Got the Dressmaker 205 working!
 

Finally broke down and bought an online instruction manual for the little bugger.

I'm so used to using a Singer that won't let you put the needle in wrong that when I put the needle in the Dressmaker originally and it went in, I just tightened the screw and thought I was good.

Wrong.

Once I read the instruction manual and got the needle right . . . and snapped the thread into the bobbin case (and I mean SNAPPED), it ran like a champ. Nice straight and zig zag stitching.

It's a nice feeling to know that I got it running again.

It now has a new home with my co-worker who will love it way more then I did.

Glad to hear of your success. Doesn't it feel good when you finally get finished with your project?
Our twin to your Dressmaker 205, the Dial 'n Sew, is one machine we won't get rid of. It's soooooooo quiet and easy to use.

Joe