Sewing Machine Repair / Replace Questions

[Valencia]

I've been sewing on my old $90 Kenmore for 20 years. I used it moderately for the first 3 or 4 years, then less so, until the last 4 years.  I have never had it serviced until this past September; the service cost $65, and it ran like a DREAM. Until about a month ago, then it start clunk clunk clunking along. I pulled out the bobbin shuttle to clean it, and then the machine wouldn't sew again. I took it back to the shop, and the man said if he had to replace the shuttle, it would cost me $90 for service and parts. He asked how much I was using it, and I told him that I sew approximately 20 hours a week.  He said that I was probably overusing this machine, and should consider upgrading to a heavier duty machine.  I can't decide if he's trying to sell me a machine, or if I really do need to move up from my baby Kenmore. This is what I've sewn in the last year: 5 corsets, two bustle skirts, a 1770 frock coat, an 1880 Victorian jacket bodice, two chemises, two hats, a Ventian gown, a camicia, 3 greyhound martingale collars, a medieval gown, and all the mockups for the human clothes. Whew!! Does that seem like a lot to be putting a home machine through? At this rate, I'll have it in for servicing 3 or 4 times a year, or about $195 - $250 / year.  I could afford another home machine now, but he told me they are cheaply made, and I'm better off continuing to repair the old Kenmore.  He is trying to push me to a Bernina 1008 for $900 that I can't afford, but could possible save up for, I just don't know that that is going to be the answer. What do you guys think about all of this?

[gem]

Um, what I think is that that guy is trying to sell you a $900 machine you probably don't need.

There is a HUGE range of machines between $90 and $900! The folks at Pattern Review speak *very* highly of basic Kenmores; my Viking was IIRC $599 (on sale, before I added in a bunch of accessories); and there are gads more options in that incredibly wide price range there (including nice used machines, if that's something you're interested in).

I can't speak to whether you're "overusing" your current machine, because I upgraded when I outgrew my $80 Brother, but I'd think hard and explore my options before going back to that dealer (in my experience, Bernina people think there's no other decent machine made, period. And that's just not so.).

[Valencia]

Okay, thanks, Gem. I'm not the biggest fan of Bernina anyhow; I have the deco embroidery machine, and it's finicky and difficult to work with.  I will definitely look into other machines. But how do I know if I really am outgrowing the Kenmore?   

[LadyStitch]

To be honest it sounds like you are ready for an upgrade but not to a show horse like they guy is trying to upsell you on.  If your machine is causing you this much trouble, it is possible with all you hard work you may be just wearing out the cheaper made parts, I'm not saying the machine is bad, but there are machines that are made for people that sew, and people who SEW!  Example my cousin Cheri bought a inexpensive singer, has had it for years and had no problems, because she only made maybe 2-3 relatively minor things on it per year. Soon as she started selling her crafts at craft faire the poor thing just gave out because it wasn't designed for alot of use.  She had to invest in a slightly higher quality machine that could take the work load she needed.
You might just be ready for a good work horse like she was.  There are good 200-300 used machines out there that are all metal that could work for you.  Check with the people at pattern review they can point you to a good little workhorse. 
In my opinion get one that has metal workings, and fits your budget. Just keep your options open on which brand. 

[gem]

Well, frankly, it doesn't sound as if you are, if you can do pretty much everything you want to with it! But since it's 20 years old, any new machine will probably have features that weren't even dreamed up then (when my MIL got a new machine for the first time since the '60s, her big dream was for it to have a built-in light! LOL)

But I definitely outgrew my Brother. It only did straight and zig-zag, and I knew I wanted something with options for knits, hemstitches, overcasting (so I wouldn't have to get a serger yet), etc. It was really fussy with anything lightweight, and I wanted to start trying things like silk organza and other delicate fabrics... honestly, two years later I can't even remember everything, because my new machine has features on it I didn't even know I wanted (like 11 adjustable needle positions, which makes hemp boning possible for me now!) but use all the time. 

Basically, I had a list. I wanted something that was reliable and would grow with me, so I wouldn't have to upgrade again for a long time. I got a machine that was appropriate for the seamstress I was when I bought it, but that I wouldn't outgrow in a few years. I don't see needing more machine in the foreseeable future.

But if you're doing everything you want on your current machine and you just need something sturdier, there's a model out there for you in a reasonable price range.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

When I upgraded from a  basic Brother machine that did straight stich and zig zag, I knew what I had in mind. For the type of sewing I do on a daily basis with Alterations and Commissions, I needed a machine that was going to last for years.

When I saw the Janome Memory Craft 4900 at the local shop that sells Sewing Machines, Sergers, etc, I was hooked. With the various features it has like butonholes in one step, decorative stitching I use for garb, etc, I knew I would spend over $1,000 easily. I did not regret my purchase. That was 2006. There are plenty of scratches on the machine because I use it every day.

Now I have my sights on this beauty that will make me want to save for http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Embroidery/MC11K_Special_Edition
The Janome Memory Craft 11000 Special Edition. It is a computer that sews. I have a file with Blackwork designs that I would be able to hook up the machine to the computer and put onto fabric.

This baby is $5K on sale. I see why. It's not an ego thing. There's more I can do to improve my skills with this machine.

In all, it might be better to upgrade to a new machine that you wil enjoy using rather than putting money into a machine that has served it useful purpose.

