When my husband packed the car in the fall for our ride to Florida where we spend the winter he mistakenly packed my old sewing machine that I had put aside to give to our son. The other day I pulled it out and decided to have a look. It is a Kenmore over 30 yrs old. Back then I was very intimidated by a sewing machine, as I was new to sewing. I read through the book and realized I could open the whole machine and clean and oil it. I was very proud of myself and it still works great. All set for my son now. 30 yrs ago I don't think I ever cleaned it, in fact I didn't like this machine much at all and stopped sewing in the late 80's. I didn't understand things, like tension and pressure feet and cleaning. 5 yrs ago I bought a new computerized machine to start sewing again and with the age of computers I now know so much more about sewing and machines. I'm not at all intimidated now, although I would never think of opening up the new machine except to clean under the needle plate and bobbin area.

Look at how far you've come!

I am amazed. I wouldn't know where to start. Maybe you could give me lessons.

Good for you! I also own a Kenmore more than 30+yrs. and it runs like a workhorse!

Wow, glad you learned how to clean the old sewing machine

Good for you! :thumbup:

When I first started quilting, I took a class from a sewing machine repair man on machine maintanence. His classes were always packed. He was great and you can bet we all called him first when our machine h;ad a problem. Sadly he died a few years ago. We all miss him.

Maybe you could suggest to your LQS that they offer this class.

I am currently quilting on a Baby Lock Quilter's Professional - the closest I could find to an old mechanical machine like I had when growing up (an old Singer). I have learned how to dis-assemble, clean/oil, and re-assemble it after every quilt. It is worth the learning experience as it has been sewing like a champ for the past few years and several years later...

No lesson needed for this 30+ old machine. Instructions were in the book that came with the machine. I just was too intimidated back then. New computerized I won't touch.

yes, good for you.