i would never question a person's decision to stick with the simplest, least expensive machine they can find.

i don't really understand why anybody would question my decision to get the best i can afford.
i have worked hard all my life.
so i felt entitled to treat myself to all the bells and whistles i could squeeze out of my budget.
it's that simple.

If you can afford it and it makes you happy then you don't need to justify the cost to anyone. This is how I feel about my treadle. Did I need another machine? No but it was one of the best gifts I've ever given myself. I hope everyone feels the same about their machine no matter the cost.

I bought a Brother, Laura Ashley, Innovis, NX-2000 two years ago with my husband's help. I don't have the budget for a long-arm & have no desire to quilt other people's quilts. I can't keep up with my own! This machine was $2200.00 & worth every penny!! My little machine is also a Brother & is my travel machine, but only has about a 5" throat. My NX-2000 was designed by a Quilter for Quilters, came with everything I'd need to quilt right out of the box. I did research all the major brands for a year before getting the NX, but none came close to the quality & features for the price.

I have never in my life said out loud 'I can't afford that'. I may know I can't but I will never say it. Saying it makes it true and I'll never have it. I just tell myself one day I will have that. I have been around others that say Oh I can't afford that or it's too expensive for my blood and it does nothing but bring negativity to the whole idea. I just keep my mouth shut and wish they would too. As far as a new high end machine. 99% of my quilting is straight stitching. That's all I will use on the machine that cost thousands so I haven't felt the need to want one. I never feel guilty about spending money on myself either. My DH and kids never felt guilty, that sunk in after a few years of giving up what I wanted for them to get what they wanted. That way of thinking stopped for me.

For me its space and funds, I bought my dreamweaver because I am the primary breadwinner and all my money goes to my childs education and needs so I figured for all the hard work I do I deserve at least one nice thing for taking care of my family. I don't spend often on myself unless I work overtime or get a bonus so that is why I bought a nice machine for me. Yes its a lot of money but I figure I'm worth it

Arianna, I've read your post a few times, trying to make sure I am understanding you. Are you asking why someone would sink a lot of money into a DSM, as opposed to a similarly-priced LA that has potential to pay for itself via a business? If so, then what did you mean about the Bernina? That it shouldn't be on a frame when it can do a lot of other things? If that's it, then I'd think you would like it that the Bernina could potentially pay for itself as a LA.

From the responses, it looks like the posters think you are asking why pay a lot for a DSM when you could spend it elsewhere. Which is a different question altogether. Maybe you could elaborate?

Hugs,
Charlotte

I pain $1099 for my Janome 6600. I don't have the space in my house for a longarm or the money to purchase one... Maybe someday I could fit something on a frame, but not at this point.

I totally agree with what you are saying. I have been quilting on my Bernina 1530 since the early 90s when she was the top of the line. Bought it new for just under $1,000. I have always had to be frugal with my income but if you can afford, then go and enjoy it !!

I love to do machine embroidery and my Viking Ruby is worth every penny I paid for her! I also have a plain jane machine that is wonderful if all I wanted to do was piece quilt tops. No, I do not believe people should go into debt to buy a sewing machine. Mine was a treat AFTER we had finished putting all three of our kids through college.

I think it's interesting that when most people hear "longarm", they think you're going to quilt for other people and/or make some kind of business out of it. Honestly I made that assumption too... a friend of mine bought one and I made that statement to her, and she pretty much said, no way, this machine is for ME! Her husband owns a business and they've got the money so she had no qualms about it. And I say good for her! I can't afford it myself (actually, wouldn't want a standing longarm but I'm drooling over some of the new sit-down longarm machines...LOL) so I live vicariously through my friends! :)