I don't loan my machines to others because I keep my machines a long, long time & I find most people don't have the respect for them that I do. I taught a friend how to quilt last winter & I gave her some tools I'd started out with before getting better equipment. I didn't use them any more, so why not help her out! It got those things out of my way & put back into use! Hopefully, she'll get better equipment as she goes & pay it forward!! :-)

I lend to my quilt groups if they need machines or supplies. Never had a problem over 20 yrs. Would hope they would do the same back if needed.

When I went to a quilt retreat last April (flew 2000+ miles but took my machine) my sister--who lives there--and I coordinated rulers, books, etc. Mostly I asked if she had and was willing to share because it meant I did not have to pack extra. Worked out quite well and a bonus was that our DSIL who is not a crazy quilter like us, joined us and it was so much fun to show some of the 'tricks of the trade'.

At home, my machine--my rules--and that is set in stone. At class, I guess I have been lucky because no one has asked to borrow my rulers etc.

I might loan someone a ruler (that I could replace) but not my sewing machines. I used to have a Harley and you don't loan those either. It's kind of an unwritten code that you don't ask someone to ride their bike. Well sewing machines and equipment are the same thing to me. You really shouldn't let something out of your sight unless you don't care if you get it back in one piece. Everybody doesn't take care of things. Just my thoughts, call me selfish but I work hard for my toys. :)

I no longer lend anything to someone else. Had my favorite ruler ruined by someone in class. She refused to help with replacement cost. Learned then that I can say no.

If they're just starting out I'll look for extras I might have laying around to give to them as we all know how expensive our hobby/business can get with all the tools necessary. I find every time I loan something out to someone whether its a tool, a kitchen item, it never comes back in the same condition or filthy. Did that with one of my stock pots, loaned it out to a neighbor that wanted to make a large batch of jelly and the pot came back burnt on the inside bottom, dirty plus now it burns everything I cook in it so had to go out and buy a new one. Now I use that stock pot for open bath canning only. Don't think I can burn water..................but then maybe I can.............

Several years ago I bought my Kenmore/Janome machine and loved it. My Singer went in the closet until my daughter started sewing. Then I bought my Viking emb machine. My daughter said her singer was messing up so I let her take my Kenmore home and she fell in love with it and said I was never getting it back. Then she called me at work one day and asked if she could use my Viking and I told her no because the last time I let her use a machine she kept it. Then she said there is one difference this time and so of course I asked her what that was, she said the difference was that I'd never allow her to take my Viking out of my house. I just laughed. The rest of my stuff she borrows back and forth. I've never had anyone else ask but when it comes to my Viking it doesn't go out of the house without me. The same goes for my Babylock Ovation serger. I could never afford to replace them and neither would she.

I don' t lend any of my tools. REason being is if they can afford to replace it , then they can afford to buy one. Harsh reality !!!

Seems that the overwhelming majority here is very hesitant to loan things to others. Just wanted to say that I was incredibly blessed by a generous quilter earlier this year when I had to stay for three months at a place and brought my small cutting mat, a ruler and my rotary cutter. I was planning on doing hand piecing as usual. When the lady running the place saw me sewing, she offered me to use her big cutting mat and even her sewing machine as she was currently too busy to do any quilting and said she could ask it back any time she needed it. She even had her husband put a table in my room to put the machine on!

I never let my tools leave the house. Been there. Done that. Not any more!