Originally Posted by SueSew

No I do not hear the motor humming. In fact, the motor does not make a sound. The light goes on and it sits there looking pretty. uh-oh!

When I opened the machine cover, there was an old cut-up undershirt with some straight-stitch sewing on it - testing, probably - and the stitches were long and the tension was way off. Since it was black thread, and the machine had black thread loaded when I opened it, I had assumed it would run.

Of course, my mother-in-law died over 30 years ago, and the machine has been sitting in my brother-in-law's storage room, unused, all that time. He just gave it to me last weekend as they are trying to downsize and he knows I am an enthusiastic quilter. No one can remember if it worked, and my brother-in law, going on 78, can't remember seeing his mother use it after his childhood days.

I have to say that the quality of the undershirt cotton is insanely good, shocking, although its white has gone to a lovely cream over time. The inlaws were an incredibly thrifty couple, typical for their post-depression generation, so now I am wondering if overall the quality of knit goods has deteriorated...another topic for another time.

Net net I guess I had better get someone to deal with the motor. Maybe find a Yahoo group? Do I want to sew with it or just look at it? so confused...

well happy holidays all and thanks for your help