On Sunday she came to me and said, "the needle is hitting something in the bobbin case!". So I went to check it out and something moved in the bobbin case and the needle no longer went all the way down. As I was turning the hand wheel something felt off, like something inside was slipping. I really wanted to take it apart and see what was wrong, but I didn't. I was good. Tuesday I dropped it at my LQS, he is not a certified Singer repair man, but he can fix them and is certified for other machines (Baby lock, Viking, Bernina). He called and said that there is gear problems inside it and it would be $175 to fix it... $175!!! Mom is super upset that her machine is broken because that is her machine, that is the only one she wants to sew on. She got it brand new in the late 70's and loves it. I can't even get her to sew on mine!
So I am slowly trying to put the idea in her head that a new machine might be nice. We are going to do some checking and see what we can find. She wants a "basic machine" (I told her to use my treadle machine is she wanted basic... she didn't find that funny).
Her old singer had all the disc for every stitch you can imagine so she wants a lot of stitch variation. She wants a drop in bobbin, she doesn't like my front load one. She said no computer at first, but I think a close friend who has a worse machine addition than I do convinced that computer isn't that bad (thanks Linda!). I told her she might like the automatic needle threading (she said no) and automatic tension adjustment (she almost jumped for joy at that). Oh and she really wants one that will fit into her cabinet. That is the only thing I am really worried about because it was made for her Singer.
I am sad to see the machine go. I learned to sew on it and made countless projects before I had my own machine. My first quilt was made on that machine when I was 17. I made so many store samples for Rag Shop when I worked there on it... dresses, bags, pillows, and quilts.
I think it will have to come home and live with my other machines because I can't say goodbye to it yet.
If anyone has suggestions of good machines that won't cost more than $500 I would love them. Thanks!
Or if you think the $175 is worth paying to fix it that would be great to know. I am still thinking of heading to the certified Singer guy, but I need a ride to that because I can't drive that far right now.
I would say if she's really that attached to it, then $175 is worth it. But it might also be nice to see if you could get her to test drive a few new machines. She might find that she likes them!
ReplyDeleteI agree, if she really loves the machine that much then I would get it repaired. That being said, I do think if she tried one of the never ones, that she would come to love all the conveniences that they now come with.
ReplyDeleteMy sister bought that same machine in the 70's. When I'm home I sew with it. Sorry for her loss- LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and leaving a comment earlier this week. I think your mom will fall in love with a new machine -- take her to try a Janome (they have drop in bobbin) and I like my little Jem. I sew on my Bernina for normal stuff but a medium Janome would be heavy and easy to learn. A little more $$$ and she might be able to get a knee lift which is quilting heaven as far as I'm concerned! Jan
ReplyDeleteI know an Amish man who lives down the road from me who fixes sewing machines. I bet he would be cheaper. Every time my mom takes her sewing machine to him for just a "tune up," it is $35.
ReplyDelete