Offer to sell something that you want to get rid of, that way you can rationlize the cost better.
This quiltn' is pricy isnt it.
It was easy for me. I quit smoking and took up quilting. I've spent ever dime of that cigarette money and then some LOL.

Well I recently bought a new machine, and I took hubby with me to look at all the ones I had on my list. I had it narrowed down to 4, but of course it took us to 3 different stores, each carrying different brands. However I finally decided on a floor model, at a greatly reduced price. And it ended up being alot more than what I had orginally wanted. I made a list of the 5 most important things to me, and went shopping with that list. I took fabric along as well and tried them all out on that fabric.

Some were much more expensive, some were a tad less, however, when I finally decided, hubby was in agreement, and I was very happy. If you take them along, and have them sit thru the demo of the machine with you, they understand more about what each machine will do. Another thing, is have them pick it up. The one I decided on was very very heavy, and well built...so hubby was impressed with that as well.

Purchasing a machine is similar to him purchasing tools, etc. You get what you pay for. If you buy a walmart screw driver and it breaks next week well your out of luck, however if you buy a Craftsman, you take it back and they replace it. And yes, Craftsman is more expensive, but it will last a lifetime. So compare warranties with him on the new machine as well.

Good luck and I hope you end up with the machine your wanting.

Do they have financing? My Bernina had 2 year interest free. And, mine was used. Someone wanted the new 830 so, I got her 730 with a year warranty and lessons.

I use that line of explanation when hubby asks "how much did that cost" on anything. . . clothing, furniture, food.


Start higher and go lower! :)

My DH is a wood crafter and he has learned from me and my working in hardware stores for many years, that it is cheaper in the long run to buy good quality on something you use all the time than to buy cheap and buy twice. Good equipment makes it easier, quicker, and less stressful when getting projects done. Less downtime with breakage.

Yes its going to be a expense but at the same time its an investment into something you enjoy. Is he one who likes to buy tools or equipment or collect spendy things? Compare it to one of these for all the pros and cons, just make sure its fair with the fighting terms!!!

We are retired, when I wanted $5000 for a long-arm and quilt frame I told my DH that he had 3 of each tool he even needed and I needed ONE tool. He said go for it if we have the money. I sure did. I am now owner of a Hinterberg Stretch frame and Voyager 17. Quilted (didn't make tops) 100 quilts for American Hero Quilts in 2011--check out their site!
Phyllis

I say suck up to your husband! Make him his special meal, fix the house the way he likes it, move the cat/dog out of his chair amd then slide it into conversation while he is watching football :) Just a thought.

I purchased my Janome for 1/2 the price including shipping from a company across the country. It had been their floor model, the last one of 100 that they had ordered. It was pristine and never has had a problem.

I simply told my husband you can buy and good long lasting machine now or a cheaper, less quality now and bay another in a few year. Simplified....pay now or pay later. either way you'll pay, Quilting is hard on a machine so you need one that will last several years thur serveral quilts