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?
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.).
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?
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.
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.
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 (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.
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.
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.
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...
Quote from: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on January 04, 2011, 11:34:07 PM
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.
QuoteNow 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 (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...
QuoteIn 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!
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.
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! : )
Well, $45 ain't bad! ;D (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.
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 : )
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. (http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/KatePages/Resources/machinegallery/1005front.JPG)
Husqvarna Optima 190: (http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/KatePages/Resources/machinegallery/Optima190.JPG)
Now about 30 years old, but still a power house!
You know, I really do need to look into a backup machine. I went to a new (to me) dealer today; she has both Vikings and Pfaffs. I tried both out, and bought the Pfaff Select 3.0. It ran through my greyhound martingale collar material like it was NOTHING. And it has the walking feet, so while it cost more than the Viking Emerald that I also test drove (and LOVED), I think it will be worth it. I go pick it up in the morning. I'm really excited!!!
I'm so glad you found a machine! That's the one thing I miss with the Emerald (which is what I have) - a walking foot. I wish I had one, but it just doesn't fit in my budget right now.
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on January 06, 2011, 10:48:24 PM
I'm so glad you found a machine! That's the one thing I miss with the Emerald (which is what I have) - a walking foot. I wish I had one, but it just doesn't fit in my budget right now.
I soooo vacillated... I've obviously, with my Kenmore, never had one, but when I saw her sew with and without, I immediately saw the benefits. I amazingly enough had the money, between a Christmas bonus and a new website job I landed *this morning*, so I took that as an omen. And then as I drove home, I wondered if it needed it, or if I was overspending... so hearing you say you would want one makes me feel like I made the right choice. :)
Yay! I Love that walking feature: the one thing Lily doesn't have that I wish she did!
The Viking walking foot is really expensive, because it comes with two other specialty quilting feet (the free motion foot and a clear 1/4" foot). It was one of the things I budgeted for when I bought my Emerald. But with the Pfaff it's built right in! So that will be a nice feature.
Have fun!! Congratulations on the new job!
All this talk makes me want to buy another one!
Nah; I'll keep my primary and backup until they either break, or I need more machine!
Gem, I actually was able to get the walking foot for my viking by it's self. Trust me it wasn't cheap, but it wasn't $100 bucks either. The PP wasn't sure if I needed until he saw how I was able to move a 6 layers of tulle petticoate waist band under the machine and it move smoothly. I have found if I am working with a bulky fabric that is a pain to move, even with my hand, using the walking foot REALLY helps. It was a 'witch' quilting a quilt with out one. I'm looking forward to doing a real quilt with a walking foot.
The machine I was drooling over was a simple straight and zig zag machine with built in walking foot, and was industrical grade. I wish I had the $300 bucks at the time.
You guys are making me feel SOOO much better about the walking foot!!! When I left the store last night, I was so freaking out, over the price, and whether or not spending more was justified. On the other hand, I had the money by a bizarre fluke, so I figured it was meant to be, lol : )
omg, I am going to PEE my pants. This machine does stitches as long as 6mm!!!! No more hand gathering, WOOOOT!!!! LOL
Ugh... so I got the machine home, and it took forever to get it threaded, get the bobbin threaded, and get it working... the thread kept winding around the bobbin, the machine kept jamming. I finally got it sorted out and working by the next evening, but the machine is so finicky that it seems to work well only half the time. It sews wonderfully on a single layer of satin, but choked CONSTANTLY on the pleated side seams of the Victorian overskirt. Then I tried to sew a gathered single layer satin skirt to a single layer waistband, and it choked on that... meaning the needle freezes, and won't go through the fabric. Finally, this morning, I was sewing two pieces of thin cotton together, and it jammed up... leaving all the top thread bunched up underneath the stitching. AND, the walking foot didn't make a bit of difference... the fabric was still bunched up, just as if I'd sewn it on a regular machine. I expected to be wowed by this machine (that cost me $683 out the door, including feet!) but instead, I just want my old Kenmore back. I called the dealer, she wants me to bring it in, with my projects, so she can see what is going on. I am really, really frustrated, and I think it's ridiculous to have this much trouble with a high end machine. Gah...
Yes it does sound like something is not working right. If it is clogging up on cotton broadcloth something is REALLY fishy. ???
