We winter in the desert...windy sand storms...I cover mine and keep my other toys covered.

***
** HI! Y'all from the upstate of South Carolina.
***
*** Yes, I cover mine.
***

I'm in the "not cover" camp. I really haven't figured out how to cover the Janome 8900 without unthreading and removing the cone holder and that's a pain, ditto with the Brother 1500s. I keep the three other machines in a closet when not in use -- uncovered, but somewhat protected.

I cover everything. The Siamese loves to go "chomp" on thread. If she doesn't see it, it doesn't exist.

I've caught her perched on my Babylock Imagine serger. Most of her was on the spools. Serger was covered. Plastic cover and towels.

I've made covers for each machine I have. If I'm not sewing for a bunch of days, I try to remember to put the cover on. I think it does help keep the dust from settling on it.

I have the same Juki and love it. I rarely cover mine---only if I won't be using it for a couple of weeks or more---which is rare!

I have a cabinet made especially for my machine with a lift. The cabinet has a closed back, so when the machine is put away, it is enclosed. Is it necessary to cover the machine in the cabinet?

I live in the high desert up on the hill above the city. Yes I keep mine covered especially when the winds are blowing the slit dust into the house. It comes in though any tiny opening it can. I dust and within half a week you can write your name in the dust over most everything. I made dust covers for my clothing closets too.

So, yes I cover my machine every night and when it is not in use. (Mine are berninas)

You will LOVE this machine! I have the TL98Q & it is a work horse!!! I just cover mine with a pillowcase.

I rarely remember to cover mine. Only when I totally clean up my sewing area when we are having guests... I sew in one end of our family room, and that happens to be where we set up the kid's table for family birthday parties and get togethers.