I have a bernina QE with a lot of bells and whistles. I bought a featherweight to carry to classes and for plain old strait stitching it can't be beat. THEN DH bought me a crank machine for when we go camping at events without electricity or when power goes out. It is always good to have a spare!! (or2)

My dds like to come here and sew with me we make a day of it. Having the extra machine on hand make that possible. My embroidery machine sews by itself so I can be piecing on another machine at the same time. Sometimes I have 2projects going at once and it is nice to have 2 different machines set up. Lastly, the more toys to play with the more fun

I'm in sewing machine recovery (LOL) - as I had 7 sewing machines before we moved to an apt. I had only purchased 2 or 3, the rest were given to me. I moved with 2 machines, my Janome 4000 and an older Brother, which was my backup with the Janome was in for service. I also acquired a Kenmore my friend had picked up at the local incinerator-dump where people drop off things too good to trash and people can take what they want. I just discovered that there is something wrong with it and will need to take it in for service, as neither one of us checked it to see how it worked. Oh well, hind sight is 20/20. Last week she told me that she had picked up a Janome at the same place, but we need to get together so she can give it to me. I'm sure my DH will have a fit, but I don't care. If the Janome works well, I may just try to sell or give away the Kenmore, although it has about all the same bells and whistles as my Janome. Hey, quilting is my only obsession/vice - my husband has 3 computer systems. All's fair - right?

I have the small Janome that I take to class with me - other wise, it just sits in the rolling case in the garage.

I like to have a backup machine when mine is in the shop or not working for some reason. I also like to keep a walking foot on one so I don't have to switch feet . I do use bo
th my machines all the time. I switch back and forth

l have three machines, a Janome Jem for taking to classes, a Janome Horizon which I bought when my machine I use to make wheat bags gave up the ghost and my good machine (also a Janome) which has now become the wheat bag machine. I don't only use it for wheat bags, if I have a lot of sewing to do I set one machine up with dark thread and the other with light thread or one will have the walking foot on it and the other the free motion quilting foot, saves a lot of time.

My goal is to be able to leave each grandchild with their own sewing machine; whether they like learning to sew up rips and tears or not....just joking but it sounds good when anyone asks why I have so many machines.

I'm not a good one to ask because I have 26 machines. I have them set up to do different things. Some have 1/4" feet on them, some for FMQing, different color threads, etc. I love them all, and yes, I am a hoarder!

Sometimes we have two people who want to sew, nice to have two machines. (My quilters use my house to gather)

Hahahahaha! Me too! Lots of vintage here! Workhorses that are seldom used :( I think I need to sell some....when I make time!

Nan - IN

That's a take to class or thunder storm machine. I still keep sewing when it's bad weather and not worry about my computerized sewing machines then :)

Do you have a niece or grandchild interested I sewing? I gave my GD a used basic elna I found in pristine condition on Craigslist. She was interested in learning to sew. She has it set up next to her moms on a little table.

Wish I had a good second machine.
Someday I'm hoping to get one to take to classes.

I have many machines, for many reasons, quilting, fancy stitches, harp area, power failures that last for anywhere from a day to 12 days or more....portability, how heavy a machine can you carry, maybe up a flight of stairs? Many reasons for multiple machines. All of them valid. That's my story and I am sticking to it.

thunder storm machine. I still keep sewing when it's bad weather and not worry about my computerized sewing machines then :)[/QUOTE]

That's smart and a useful tip. I live in central florida where electrical storms are a regular event.

Be Prepared is the Scout motto. When one machine is in the shop you still have another to help you along.. Also a lighter machine is easier to take to class. When there is a loss of power a treadle machine is the kind to have.. Hugs

I agree, well said-my story too!!

Well ladies, I have 2 machines . . . my original Bernina (mechanical purchased in 1981 & runs like a top!) used primarily for a "backup" when I take my Baby Lock Elegante for servicing. However, yesterday I visited our local Bernina dealer & fell "in love" with the 550 QE machine and am trying to really talk myself out of purchasing it!!! Can someone else help me (talk me out of bringing home ANOTHER sewing machine)!!??? :D Thanks, I just knew you'd help me out on this one!

I have that same little Bernette. Although I usually take a Featherweight with me to classes or retreats, I do take the Bernette when I will need more than a straight stitch.

I have a Bernina that is set up and is the one I use mainly. The one I used before is a mechanical machine a New Home. Right now my daughter has it up at college. My husband bought me a Singer from 1901. I haven't used that but he has to go get it out of storage. I wish it were a featherweight--but I am going to see if it will be any lighter than my Bernina. I really don't like lugging it around.

was in paducha and stopped at the sewing shop just off 24 on the way ....saw a lady picking up her machine ...she was saying that her hubby used it to sew up his chaps and broke it ..............i bet she would loved to have a second machine [even if it was a older one ] for him to use ....had fun at paducha waiting for next year

I usually use my old Brother for quilt retreats and my Singer for heavy duty stuff and my Baby Lock for quilting at home and embroidery. I like all of the machines and can use them all for quilting but it seems they have picked their own favorite jobs to do. :).