Well, I rethreaded it for the billionth time, and sewed on it, and it sewed fine. It's just so random. So I took it into the shop, along with my Victorian skirt, jacket, and the broadcloth; and I told the lady that just like a car at the mechanics shop, it's suddenly behaving again. :) It's obvious it's a threading problem, since sometimes it sews fine, and other times it jams and the thread balls up. She basically told me there is no way the machine isn't perfect, and that I needed lessons in sewing. Then she asked me to sew so she could see what I was doing wrong. And she became convinced that I thread the machine with the presser foot down. It was very weird. I know how to sew, obviously... but the problem seems to be that the machine is really picky in how it's threaded, AND in the type of thread and needles used. She pulled my Coats and Clark thread out of the machine, and said, in a really snobby tone, "oh, THIS is your problem." Then she asked if I was using cheap needles, and said that was what was wrong. I told her I was using the needles that came with the machine, and she told me I was using the wrong ones. :-\ So I have no idea if she is right or not, but I am less than impressed with her customer service skills. So, she gave me different needles, and told me I had to use the high end thread they sell there (which is unmarked, so I don't know what brand it is, Pfaff, I guess?) and I guess I'm supposed to hope for the best. I feel like I just spent $600 on a machine that doesn't perform as well as my old (RIP, old pal) Kenmore. But now, I don't know what thread to buy for the stupid machine, and I really don't want to pay $6 for a 125yd spool or whatever she sells it for. Do any of you know about the thread or needle issues with a Pfaff??
Quote from: Valencia on January 13, 2011, 05:29:06 PM
Well, I rethreaded it for the billionth time, and sewed on it, and it sewed fine. It's just so random. So I took it into the shop, along with my Victorian skirt, jacket, and the broadcloth; and I told the lady that just like a car at the mechanics shop, it's suddenly behaving again. :) It's obvious it's a threading problem, since sometimes it sews fine, and other times it jams and the thread balls up. She basically told me there is no way the machine isn't perfect, and that I needed lessons in sewing. Then she asked me to sew so she could see what I was doing wrong. And she became convinced that I thread the machine with the presser foot down. It was very weird. I know how to sew, obviously... but the problem seems to be that the machine is really picky in how it's threaded, AND in the type of thread and needles used. She pulled my Coats and Clark thread out of the machine, and said, in a really snobby tone, "oh, THIS is your problem." Then she asked if I was using cheap needles, and said that was what was wrong. I told her I was using the needles that came with the machine, and she told me I was using the wrong ones. :-\ So I have no idea if she is right or not, but I am less than impressed with her customer service skills. So, she gave me different needles, and told me I had to use the high end thread they sell there (which is unmarked, so I don't know what brand it is, Pfaff, I guess?) and I guess I'm supposed to hope for the best. I feel like I just spent $600 on a machine that doesn't perform as well as my old (RIP, old pal) Kenmore. But now, I don't know what thread to buy for the stupid machine, and I really don't want to pay $6 for a 125yd spool or whatever she sells it for. Do any of you know about the thread or needle issues with a Pfaff??
I learned this only yesterday, from a professional tailor: it does indeed make a difference what needle you use. If it's only a bit too long or short, some machines acts up and makes spaghetti instead of a seam. Well, that's how it feels anyway... Sometimes it won't pick up the lower thread at all. Why? I dunno. But it did explain some of the issues that I've had with my Pfaff 1530. However, if you're using the needles that came with the machine, I don't see how THAT can be wrong! I would get a second opinion on it, especially since she worked so hard on blaming it all on you rather than locate the actual problem.
If the thread were the issue (if the problem is similar to mine) it would snap in two rather than become spaghetti. Seriously, she can blame it on you and the thread and the needle and whatnot all she wants, but there might be an actual problem with an easy solution. You need someone who'll cut the crap and give you a professional opinion. Stupid question: have you searched the web for someone experiencing the same? Maybe there's some wise heads out there?
Okay, so I'm going to try the new thread and needles. I'm sure that what she said about those is true, and I had problems with my serger with the wrong needles... but I did use the needles that came with the machine, and why wouldn't they have mentioned that the machine required a higher end thread? I guess that's really my frustration... they just failed to mention anything of importance. So yes, I did Google about it, and the beginning learning curve does appear to be VERY frustrating to about half the people doing reviews.... so now I'm thinking I just need to work through the pain. :lol
I had a similar problem when I got my new Viking last summer. Major tension problems, and the thread was laying flat on top, and going all wiggly and loopy on the bottom (is this what is happening to you?), and I took it in, and they told me it was the thread. I had been using standard Coats and Clark thread, and the lady told me to use Guterman instead. I've been using Guterman cotton thread since then, and the machine runs almost perfectly.
Occasionally I'll have tension problems (though to a lesser degree) but somehow they magically go away if I take the bobbin out and put it back in again.
