I sewed on a little used $20 Universal for 10 years after I was married. When I had my third daughter, I bought a new Singer (wonderful at the time) that did everything possible at the time. For the next 30+ years I made all of my three daughters' clothes, my clothes, craft, and eventually sewed everything for their weddings (except the wedding gown) tablecloths included, then for grandbabies, doll clothes, etc. on that machine. I drooled for years over the fancy embroidery/sewing machines but there just wasn't money to do that. Finally, kids are raised, educated, I retire, inherit a little money, and I treat myself to a $9000 machine and everything that goes with it. Could I justify it at this stage of the game? No way. But I have NEVER regretted it. I am still enjoying it and I might even upgrade one of these days for no reason at all. :) I bought the Husqvarna Diamond when it first came out. TREAT yourself and ENJOY!

Seems like it is unanimous that you should get what you want, but I will chime in to say that I have the Crescendo and love it. Although I don't use the little pen thingy (not yet anyway) I love love love that laser light!

I say...get it and enjoy!

Nana,
Take a quilt sandwich to a dealer that carries several brands, sit down and sew. If you are quilting, the Janome 6600 and Janome 8900 are dreams to sew on. The 8900 is the newest model, has Accufeed, 11.5" harp space, 9mm decorative stitches )beautiful for décor and children' clothes), quiet running, pop up throatplate for changing to single hole, tells you that you can't sew a zig zag or decorative stitch if you forget to change the plate back.....The 6600 is a real workhorse....has the accufeed (no more bulky walking foot), separate motor for winding bobins,,..check them out. I paid $2200 for 8900...some dealers are selling for $2000. I just paid $1299 for a new 6600. There are great machines out there for half of what the Babylocks are. I do buy Babylock sergers....they are the best.

Just went through the same thing as you.

Can you afford it?
Do you need it?
Do you want it?

I was able to afford it fairly comfortably and wanted it; need was the battle for me. In the end, my decision was not based on my lack of self worth or if I deserve it. I didn't decide by my feelings...I purchased my dream machine knowing full well that I would use the heck out (and I do) AND it very well may be the last machine I ever purchase (age). Large purchase for pleasure is a really tough decision for mostly everyone. It really was hard (agonizing!) buying something that costs more than every major appliance (put together) in my home...or a small car.

No matter what you do, it will be the right decision for you. Let us know what you do!

I just bought a Crescendo and I love love love it! Price depends on where you live and what you get with it. I paid $6100. for mine. You have worked hard all your life, raised kids and ran the household all at the same time. You so deserve this machine, you mentioned you plan to retire in two years so buy it now and pay it off if you finance it. Spend the grandkids inheritance, they'll reap the benefits of the new machine for many years in all the quilts, clothing, bags and other fun things you make with it.

Buy the best machine you can afford. If you love it and don't get it, you will always regret it. It sounds like you do a lot of sewing for others, so you deserve to give this gift to yourself.

You have the cash, you definitely sound like you would use it a lot; so do it! bearisgray expressed it perfectly. If you went on a trip and spent that money you'd have a nice time, but when you get home what do you have? The machine is worth way more than a cruise or something like that. If I were in your position I'd buy the machine. You can always teach it to vacuum later on.

Why is it that women need to "justify" a purchase & a lot of the time we talk ourselves out of it because we feel guilty.
Our DH's wouldn't bat an eye if it was a "toy" for themselves. YOU GO GIRL !! Most important factor is that you can afford it so what's the hesitation? Decide on which machine you prefer & lay that $$ down. Make sure you have good dealer support is the only advice I would give you. Let us know what you decide.

I agree. A sewing machine is a tool and you should work with the best tools you can. Life is short. Sewing machine.com has payment plans.