bigbrownowl

This is my experience too. I have always serviced my own machines, and only once taken it to a professional. They did such a terrible job, that I vowed I would never trust my machines to anyone else again. Sewing machines, especially the more mechanical ones, are very easy to look after, and don't really take much to get them going again. The newer computerised machines, and those with a logic or circuit board really need the professional to do the computer-y bits, but you can still look after the basics yourself.

The exception for me is my overlocker (serger). I oil it, and de-lint it regularly, but when it goes wrong, I need someone who understands them to do the repair/service for me. Fortunately in the 20 years I have had my overlocker, I have only needed it serviced twice - as we speak I am waiting to pick it up from the repair shop (ready on Tuesday, apparantly!). Let hope it works a bit better now (it needed some new parts).