moonrise

I sew pretty much everyday, for hours and hours at a time. I can wear out a relatively inexpensive machine ($200 - $300) within 2-3 years. As much hard use as they get, I just consider them to be disposable.

I bought a $400 machine this time, a Brother PC-420. Hopefully it'll last a little longer.

I do have a Singer 15-91 and a Featherweight, but to be honest, I never really use them. They're just collecting dust. I need fancier stitches and modern features often enough that I need a new-ish machine.

mom-6

I would only upgrade if there are features on the new one that you think you will actually put to use enough to justify the expense.

I have been considering getting a machine with features that mine doesn't have. So far I'm not convinced that it would be a wise move at this point in time. The main reason I'm not getting one is that while I would love having all the latest and greatest, I also know most of that "stuff" would never be used more than once or twice if at all. So for now I'm going to spend that $ on more fabric. Lol!

Gramie bj

Mom did not want to part with the machine I learned on, so she gave me my own in 1968 for high school graduation. A Singer golden touch and sew, I hated it, nothing but trouble, even had a dealer tell me I had a lemon Finally after 4 years of fighting the tension, I paid $1500 for a top of the line Bernini. Loved it, Sewed everything from leather, to silk. Repaired blue jeans, made cloths, curtains, doll cloths, toys and quilts. than in 2000 the motor burned up, and they were no longer making the size of motor I needed. That's when I got my Janome. Another work horse, So my track record says my machines last about 15 years

Craftnut

My first machine was also a Sears Kenmore, purchased in 1975, a workhorse with all metal parts that will never wear out. Second machine was a Brother PC-7500 sewing and embroidery machine purchased in (hmm, thinking here) about 1992 (?), but I kept the Kenmore. I bought a serger in 1995 or so. Then a White Crafter's friend to take to classes, upgraded that to a Janome Gem Gold around 1998. Inherited my grandmothers Singer "portable" (dang thing weighed at least 40 pounds!). Sold it and the White, and bought a Featherweight 6 years ago. Last year I got a Pfaff 7550 that I have wanted since I used it at a sewing show in the 90s. So, now I have six machines, and I still use all of them. Upgrade, sure, but never get rid of your workhorses. The Kenmore is still going strong 39 years later.

pocoellie

The last time I "upgraded" my machine was well over 5 years ago, and it wasn't a new machine but a trade in. I also have my serger that I bought in 1982, it still works great, although I don't use it very much now, but it's has a ton of miles on it. I don't plan on upgrading any of them, but do hope to get all my "antiques" up and running one of these days. Also, the first and last new car I bought was 1972. LOL

sushi

Add me to the list of those who started with a Sears Kenmore. I got mine in 1979. In 2011, I found a good deal on a Bernina 635 and bought it. So 32 years, if I did the arithmetic correctly!

Monroe

My first machine was a '76 Kenmore flatbed with cams- wedding gift from my parents. Still going strong. My second was a Brother CS6000i because I wanted a free arm and some different stitches. It's plastic and definitely not as sturdy. I also many treadles, a few 221's, a 301, Necchi, and a few other Kenmores needing cleanup. I don't have any machine envy for computerized machines after having seen other quilters struggling with mammoth purchase and repair bills.

Lori S

I have a 1958 singer and a 1994 Viking. Both machines run just fine... I am not looking to get a new one. The only reason I got the Viking was for the free arm and some of the special feet and the ability to make great buttonholes!

Stitchnripper

I still have my first singer - an aqua 324. Or maybe 327? Some mechanical brothers And recently got some vintage machines. So I guess I have "upgraded" to vintage. For me personally I have never been interested in the big computerized machines.

Barb in Louisiana

I'm like most of the others here.... My first machine was a 1968 Singer Golden Touch & Sew with the cams. About 5 years ago, it had a serious overhaul with all new plastic gears put in it. Once again it sews beautifully. I didn't buy my next machine until 2005 and only because I wanted an embroidery/sewing combination and then I bought a Brother Innovis D and love the much larger harp, built in thread cutters and just the whole machine. The Brother being a computerized machine has been to repairman more in it's short life....4 times...than my old machine has been in it's much longer lifetime - 3 times.

I won't give up either of them! Both are very loved and very used.

Forgot to calculate the years.... 1968 to 2005 - 37 years between for me.