Originally Posted by
BoJangles
Hehehehehe - I agree, but I did not see him messing with the machine. He sleeps in what he calls my "up down bed" (a murphy bed) in the sewing room when he is here. The machine has been sewing beautifully since the last timming issue. I went in to use it last night and it was jammed pretty good - which makes me suspect the 4 year old! Anyway, it is out of timming again. I hate having to take it apart for the second time to time it, can't help thinking the first time I did it - it was just pure luck that I got it right with no skipped stitches issues! I am going to have to start putting it away when Marcus spends the night! Yes, my machines do attract his attention, but I can't discipline him if I don't see him doing it! Now, I just have to take the time and try again to fix the machine. I really like that treadle!
Nancy
I look at things a bit different I guess. Children are expected to get into mischief, but they are also expected to be taught to stay out of things where they don't belong and to respect others peoples property. That is how we were taught. Don't mess with other peoples things.
Now as for not being able to punish him, that wouldn't stop me and I'll tell you why.
The machine worked the last time you used it.
He spent time in the room with the machine.
No one else was there.
Logically he is the guilty party.
There would be punishment.
He would be removed from the room and made to sleep elsewhere, the sewing room would have a lock put on the door.
When I had my step sons I put a lock on our bedroom door to made absolutely sure they stayed out of my guns and other equipment. When a neighbor boy got hit by shot gun pellets fired by the scum next door the cops, not knowing where the shot originated came in our house and found the locked door. Saved my butt and the boys butts.
Parents should teach their children to keep their hands off other peoples things. In lieu of that then it's falls to you. Your taking control of this situation might must save you from waking up to a screaming child with a needle jammed through his hand and the resulting trip to the ER. Never mind explaining to his parents how you managed to "let" him get into a situation where he got hurt.
As for the machine once you get it re-timed have your husband come in and crank down on those set screw. That should keep them there.
I'll not say anything else, but you cannot continue to allow him to violate your property.
Joe