Originally Posted by
Peckish
I have a little attachment that fits on my vacuum cleaner hose, it's small enough to fit in most crevices in my machine and does a great job. A thoroughly cleaned mascara brush works wonders, too! I have to say, I was VERY shocked to hear her say she sews 8-10 hours a day and only changes her needle when she spring cleans - does that mean she only changes her needle once a year?!?!?!?
I have one of those small attachments too that fit onto my regular vacuum specifically for sucking debris out of the sewing machine. Works good for sucking up random lint in the dryer too. Flannel and fleece dump a lot of lint but I generally clean my bobbin area after every project no matter what I'm sewing on. Can't believe she went that long without cleaning it out. I change my needle when it starts talking to me - kind of a thwacking sound, generally means there's a burr or it's become slightly bent or dull. It's a very definite sound.