Yes, I've finally done it. Bought myself a new sewing machine. Those who know me well can finally sigh with relief. I've been going to do it for years literally. But it was never the right time, never the right price, never going to happen. And then last year I bought a machine in haste trusting that the brand I had bought nearly 30 years ago would still be the best choice. How wrong I was. I was so disappointed with that machine that I sold it again on eBay. (losing money in the process) It was cheaply made and not at all comparable to my old machine. I hate to use a cliche but I will - you get what you pay for.
And as fate would have it while I was in the sewing machine shop this morning I got chatting to another lady that had exactly the same problem with exactly the same machine. We both ended up purchasing the same new Bernina. I spent way more than I intended, but figure that this machine will see me out. I'm not likely to buy another as this one has everything I need. This one should last me for the next 30 years.
I just hope the family doesn't mind living on pasta and tinned tuna for the next 6 months. :-)