I wish I could find the Erma Bombeck writing where she says, "wear your good perfume everyday." Life is so short. Good for you and I hope you have many, many years of retirement joy with it. Don't feel guilty for one second.

If you still feel bad in a week or two, you can always return it

You deserve it. I bought my Viking with the thought that I was retiring. As it turns out, I'm still working although my husband is retired. I just bought a new car!!! I love it and hauled my sewing machine to Florida in it 2 weeks ago. I'm enjoying my vacation, sewing machine and my new wheels. I felt guilty after each purchase, but I will pay the car off before I do retire and the sewing machine is paid off. I'm happy and you should be too. We only go around once. Might as well enjoy it after a lifetime of working. Have fun with your creativity.

When I was buying my new machine, the sales lady said to me, " You don't want the 2nd wife to have this do you"
That did it for me BUY with no regrets

I agree with the others, quilting is something you enjoy and your supposed to enjoy your retirement. Its not like you just bought something thats going to sit in a closet or stay in the box its an investment to some extent. I'm on a disability but my husband still works. He knows outside of sewing and reading I don't have too many hobbies. So when I want something to work on I will go get some fabric or some patterns and he doesn't say anything about it. He's just happy that I'm happy I'm sure your husband will see its ok. It's not like you went out and bought a car or a house its a sewing machine I'm sure you'll love. What about selling your other machine?

Think of it as an investment.. that will ease your mind.

Well if you husband is okay with it and you know your financial situation, then do it. You won't regret it because like you say,you may not be able to afford it later. Sell your old one if need be.

Enjoy your new machine, you have earned it.

Congratulations. You said most of your bills were paid off and you still have a good job. Sometimes you need to get something you want and like in this life and the Bernina sounds like a perfect something. Enjoy. :mrgreen: :thumbup:

Finance you say? I had no idea you could do this, may be able to get me a nice machine after all, not that my 30 yr old kenmore has not been kind to me. I really would like to have a fancy new machine someday, I was eyeballing another post about a juki 20?? model it looked sooooo sweet!