Sewing Machine Blues

I just keep wanting a new sewing machine. I've blogged about it not too long ago. I suppose the only reason I haven't gone out and bought one is because I don't know which one I want and .. because Vince doesn't think I need one and, in my heart, I know he is right. But, darn it . . almost all my friends have new sewing machines! Good grief! What would I tell my son? It doesn't matter what all your friends have . . you do not NEED another sewing machine. If I were buying a machine today, what would I get? I've been a loyal Bernina fan for so many years but I don't think they're what they used to be. I love that the Janome 6600 has the built in even feed system but I don't need all that extra "stuff". All I ever do is make a 1/4" seam and sew on binding. I used to think I'd buy a Pfaff but someone bought them . . can't even remember which company. So, I'm kinda at a loss as to what machine I'd get. I've been sewing on a Singer 301 and it is a good machine but I hate the 1/4" foot that I have. I've tried so many and while I don't detest them, I am not in love with them. Today as I was working on those 4" log cabins, which is torture, when I was sewing the blocks together, because of the bulk, I could not get a 1/4" seam. The presser foot would either slide off and I'd get about a 1/8" seam or it would just sit there and make a zillion stitches in the same hole. I'd finally had enough so I got out my plastic table and set up the Bernina 1230. Oh, my! That machine sews like a dream. I forgot how much easier it is when the needle always stops in the up position. The stitch is perfect. The tension is perfect. I don't need a new sewing machine! :( I've asked Vince to bring the cabinet over here for me this weekend . . which probably means I'll have to go home because the 930 is in the cabinet and I am not sure where the little plastic insert is for the 1230. I suppose he could just bring the 930 and I could use it. For what I'm doing, the 930 will be great too. The problem is -- there is not one square inch in this house that isn't full so I'm going to have to do some re-arranging just to find room for the cabinet, When you see the picture of the 1230, do you notice Ursula in the corner? Chad put that on there when he was 2 or 3 and he's now 18. I love having that sticker there and remembering him running around while I was trying to grab a minute to sew. At the time, we were living in Jasper, TX and had a big fenced back yard. I was so desperate for sewing time, I would take a table and extension cord outside and set the machine up under the porch so I could sew while I watched him play. Hard to believe that was 15 or 16 years ago. Judy L.