'Sparklingmerlot' left a very good comment last night, it echoed what I was already thinking.
I have been researching sewing machines, their life spans, problems they can have, if they are fixable or terminal etc etc.
I've also researched what machine is the equivalent to Mc Dreamy, bearing in mind he's no longer available.
The new version of my Brother Dreamweaver is the Brother BS3100.
I have found it in three shops here in New Zealand so far:
ABOVE: As you can see, there is quite a difference in prices, depending where you go. My only concern about the cheapest place is that company is based in Australia, with a 'dealer' in Auckland. I wonder about back up, warranties, repairs etc?
If Sewing Machine World matches the cheaper price, I'd get it from there, but somehow I doubt they will... as it's a very large difference in price.
I'm going to ring the cheapest place today and find out about all that stuff.
IF it sounds OK, I can see a trip up to Auckland happening very soon. I will also talk to Neil at Sewing Machine World, and ask him what his 'best price' is for the BQ3100.
I'm off to Cambridge this morning, I have a project on the go at Mosaics that I want to finish.
ONWARD...
I have an amazing recipe for a slow cook using that relish. It is a go to winter favourite.
If you can afford it, I would buy the new machine - you use it enough to justify it. If McDreamy gets fixed you can keep him as your back up and ditch baby brother. You sew at an almost commercial volume so it's not surprising your machines have a shorter lifespan.