I don't have a pre-determined limit. When I got my machines the dealer offered me trade in deals, so I sewed on a few machines, and got the one that I LOVED the most. I am not interested in a new machine, but if/when I am I'll do the same thing.

I have been sewing now for over 23 years and for the vast majority of those years I sewed on an inexpensive machine, or used a needle and thread and did it by hand. Getting a sweet top of the line machine was like driving a Cadillac after riding a tricycle all my life. Sure I CAN sew on a basic machine, I made dance costumes for years on one and they were beautiful. A lot of people don't really care as long as they get from point A to point B. Not me anymore! I want to get to point B as smoothly as possibly on a straight sure path that takes little effort to maintain.

I used to sew for 8-10 hours a day 7 days a week in the middle of dance costume season, having an awesome machine made a world of difference.