sewing machine meme

Sew Mama Sew is hosting a Sewing Machine Month, and has invited readers to write about their sewing machines. Here's my thoughts on my sewing machines...

What brand and model do you have?
Pfaff 2010 Tiptronic
Brother Quattro Innovis 6000D

How long have you had it?
The Pfaff - about 6 years, The Brother 4 months

How much does the machine cost?
The Pfaff was around $900 (I think??) when I got it, I'm not even sure they make that specific model anymore.
The Brother was *significantly* more since it was a brand new, top-of-the-line machine. I did trade in my Viking Designer SE for it though, so I got it reduced a little from sticker price.

What type of things do you sew?
Quilts - clothes - embroidery - minimal home dec (just a few pillows here and there)

How much do you sew?
EVERY DAY (pretty much)
How much wear and tear does the machine get?
A LOT! I probably should have a regular maintenance schedule, I don't. I just try and remember to take it in every so often for a cleaning/ check up - usually when we're on vacation so I won't miss it!
The Pfaff is definitely in retirement most of the time - and when I was sewing with my Pfaff, it wasn't as often. However, it has definitely gotten some good use over the years and I still pull it out when I'm stitching out big patterns on the Brother and want to get some other work done, or if I have a friend over & we're sewing together.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent/ passionate? Does she have a name?
I LOVE my BROTHER!!!! I am passionate about my love. And I have a hard time giving "her" a name, because "she" is my BROTHER!!! So... he doesn't have a name, but let's just say he rocks my world!!
My Pfaff - definitely less passion, and sorry - also nameless.
(If you're feeling sorry for my nameless machines, you are welcome to leave a comment with name suggestions!)

What features does your machine have that work well for you?
ummm... all of them! I'm still learning little nuances about the embroidery settings, but I love the decorative stitches for quilting, love the camera for placing my embroidery, love the automatic seam allowance for piecing, love the presser foot knee lifter for applique, love the attached thread stand, love the automatic threader & cutter, bobbin sensor... should I go on?

With my Pfaff, I love the large quilting table. I'm thinking I may have to get one of those for the Brother, too.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
I go a little nutty (sometimes) that I don't get to use it more often - and I haven't figured out how to load my own pictures on it yet. I think that's a problem with my memory stick, not with the machine. Just haven't taken the time to figure it out yet.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine?
I haven't had any major tragedies yet, and it was not a hand-me-down or present for any special occasion. I just love that my 4 year old son climbs on my lap and wants to use the mouse to pick special stitches, help me wind the bobbins, and push "go" when it's time to embroider something. Next step - teaching him to change the thread, I think - or maybe how to clean it??!

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Sure - it's obviously a stellar machine. However, if you are just starting out, this is NOT the machine for you! It's quite a substantial financial investment if you're not going to use it often and use it well.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
The biggest question I kept on getting asked is what are you going to use it for? When I was picking out my Pfaff, I had NO desire to do machine embroidery or make clothing. I was more into quilting then. So - it was a perfect start, not a total budget machine because I knew I would use it well, but not top of the line because I was still teaching and wasn't sure how much time I would devote to it. As my passion for sewing grew and my horizons expanded, I knew I was ready for an upgrade. I was ready to try embroidery and clothing, and didn't want to skimp.
So - I guess my answer is - - -
#1-how much do you want to spend?
#2-how often are you going to use it?
#3-what are you going to use it for?

Do you have a dream machine?
It would be fun (I think?) to have an embroidery machine that can do hats. And I've always wondered if a serger would be useful. Since I'm starting to enjoy doing more clothing, it's something I'm considering.