I am not a big fan of sewing machine mechanics/salespeople and their shops at this particular point in time right now. When I was beginning sewer (30+ years ago) & they actually serviced the machines without all those extra surcharges that are tacked on nowadays (like charging 50 dollars just to quickly look over the machine to tell you what’s wrong with it-I know what’s wrong it it or else I would not have brought it in in the first place!), I used to take my basic mechanical Sears Kenmore machines in for tune-ups and/or repairs at least once a year. I really believed and bought into this idea as well as the most expensive sewing machine with lots of features and stitches were necessary for a fancy professionally looking made sewing product. I don’t anymore. Why? My favorite & honest sewing machine repairman retired and closed his shop some time ago. Sears does not offer Kenmore sewing machines anymore ( I bought one of the last mechanical models offered back in 2010). So what do I do now? I decided on simple straight and zig zag only mechanical sewing machines made by Janome, the real label behind the former Kenmores.
Your original 99 dollar sewing machine was very much like the type I favor & use now exclusively. Most people would be very surprised that professional seamstresses and tailors-like I was-generally use very simple but reliable sewing machines in their work. Usually using only a straight stitch industrial sewing machine. I don’t need to be cajoled or coerced into buying a machine that simply is “too much machine” for most any product. I don’t buy used ones off Ebay, Craigslist, and the like either as they cannot be returned to a store if it proves to be a lemon plus you might not have a easy time getting parts as well.
This is what I do:
I avoid all computerized or electronic sensored sewing machines. They do need to be serviced by a technician and that can be costly assuming you have someone who knows how to do it in the first place.
I really like the permanently lubricated at-the-factory sewing machines. Even basic models seem to offer this feature now. All you must remember to do now is to clean & vacuumed the machine and change the needle as needed.
I buy only name brands that I trust. While I just love Bernina, they really don’t offer simple sewing machines (straight and zig zag) only for a very long time. The present lower level models have too many stitches and are rather cheezy in construction. For the higher end machines, all those extra features and stitches add unnecessary price hikes and more things to go wrong that are avoidable in the first place. I use simple Janomes now that Sears is gone.
I don’t waste my time with any local dealer anymore. I don’t need the hand holding. I buy online from Target, Amazon-any retailer that I can return the sewing machine at least 3 months from the time of purchase. This give me ample time to see if the new machine fails to perform, breaks down, or whatever. If it does not, it will last at least 15 or so years. After that it would probably not be worth it to fix as the repair fees will cost more than a new one.
I don’t get too attached to my machines . I don’t name them. I don’t associate past memories with them. They are an appliance-very important one for sure-but an appliance nevertheless is all. Nothing more or less. I do feel that any tacked on sentimental emotional attachment is used against some women who takes the too beloved sewing machines into these shops. They are setting themselves up to be taken advantaged of without knowing it.
Last edited by Bicycle Hobo; 09-03-2014 at 07:23 AM.