How funny, Lady Rebecca... if this is a known issue, why not tell us from the beginning?? I haven't tried with the new thread, I made candied walnuts for my dinner salad instead... and then made the salad with red leaf lettuce, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, apple, avocado, the walnuts, and blue cheese dressing. It was MUCH more rewarding than messing around with that machine, LOL :)
I prefer good quality thread, and wrote an essay about it... But I do have to say that mt Lily will sew with almost any old thread, including crap no-brand fuzzy stuff with no problem. If you are having tension issues, FLOSS between the tensions disks with a microfiber lens cloth (NOT one of those fluffy ones with lens cleaner embedded in them!), and thread up with good quality cotton thread and a size 80 universal needle. Make sure the thread path is followed correctly and you have the thread between the tension disks on top, and through the take-up lever, and that the bobbin is evenly wound, the right way round, and the thread under the bobbin tension spring. Set the dial to the middle of the range and sew a straight line on cotton calico/muslin of about shirt/quilting weight...
If you get a perfect line of stitching, there is nothing wrong with the tension, and you need to look at the combination of thread/needle and fabric that you are using. EXPECT to need to alter the tension more than you would on an old mechanical like a Singer 15 series or a 99.
Quote from: Valencia on January 14, 2011, 01:34:33 AM
How funny, Lady Rebecca... if this is a known issue, why not tell us from the beginning??
Because it's only anecdotally a known issue. It's not "supposed" to happen. Not every machine--and here I mean the individual single machines, not one whole model of machines--is picky about thread, and they're not even picky *consistently!* I've never had a machine that liked Gutterman (although my Viking--exact same model as Rebecca's--is way less finicky than my Brother), and my Brother wouldn't sew with anything but C&C Double Duty. That machine was ridiculously picky--I could only use the one brand of thread, and it wouldn't sew at all if the top and bobbin threads were different (even different colors of the same type of thread). I had a woman on PR tell me this week that she "didn't buy the thread pickiness" issue--well, lucky her that she's never had a machine that cared!
Several years ago I bought a bunch of fabric online for a big project, and the online fabric store sold me like 8 spools of matching Gutterman thread. I spent two days fighting with my machine (the Brother) on tension issues and tangles, needles breaking, etc, pulling the machine apart, cleaning and everything--but every time I got it all back together, the same nightmare. I finally swapped out the new expensive Gutterman for a spool of plain ol' Coats & Clark--and the problems disappeared.
I ended up sending all that expensive thread to a friend at Christmas. I feel lucky that my machines have actually preferred the cheap stuff! (I am kind of interested to see how it would respond to the new all-polyester C&C, but I haven't tried it yet.)
Anyway. Once you find the threads your machine likes, your life will be a lot easier. BUT! If you're still having issues fighting the machine, go back and raise hell. Demand a different unit--you might just have an unusually picky one.
Good luck!!
Id return it and go to a different place. You put down that much money you better get a machine that works like its supposed to.
In my humble opinion.
Thanks, you guys, I really appreciate the feedback. I purchased two spools of Gutterman thread last night, and put it in the machine this am (I couldn't bear to fight with it last night, lol) and the damn thing worked BEAUTIFULLY. I even sewed tulle, which I know is taking a big risk, and I didn't have a single issue. Gem, if you are right about the individual machines being picky, then that totally corroborates my situation, AND the sales lady's reaction. (Well, except I would think she would know about it, but she didn't strike me as very understanding.) I can live with it being picky about thread, as long as I know. And now that I know the old C&C doesn't work, and I know different threads cause issues, I'll keep trying my existing stock to see what does work. And if I have to bump up to a better thread, that's fine, but I'm certainly not buying her overpriced stock. :) I'm right in the middle of a Victorian petticoat, and once I finish that, I'm going to try heavier fabrics with the different needles to see if that fixes the other clunk clunk clunk issue, which I suspect it will.
I'm so glad the Gutterman worked for you. I've just slowly been using all my old Coats and Clark when I do handsewing. Luckily, I don't have a whole ton of it.
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on January 14, 2011, 06:56:42 PM
I'm so glad the Gutterman worked for you. I've just slowly been using all my old Coats and Clark when I do handsewing. Luckily, I don't have a whole ton of it.
Oh, that's a good idea, I'll do that, thanks! I was envisioning tossing it all out, and I really don't want to go out and buy a whole new inventory of thread. Although, maybe some of mine will work... like the newer poly threads. I'll have to just try them. But like I said, at least I know this is an issue. But the handsewing idea is just fantastic, thank you!
Quote from: gem on January 04, 2011, 04:07:19 PM
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.
so gem which machine did you choose? you didn't say
I have the Viking Emerald 183, and I love it beyond all reason. I've heard mixed reviews about newer-made ones (I got mine in 2008), however, which makes me really sad b/c when I got mine it was SUCH a fantastic machine for the price.
AS with a car that requires routine Oil changes and god maintanence, so does a sewing machine.
Routine cleaning, oiling, replacing parts, will keep a machine humming for years. My Janome is going on 5 years old, A bit scuffed up, but then, it's my workhorse.
My Lily was bought in 1998. At the back end of last year, it had a big service and all its stitches reset, and a small worn bit replaced. Now working like a new machine again!