Sally J

Don't get me started about more than one sewing machine... I only had one machine (a Singer from high school until 30 years ago) but I was only sewing clothes then. When it stopped working I took it to be repaired and found out I had totally worn out the the machine so I bought a simple Viking 150 (still just sewing). When my Mom passed away in 2000 she left me a note to buy a really good machine with some of my inheritance so I did. Got a Viking Designer 1 and I love it. But that started it, as I started quilting, when that D1 got older I was so afraid of it breaking and I started taking quilting classes so I bought a Featherweight (the type of machine I got in middle school when I started sewing) for classes. Love it but I think I went crazy, bought a Viking 183 for class also. This year I wanted a bigger throat for free motion so I got a Viking 875 with 10 inch throat and within 1 month bought a Janome 8200 with an 11 inch throat.
You really need more than one for all the reasons mentioned by others but be careful it can become an addiction. Guess we all have to have our obsessions. I do think it's important to have a machine to take to classes if you attend with any regularity, but be careful. I have a quilting friend that has 13 machines, some older ones for display as she has an actual quilting room but each machine has different features....Oops I also have a Viking surger....Love them all

mic-pa

I have three Janomes. My Janome 3500 I have had about 15 yrs, and its never been in the shop and I take it to Quilt Group with me as it is lighter weight to carry etc. The other two Janomes are combo, emb machines that I use here at home. Always have a backup if something goes wrong with one. But Janomes are very dependable and only go in for reg. maintanence once a year.

hevemi

I have two Brother machines, very basic ones. One I use mostly for stitching blocks:I*ve finally found the settings for the scant 1/4" so that stays on this Number 1 machine. Number 2 has the walking foot attached, also used with ruffling foot etc. I had to buy the #2(The most basic one)when the bobbin winder part on #1 quit working and there is no Brother shop in the city. I also got an elderly Bernette 330 from my sister, this one I use for FMQ and garment sewing, also piecing ,and whatever, I love the quiet humming of the Bernette. My serger is for anything that needs overlocked seams including finishing quilting projects edges. I 'm going to be a great grandmother come June; the serger will be put to heavy usage with interlock materials for baby boy clothing.

Nammie to 7

I have the Bernina 830 as my main machine and do most of my sewing on it. My second machine a Bernina 350 is used for classes, retreats and when the big machine is getting updated. My grandchildren use both machines - it is easier to use the smaller machine as it can be set up at the kitchen table for them.

francie yuhas

I use my FW to take to classes where my time is spent piecing. My Janome 8900( I think that's the right number) I use for quilting and anything that needs something other than a straight stitch.

mighty

Always good to have a back up machine!

Skyangel

In 2006, I bought a Bernina 440 as my main machine but kept the Kenmore I'd had since HS graduation. The 440 has embroidery so I can leave it set up for embroidery and sew on another. But then I saw a Featherweight and really wanted one as I love vintage things, not to mention it sews wonderful and is so dang cute!

Fast forward 7 years my count stands at 14 machines, including a Bernina serger, 2 Featherweights, and a Singer treadle. Other than the 440 and the serger, everything else is vintage. I found that I enjoy restoring the vintage machines and have re-homed some but will keep several permanently. I can have a sewing party and supply all the machines!

ontheriver

I do all piecing on my Singer 401, my singer 201 is set up with ruffler attachment for grand daughters clothes I make, one brother used for decorative stitches and sometimes FMQ small items, Viking mega quilter now table top quilter, new brother 1500 on frame for quilting. I have the room to keep them all set up and ready to use, hate having to change things every time I want to do something different.

Lori S

I use my backup machine for when mine goes in for annual check-up... It also comes in handy when I am working on a project that I have different thread colors or settings .. I have one machine that has the "other" thread or settings or special feet all set up , so I can go back and forth between the two.

Jingle

I would not be without a back up machine. I have a new old 1950s machine. One we bought in 1962/63. A couple more I don't use. My Babylock Jane is my piecing machine. My Juki TL98QE I use for quilting. I use the last two all the time. I don't like the knee lift and don't use them. Fist has the thread cutter, other has the needle up button and both stop with needle down. I love those features.