Re: Home sewers -- sewing machine problem

ptagirl · ‎07-12-2010

I have three sewing machines. My main machine is a Singer Futura which is 45 yrs. old. I've had it serviced once . I also have a Singer Featherweight (almost 50 yrs old... was a graduation present from my parents) and a newer Brother. You are correct in saying all the Singers are made in china now (what a shame)...but I don't think you can find a sewing machine made here anymore, but hoping I'm wrong about that....

When we moved two years ago, I had both Singers serviced, which cost me approx. $160 for both. My main machine started to skip and needed feeder dogs and a new bobbin housing, was cleaned and belts were also replaced.... but now works beautifully. ... my Featherweight was just dirty and needed oiling...(made my wedding dress on that little machine)...

I don't like the Brother machine, it is very lightweight ...I use it for a back-up in case my other ones don't work. Although I didn't pay that much for it, it is very tempermental and shows ERR alot.. I very seldom use it.

If you really love your machine, I would continue to look around for a place to have it serviced. ...I know it's not always easy to find one, but it's worth it if you're really not ready to start over with a new machine..and I found it's not too expensive for the service.

Witchy Woman · ‎03-15-2010

After attending my monthly blanket meeting (Project Linus sewers), I talked to many of the ladies who are very experienced quilters/sewers.

Several of them have Berninas costing $5,000 and UP! Yikes! I've seen the work they do and it is exquisite, but way beyond what I need and willing to spend.

Most of those ladies also have secondary machines. Janome got high marks for basic sewing.

I found one that I thought would work for my sewing needs and it is on its way as a Christmas gift from DH

I'm buying him a saw and batteries that he wanted. I laughed and told him we were really a "romantic" couple!

But, we both get what we want, so it's OK with me.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

@ptagirl wrote:
I have three sewing machines. My main machine is a Singer Futura which is 45 yrs. old. I've had it serviced once . I also have a Singer Featherweight (almost 50 yrs old... was a graduation present from my parents) and a newer Brother. You are correct in saying all the Singers are made in china now (what a shame)...but I don't think you can find a sewing machine made here anymore, but hoping I'm wrong about that....

When we moved two years ago, I had both Singers serviced, which cost me approx. $160 for both. My main machine started to skip and needed feeder dogs and a new bobbin housing, was cleaned and belts were also replaced.... but now works beautifully. ... my Featherweight was just dirty and needed oiling...(made my wedding dress on that little machine)...

I don't like the Brother machine, it is very lightweight ...I use it for a back-up in case my other ones don't work. Although I didn't pay that much for it, it is very tempermental and shows ERR alot.. I very seldom use it.

If you really love your machine, I would continue to look around for a place to have it serviced. ...I know it's not always easy to find one, but it's worth it if you're really not ready to start over with a new machine..and I found it's not too expensive for the service.

@ptagirl - Quilters LOVE Featherweight machines.

Witchy Woman · ‎03-15-2010

@ptagirl

Wanted to mention that I did consider having mine serviced, but decided it was just easier (for now) to get a new machine.

There is a place nearby and I will likely take it there after the holidays for a going over.

The owner of the shop told me it is often difficult to find parts for older machines. But, the bigger issue is often the cost.

Your older Singers are probably better machines than many currently made. I can see why you would have them serviced and hang on to them!

riley1 · ‎03-10-2010

@Witchy Woman - I have a smaller Jenome machine I picked up. This little machine is a workhorse and I have done several smaller quilts on it. I wanted one I could take to a class, etc. as my other machines are just too heavy.

What did you wind up getting? Good Luck with it!