<p>Dad II…you are NOT the only one who has boasted about your kids in one way or another on CC. The point is…is this “boasting” another way of showing off? Personally I think it is. Around here, I get SICK of hearing about the kids’ SAT OR ACT scores, and the colleges they are applying to…and their class rank etc. </p>
<p>Do you think you are the ONLY one Starbright was referring to? Well…as the saying goes…if the shoe fits, wear it.</p>
<p>I was also annoyed at my very good friend who couldn’t decide which expensive new car to buy…who cared?</p>
<p>It’s bragging, plain and simple…and it’s ok if it happens once or twice. We are all proud parents. BUT continually…in disguised fashion…sorry, no.</p>
<p>Now back to the topic YOU started.</p>
<p>I happen to think Suze Orman is very good…and she has some practical advice regarding finances. I don’t agree with EVERYTHING she says but I agree with a lot. If putting folks on her show increases viewing of her advice…great. More people need to hear about the perils of over extending financially.</p>
<p>Sewing machines can cost anywhere from under a hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on what they do. There are high end digital embroidery machines that cost a fortune, but for someone who perhaps has a career as a tailor, seamstress, alterations or in the embroidery/logo design field, this investment may be well worth the money. Its like bicycles- you can buy a relatively inexpensive one (under $100) for casual use, or you can spend hundreds or maybe even thousands for the high end bike for competitive (recreational or professional) racing, long distance rides and such. Again, it depends on the intended use and the ability to pay.</p>
<p>As an aside, people who go on shows like Oprah, Suzie Orman, Dr. Phil, and the reality TV shows undergo a pretty thorough evaluation, which include psychological screening, before they are selected to participate. They get lots of free benefits, but was was mentioned above, they are not paid for their appearance on the show.</p>
<p>My MIL has several expensive sewing machines. They are beautiful, and probably now hopelessly outdated. Her Alzheimers has prevented her from using these machines to their full ability, but in the day - not that long ago - she made some amazing quilts and clothing with her computerized Bernina sewing machines! The things she could do with those machines. Beautiful stuff. </p>
<p>And $1700 may be the going rate for a good machine nowadays (I am not sure), but I know she spent thousands more on hers about 10 years ago. Technology improvements bring down the cost of devices, so I would imagine you could probably get a really good machine for far less, nowadays. </p>
<p>I have two sewing machines - one my mother bought when she was first married in the 50’s which will work forever, built like a truck (a Singer), and a lightweight basic Brother that I got for under $200 at Costco several years ago.</p>
My mother bought a high end Pfaff at least 30 years ago, I don’t remember exactly what she paid but it was quite expensive.</p>
<p>She didn’t use it to make repairs, she used it to make a large portion of hers and my sister’s clothes, and some clothes for the rest of the family. And clothes for other people. And curtains (she did her whole house, and several rooms in my house). Quilts. Etc etc.</p>
<p>That machine paid for itself many times over, and is still going strong today.</p>
<p>So $1700 is not such an outrageous price to pay for a high quality machine if you are going to use it a lot.</p>
<p>Count me in the “old singer that will last forever” camp. Got mine used in 1973 and its still serving us just fine. I can take that baby apart , clean and restore it blindfolded. Nothing fancy but very sturdy. I was being sarcastic- apparently not very successfully. I know there are machines that costs a fortune and do wonderful things, I’m just not smart enough to tackle em… :(</p>
<p>sistersunnie-
Can you fix my old Singer touch 'n sew? I got it in HS and it finally died. I bought a new (cheap) Singer on sale at Costco, but I am not all that familiar with how it works.</p>
<p>Oh, and starbright, I think there is a Dad2 poster on CC (seem to recall running across a post by someone with that SN recently). Am conjecturing that he wouldnt want to be confused with dadII.</p>
<p>And there is a “Dad of two” as well. Heavens. Such confusion. Why couldn’t some posters use the name of printer companies instead? Its easier to remember and much more unique.</p>
<p>jym, I wouldnt even attempt-sorry But I can usually find some older guy in the area that repairs singers, check at the local fabric/quilt shop… or in the yellow pages. If its an older model - they are usually easier to tackle.</p>
<p>Thanks, sistersunnie. I did actually call around when the old sewing machine bit the big one. I finally gave up and bought the new, inexpensive machine when it went on sale. Oh, and by the way, Costco has a Singer 6180 Brilliance Sewing machine on sale for $30 off (though the ad doesn’t tell the final price).</p>
<p>I don’t sew much anymore. Last thing I made was window treatments for younger s’s room when I updated his bedspread/linens etc when he was in HS. I am pretty proud of them. But, come to think of it… not long thereafter he kinda migrated to the bedroom in the basement. I wonder if there is a correlation… :(</p>
But I can usually find some older guy in the area that repairs singers, check at the local fabric/quilt shop… or in the yellow pages. If its an older model - they are usually easier to tackle.</p>