[Valencia]

Thank you everyone for the feedback, I really appreciate it. I called the repair shop this afternoon; the gear that turns the bobbin shuttle is broken. I am hoping he can get a new one and fix the machine, and I will continue limping along on it until I can upgrade.  I did realize that I had sewn several greyhound martingale collars in December, and the weight of the materials is really hard on that machine, and I think that's what broke the gear. I will not make any more collars on it, and hope that it will survive for now. I really can't justify the cost of a new machine, as much as I'd like one. And I need time to research exactly what I want. Or stop making the collars, lol : ) But I really appreciate the feedback. I wasn't sure if I really needed an upgrade, or if he was just upselling me.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Valencia!!!

WIth the garb you make and the fabrics you use, a sturdier machine will serve your purposes. I picked out my machine. The women who work in the store did not have to sell me anything.

Check out the Baby Lock line as well. They have a line of affordable machines for the beginner to Advanced sewer. Depending on your skills determines the type of machine you wil eventually want.

My apprentice bought a Baby Lock Crafter's Choice in 2009. Her sewing confidence shot up 200% just after a few hours of playing with it. I showed her how to work some of the features similar to mine. Her abilitites  and workmanship also increased. I sometimes use her machine for the other decorative stitches hers has that mine does not.

[Kate XXXXXX]

Get something you can grow into rather than out of.

Look at what you sew and how much.  If you do a lot of seams but very little machine decoration, and larger projects, look at the larger quilting machines on offer from Husqvarna, Bernina, Juki, Janome, Elna...

[Kate XXXXXX]

When I upgraded from a  basic Brother machine that did straight stich and zig zag, I knew what I had in mind. For the type of sewing I do on a daily basis with Alterations and Commissions, I needed a machine that was going to last for years.

When I saw the Janome Memory Craft 4900 at the local shop that sells Sewing Machines, Sergers, etc, I was hooked. With the various features it has like butonholes in one step, decorative stitching I use for garb, etc, I knew I would spend over $1,000 easily. I did not regret my purchase. That was 2006. There are plenty of scratches on the machine because I use it every day.

My Lily was £1100 list price in 1998.  I got a hefty discount, but even so...  But it's now 2011 and I'm still finding new things to do with it.  And other than a few small scratches, it looks new and behaves like new after the last service.  And it does eyelets!  One thing I DO insist on is proper eyelet sewing.  For that you need a Bernins, a Husqvarna, or a Pfaff.  No-one else does eyelet plates, and embroidered eyelets just don't cut it.

Now I have my sights on this beauty that will make me want to save for http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Embroidery/MC11K_Special_Edition
The Janome Memory Craft 11000 Special Edition. It is a computer that sews. I have a file with Blackwork designs that I would be able to hook up the machine to the computer and put onto fabric.

This baby is $5K on sale. I see why. It's not an ego thing. There's more I can do to improve my skills with this machine.

I have my eye on this little one...  http://www.bernina8series.com/EN/  Watch the videos...

In all, it might be better to upgrade to a new machine that you wil enjoy using rather than putting money into a machine that has served it useful purpose.

I'd say that it might be a reasonable idea to get this one fixed, start saving madly for the one you REALLY want, and keep this for emergency back-up.  Never again do I want to be without a back-up for both machine and serger!

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Taht machine looks wonderful, Kate! You deserve it!!!

The way 2011 is starting out with Alterations and Commissions lining up on the calander, watching the Business spending, I will have enough saved up for a down payment on the Embroidery/Quilting/Sewing machine of my dreams.

[Valencia]

You guys are awesome, thank you so much for the responses! The repair shop called this morning, my machine was ready today, but I was out of town, so I'll pick it up in the am. He's only charging me $45 for the work, since I've brought in two machines in the past 3 months, and he knows I'll be back, lol...  I am going to limp along on this machine for as long as I can, and I'm going to save up for an upgrade. I'll try them out, and have some time to figure out what I want to get. And once I DO upgrade, I'll have a working backup. I'm actually excited about looking at machines, since I'll have time to make a decision. I appreciate all of your input! : )

[gem]

Well, $45 ain't bad!    (Ok, so it was half the cost of the machine, but still!)

And take your time looking for a new machine. It took me over 2 years to decide on mine! The one thing I can't recommend highly enough is a fantastic dealer. I know it's not always possible, but when I found the quilt shop that sold me my machine, I was hooked and knew straightaway I'd be buying from them. I just had to pick out the model I wanted.

[Valencia]

Really bad news... they did a test run with the machine yesterday, and what he thought was the problem WASN'T the problem... the real problem is another gear, and he said it was too expensive to replace for the value of the machine. So now I have NO machine. I'm going to visit a Viking/Pfaff dealer tonight, and see what they have. I figure any machine would be an upgrade. I cannot not have a machine. I've barely survived the last two days!!! LOL : )

[Kate XXXXXX]

Ask the dealer what they have in a decent older used machine.  You could get a very nice deal that would serve you well as a back-up when you come to upgrade.  If you have the cash for your dream machine now, just get it.  Don't get a compromise machine that you won't be happy with.  My favourite back-up machines from my herd are:

Bernina 1005: about 12 years old. 

Husqvarna Optima 190:
Now about 30 years old, but still a power house!