Hi, I had the same dilemma (though I've been crocheting about 10 years now), I actually accidently posted in this site's knitting Gallary area about wishing to buy a knitting machine. I bought the "Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine" from Micheals - about $200 - and it really nipped my need for speed in the bud. I'm now working on a blanket for my DD's single bed (bunches of squares sewn together) and I've really taken to the "eyelet lace" stiches that remind me of crochet lace like holes - lol - ironically the machine is worked slower to make the holes because of hand manipulation, in fact the more intricate the patterns, the more you have to slow down the machine. Btw 30 years is quite a long time on one hobby, perhaps you will enjoy another related hobby. You could even do both at the same time e.g. use crochet to embellish. And sewn cloth dolls are really wonderful. Good luck with what ever you decide.