree with you "It's good to have a stash...of fabric, of bobbins, and of machines! LOL"

Back up machines are good! Just ask my six which wants to be sold. I can't part with any. I must admit that I have machines in Florida and Wisconsin. If I could use a machine while my husband drives, I'd have one.

A backup machine is a must. I must admit I have too many machines, Featherweight, Viking 183, Viking D-1 (my true love machine but it's 20 years old), Viking 875Q (10 inch bed), and Janome 8200 (11 inch bed), Brother Simplicity (weights just 8 lbs. for classes) and a serger.
So I have 2 machines for free motion, 3 machines that I can take to class, and the Viking D1 that still works perfectly but is in retirement right now.
I was doing free motion last week on my Janome and it decided to be finicky and was giving me big trouble. Had to finish the quilt for a wedding so I just pulled out my Viking 875 and finished the quilt. So glad I had it.
I don't go on expensive trips or buy designer clothes so this collection of sewing machines make me happy.

My daughters believe thay share that Bernina 160 between them, but it's really just my backup machine.

My back-up machine has saved me on more than one occasion. I keep it set up and ready to go.. as it also comes in handy when quilting and using multiple thread colors.. one machine is set up with one set of colors and bobbins and the other has a whole different set.

It's good to have backups. It's also good to have machines for different tasks. I use my Singer 66 for piecing and general sewing. My Singer 620 Touch & Sew gets used if I want zigzag or other decorative stitches. I also have a few other machines "just in case".
Rodney

I have two machines also. Two weeks ago my the White machine, the one I used the most broke and no replacement parts can be found. So I used my Viking. Now the Viking is not working. My DH ordered a new singer heavy duty for me. It came yesterday and was broken. Today we are sending it back. The Viking is in the shop. Now I'm without a sewing machine and I'm lost. Did this happen to anyone else?