Hi Colleen, Thanks for your advice! I've oiled the machine in all the holes, but when i turned it over, I couldn't see any holes for me to oil? I've had a look and usually the first stitch works, and then afterwards, it all just goes crazy. the thread snaps, sometimes the thread under the material gets all bunched up. Sometimes it even decides to do a few stitches! But the bottom of the material never looks right. I've tried moving the dog pedal (? is that what it's called? the little razor things) but I can't decide which is 'up'. I'm wondering if that's just adding to my problems. Either way, the thread keeps on snapping regardless of what I do, whether there are stitches or not. I tried playing around with the tension but it doesn't really seem to do much? When I turned it over, I had a look at what was going on, and it seemed the thread would just get tangled in the bobbin, which then caused it to snap. But I'm at a loss as to *why* it's snapping. RE the vintage singer forum, if it helps, I'm in Australia. There's a label on the engine that says it's made in Victoria, by "Warren Playton" but I've tried googling that name too, and it's come up with nothing. Thanks for your advice! I'll give the tension thing another go after lunch.

First, I'm sorry this is so long, but there was so much to say. The only model suggestion I can make with any authority: Pfaff 1069. I have one of these that I bought 20 years ago, and I could not bear to trade it in. It is a sweet machine. Completely mechanical, no computer controls, original list price 20 years ago was $900; I got mine for $700. I have NEVER seen a used one for sale! Sewers love these machines. If you see one, snap it up and pay to have it serviced. There are a number ways to acquire a good used machine. Look for machines that have not been used much (gifts or abandoned hobbies), although theres probably no way to be sure how much the previous owner used the machine. Some used machines just need servicing: a good cleaning and tune up, which you can always get from your dealer after you buy any machine. Having to pay for servicing drives up the initial cost of your used machine. I suppose the cost varies depending on where you live, but I always expect to pay $60 to $80 for a thorough repair and service. Then again, I own some complex machines, so my estimates may be high. The advantage of buying a used machine from an independent dealer is that he has already done the cleaning and tune up and any needed adjustments and repairs as he was getting the machine ready for resale. Another place to check for refurbished sewing machines is your local vacuum and sewing repair shop. ThereÂs a vacuum shop near me where the owner is not a dealer of any new sewing machines, but he does sewing machine repair (and vacuum repair) and has an entire assortment of used machines, which he has fixed up for resale. Again, these are all "ready to go" when you buy them. (I lusted after the industrial Bernina for $500, but where would I put it and how could I explain it to my husband?) Look for the popular high-end brands: Pfaff, Bernina, Janome, Brother, Viking, Baby Lock  IÂm sure there are other good brands, but IÂd avoid Singer and Kenmore. I canÂt recommend specific models, but there does seem to be a sliding scale of features from low-end to high-end machines. This does not mean that a low-end machine is necessarily no good, only that it doesnÂt have as many features. Low-end machines tend to not have the ability to lower the feed dogs. However, they usually have a plastic cover for the feed dogs so you can do free motion work. Check that all the presser feet are with the machine. There should be a tool box or accessory box with some presser feet and other tools. Having an instruction book is a big plus, but those are often separated from the machine. This is where it pays to do your homework by looking at new machines at your dealer and noting how each model moving up the price scale adds more features and what those features are. Some features to pay attention to: Adjustable needle position  left, right, center or (on high-end machines) multiple adjustments points, left to right. Button holes: they tend to be easier to do or more automatic as you move up the price scale. Also, different types of button holes. For instance, you usually donÂt see a keyhole button hole on a low-end machine. Specialty straight and zig zag stitches: a hem stitch, variations on zig zag stitches, a triple stitch zig zag, an edge joining stitch. This is not a complete list, but look for some variations. Knit stitches, a straight knit stitch and a selection of knit overlock stitches. Knit hem stitch. Doing knit stitches requires the machine to sew forward and backward in the stitch pattern, and some low-end machines donÂt have any knit stitches. Decorative stitches. The more decorative stitches there are, probably the higher up the model ladder. However, my experience is that you can get by with no decorative stitches at all. I think they are a sales feature "This machine does 125 different stitches!!" but they really arenÂt all that useful unless you have some specific need. Good Hunting!! CMC

I am not a sewing machine expert, but I do make a lot of quilts. Occasionally, like everyone else, my machine does what you are describing and usually a quick cleaning or re-threading fixes the problem. It is not normal for a 5-6 year old machine to be doing this so it sounds like it time for a trip to a service place. It's worth it to reduce the stress it's causing. Like the previous poster said, get an estimate so you can decide if you want to repair or replace! You said it doesn't matter if it's the top or bottom thread. Do you mean it does it with both? From a trouble shooting perspective it does matter which it is so if it's one or the other it would help to know that. Is this machine new to you or have you had it a while? Did it ever work OK or has it been doing this as long as you've had it? If you bought it used, and it's never worked for you, then this might be why the last person got rid of it! But if it used to work fine for you, then it can almost certainly be fixed. What's the model? There may be others here with similar problems. Try posting this on the quilting forum too be cause there are lots of quilters with Brother machines and they may be able to help if they know the model. Good luck!

Always, always, always double check your needle and be sure it's installed correctly before looking any further when a machine suddenly won't pick up the bobbin thread. Make sure that it hasn't slipped down a bit or gotten twisted in the needle clamp. If you changed the needle before this sewing session, re-check and make sure that the thread groove in the needle is postioned directly below the last thread guide. Even better, consult your manual and make sure you've got the right size needle and that it's installed properly. About 90% of "timing" problems are solved by re-installing the needle. Annie