sewing machine recommendations...or a source for old presser feet?
Fori
8 months ago
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Fori
8 months agoRelated Discussions
I got a new sewing machine
Comments (4)You may find classes at Joann Fabrics and you will certainly find books. Before you spend money on books go to the library and spend some time reading. If I were limited to just one sewing book (I have at least 100) it would be the Reader's Digest Sewing Book. Mine is from the '70's, it's full of good info and techniques. Are there any small facric shops in your area? That's where I would look for lessons. What kinds of things are you interested in making? Home Dec, clothing for adults or children. Kids toys, dog toys or clothes. Spend an afternoon at Joann's looking though the pattern books. I have a problem with buying a sewing machine from Sears or any other department store...Who is going to fix it or answer any questions you might have?...because the local sewing machine store isn't going to want to fix that Kenmore (Janome). Just my 2cents. Good luck and happy sewing. It's something I started to learn in Jr High and continue to take classes 40 years later....See MoreViking sewing machines
Comments (29)Goodness, it's been a long time since I've been here! (Been hanging out on the Quilting forum.) The Viking Scandinavia 200 that I bought (see my post on Sept. 22, '07...above,) has been a wonderful workhorse, and I thank all of you who encouraged me with your positive experiences with Vikings:) And thanks to the pics 8grandma shared, I was able to use the talents of a friend to build a support shelf in my old Singer cabinet and was able to set the Viking in the same sized cut-out where the Singer had previously fit. Four years later, (and after retiring,) I became addicted to quilting, and wanted a machine with a bigger 10" throat. So, upgraded to a Viking Sapphire 875Quilt. (Melissa, I think mine is very similar to yours.) DH was able to cut the hole wider in my old cabinet, which is still sturdy after 40 years! I kept my smaller Scandinavia, since it's lighter to carry for work outside my home. It's interesting though, that the Scandinavia was made in Sweden with all metal inside parts, but my newer Sapphire was made in China. The (much less expensive) Scandinavia has not given me an ounce of trouble. But the (more expensive) Sapphire gives me a slight problem with the bobbin winder spindle getting stuck. Minor problem though...a repairman showed me how to overcome that. So....we shall see. Here's my Sapphire 875Quilt sitting in my old cabinet: Julie...See MoreSinger sewing machine on its last needle LOL
Comments (6)If your machine is running slow it could be that the foot control needs servicing or replacing or that the carbon brushes on the motor are worn and in need of replacing. Replacing carbon brushes is not unusual and I have done it myself with different motors, including my Bernina. A new foot control will run somewhere about $30 and the brushes should be about $15. The brushes are easy enough to change yourself if you are at all inclined to do such. I order from an online source. I would shy away from any modern Singer and look to some of the others makes. Singer has allowed that name to be slapped on many totally unworthy machines. It carries a lot marketing weight. The old Singers from way back when were good machines. That is no longer true. Keep it simple with a mechanical model. That is the only way I roll anymore. Why complicate life? I seriously doubt that many people even use the decorative stitches on their machine very often,whether the machine is mechanical or computerized.. After a lifetime of sewing I know that I have seldom employed that feature on any machine that I have used. I have never found them to be very attractive or useful. Good solid function is the best thing to have. . Good luck. It has become difficult to buy some things right now. If you like your machine and dont really want a new one, you might consider the possibility that it is one of those factors that is causing it to run sluggish. Both are relatively inexpensive to fix. You can always buy and try a new foot control. If you are not mechanically inclined you might not want to change the brushes yourself. It is not difficult but can seem to be daunting if you are not of that mind. Vacuums also have these carbon brushes as do power hand tools and fan motors. Have you noticed any black dust around the motor on your machine, or any sparking around the motor? That is an indication that the carbon brushes are wearing down. It looks like the motor is behind those little vents on the inside of your sewing area. Oiling won't help with either of those problems. It is likely sluggish because it is not getting enough power to turn the motor. If something were preventing the hand wheel from turning or a belt was loose, that would be obvious. It sounds as if the motor is not getting the power it needs and is very likely to be either the carbon brushes or the controller. Of course it could be the capacitor on the motor, but that is also easy to change. Parts are not terribly difficult to find. The expensive part is usually the time and labor. You are paying for the knowledge and experience and the tool belt of the service person, as expected if you employ them to fix it....See MoreAnyone have a Janome Sewing Machine?
Comments (5)I haven't driven to a dealer for almost 30 years. I called a dealership and had them put a part (needle threader for the Bernina) in a box and mail it to me, and I paid with my credit card over the phone. The person on the other end said, "You'll void the warrantee." I said, "yeah, I'm shaking in my boots, here." I'm not hard on sewing machines. No worries. The warrantee would expire before I break something. There are also reputable companies who sell replacement parts online. Just look for good ratings from their customers. The immediate challenge (not problem!) I see is that you're going to make a quilt, and the presser foot you intend to use may not give you that perfect 1/4" seam quilters desire. In the picture, it looks wider. The opening in the foot is wider, too. I don't know enough about quilting to tell you if that will affect (effect? I never know) how precisely your two pieces stitch together. I'm a solution-oriented woman. When I needed to put in an invisible zipper and didn't have an invisible zipper foot, I've used a pintucking foot or a regular zipper foot. You quilters are a different sort - very precise and all. I guess test and measure before you start your project. In fact, piece SEVERAL pieces together for an entire block and measure the result, to make sure tiny fractions of an inch won't add up to something unacceptable along the way....See MoreFori
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