Might be a sign to take a break...
 

So I've been pushing myself to get a couple of Easter projects done - both were new patterns for me & I'm very happy with them, BUT, last night my primary sewing machine decided it was going on strike until it gets a tune-up. When I first purchased it, I was really good about maintaining it but then my machine place went out of business and I haven't trusted anyone to touch any of my machines since... To me it was like trying to find a new doctor after you've been going to the same place for decades. I'll take this as a sign to set the projects aside and save them for next year. Maybe it's time to start working on that sewing room I've been dreaming of for ages. I'm going to the basement to take a 'before' picture of the space. And I've got to find somewhere to take the machine...

You are so right, maybe time for a break. I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason. If you get a chance to fulfill your dream of a sewing room, even better. Best wishes to you, regardless of what you do/decide.

I hate to say this, and please don't take it as "bragging" because I certainly am not...but I keep THREE "primary" machines for just that reason...plus, I am lazy and would take one of them breaking down as a sure sign that I needed to rest! (Not the machine...ME!) Good luck getting it fixed!

I agree with momto5! I can sew like he-- but when my machines starts acting up I know it is time for me to rest and do something else for a while. I find that the old girls seem to act up to let me know that I have made a mistake and I just look for it to correct and off we go again! What is it they say about inaminate things not having any mind of their own? Ask anyone with a computerize machine! lol

Sounds like a good time for a break to me!

Is the maintenance something you could do yourself? If it's a computerized machine you won't be able to, but mechanical machines are easy to take apart and put back together. I've done my machines, friends machines and when I taught sewing classes I made the repairs on the school's machines. I even replaced the nylon gears on a 70's Singer machine once.

Christine-
http://quiltdasher.blogspot.com/

Good thinking! Get the machine to a new doctor and start designing your room.

There's quite a few members from Washington State on here, maybe ask members for a recommendation in your area.

I know what you mean about having a trusted shop for repair and maintenance ... mine closed up 5 months ago ... an I feel like I lost a trusted friend. I panic just thinking about taking my machines to a "stranger".
It is the perfect time to think and do something about your sewing space. No matter where the motivation came from .. ride that wave!

You said you had multiple machines, and it was your primary machine that needs servicing. Take one of the other machines to a place to get it serviced and see how it runs. I get the impression the problem is trust more than it is anything else, and that's something no one can help you with except you.