I think there's gold in doing machine maintenance!! There's only one Janome dealer(that I'm aware of) in my area. My machine was in dire need of maintenance so called and was told it would be "up to 2 weeks". Gulp. Since I don't have a back-up I knew it would be hard. So, I took it in telling myself I needed to look for a used back-up and would find something. It's been 2 weeks today and hubby called this morning. They are just now working on machines dropped off on the 9th. Mine was dropped off on the 15th. They say it will be another week before it's even looked at. If it needs anything ordered in, well, add more time. I can't believe the back log is this great, but I know it is because I saw all the machines when I dropped it off. Crazy! And it's $95 for the routine maintenance.

Then, posted in another thread, I had a sewing machine lined up on Craigs list, had the money in hand and the seller made an appt. with someone who called after me and sold it to her:< So, I've been out of a sewing machine for 2 weeks, and it looks like it could easily be a month!

Feel my pain:<

That is not good news!

Does the backup machine have to be a fancy one? I have an inexpensive Brother with "quilting features" that I got at Target for $99. It's an awesome little machine and a real workhorse...

I am so sad for you.

My favorite backup is an older Singer.

I am not sure there is a lot of $$ in the business. I believe more than they don't dedicate too much time each day to service machines. I have brought mine to a shop that has lines of used machines by the door floor and it looks like they are super busy servicing machines. It turned out that those were machines that people has traded. They keep them there and service them when they can before they sell them, and if they don't get to your on time they point at the row on the floor and how busy they have been. I recently found out that the person that does the work only comes twice a week for a few hours.

At my LQS they gave me the number of a man that comes and do it at your home. He is really nice. His wife stays in he car and reads while he works. I called him a while ago to service my older Bernina because it was noy touched for years. It took him 3 visits and some brushes ordered and he never charged another penny. It was all done for $25.00 and he worked around my husband's schedule.

It doesn't have to be too fancy, like I don't need embroidery. But, I do want knee lift, and yes, I want it to be a nice machine with a selection of quilting stitches and computerized. I don't want a cheapo machine. I'm thinking a used-to-be near the top of the line machine that's say 6 or 7 years old. I have a Janome 9000 and it doesn't need to be as fancy, but I'm spoiled with it and don't want a low end, new one.

I wouldn't feel comfortable having someone unauthorized in computerized (Janome) machines touching it. I've invested too much money in my machine to let anyone but my dealer touch it. My dealer doesn't seem to sell many used, trade-ins anymore. So, I'm keeping my eyes on Craig's list.

I have a Janome, and you don't have to take yours only to a janome dealer. Find a good independent repair shop that handles all kinds of machines and call them. I'll bet they can get it done quicker, cheaper and more honestly!

I feel your pain girl......Same thing happened to me. So I went straight over to wal-mart and picked up a brother for 1$100 and read the manual.... I was sewing seams together that very same night. We cannot be without our machines, or we go CRAZY.

There's only one shop in my town that does machine service. They sell Viking, and although they service other machines, again....I've spent up to 4 grand on my machine. I'm not going to cheap out on the service with someone who isn't a Janome dealer. If I spent $100 on the machine, I wouldn't necessarily care. But computerized, embroidery units are pricey and I'm not wanting to risk it. Plus the dealer I bought it from is great. I just hate this wait!!

I'm sorry!!! I have an older Pfaff machine in my garage that works like a dream so if my Bernina needs some hospital time I have a back-up. Fortunately the couple of times I have taken my Bernina in for a cleaning and check up, I got it back in 3 days. I am fortunate in that the shop closest to my house (about a mile) is a Bernina dealer and authorized Bernina repair. Same said about my machine, it was a several thousand dollar machine and I will only take it to someone authorized to fix Bernina's

Can't believe they are taking so long! Do they only work on one a day?

I feel your pain! While you are waiting, why not start cutting another project or two? I cut them, bag them in 2-1/2 gallon ziploc bags with the pattern and they are ready to grab and sew when the mood strikes me! It works well for me because I am easily distracted and get bored easily...oh look, there's another quilt I HAVE to make! LOL

When Tropical Storm Fay hit, we were pretty badly flooded for a couple of days and the power was off more than on. I was hesitant to keep my machine plugged in because of the storm. I cut out an entire queen size quilt and a couple of smaller projects. At least it would help ease the suffering till you get it back or splurge on a back up machine. My friend got a basic Kenmore for about $80 on sale. It works great! I need a backup too, but lack the space to store it. But if mine goes in the shop for an extended period of time, guess what I'm buying! :)

You may have done so already, but try calling the guy and ask if it's done yet. I had to take mine in and under same circumstances as yours, had to leave it and was told would be such and so time. So I called and asked them and told them no hurry but was just checking, I was told there was 1 or 2 ahead of me then would get to it. Well the next day they called and said it was done.

The guy told me he does that. He will take as can, but if someone happens to call about it he will start on that one. I don't know why, but it is worth a try.

In the late 1990's when I retired from teaching, I taught in a local sew 'n vac shop because he did not have time to show people how to use the computerized machines. Well, the demand for teaching classes was becoming too much like full time work, so I retired from that. Last week I was in the shop to get my vacumn serviced & could not believe how many sewing machines were in for repair. I don't think the sewing machines are serviced on site anymore as I saw the guy carry at least 20 in from his vehicle. I used to like it when I could sell one of the used/traded in machines to someone just learning to sew. Husbands just do not understand how much money a sewing machine will save. One poor girl made curtains in my class, repaired hubby's favorite jeans, and he still would not buy her a machine.

Meanwhile, my vacumn has been in the shop for over a week now & I don't like being without that any more than my sewing machine.

go to the local thrift store and find one today :-D

Too bad you aren't closer to me, I'd let you use my back-up machine... :-(
I hope you don't have to wait to much longer!

We did call...this morning and that's when we were told they're just getting to the machines dropped of on the 8th. There's at least one full-time man there doing repairs on site. I saw him. This is a large sewing machine dealership and they've got a great rep. If I knew I could hop my place in line by bringing in brownies, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

:-P

I'm too picky with what I want. I'm spoiled with my 9000. The idea about cutting other projects out is great. But, I picked the week before my sewing machine left to start organizing my room. So, everything is in chaos. I'm ordering tile for the room today. I have been cutting out other projects etc. but have 3 quilts at the 'almost' finished stage that are sitting there taking up space. I keep hoping I'll find something nice on Craigs list, but 99% of what's listed are $100 or less Brothers or Singers. Not that there's anything wrong with them, but they're not what I'm looking for:< Oh, pooh.

Go to Goodwill they usually have some and it doesn't work they will take it back. wish you were close to me I have a back up you could use.

I could never go that long without one.

Candace, I have the same machine and absolutely love it. I also have a Jem Platinum that I take to classes. It has 60 built in stitches and does a really nice job sewing. Maybe you might want to think of having a Jem Platinum as a back up machine. One thing I wish it had is a knee lift lever. Also it's only 12 lbs compared to 35 lbs for the MC 9000.

I am asbolutely feeling your pain as the MC 9000 was my only machine for many years. I always missed it when it went in for repairs.

Do you use the embroidery part of the machine? Where do you get memory cards? I've seen some of them on eBay for around $10, but I already have the ones they are offering. I don't necessarily need any cards, but it's always nice to know there are some somewhere.

I hope your machine gets serviced soon!

Yeah, I guess that's what I get for being choosey about what kind of back-up machine I want. Though part of the reason that I want a nice one is that I can see me using it more than as a back-up if I really like it.

Thanks:< Yes, that's why I've crossed this one off my list. I really must have that knee lift. I haven't used the embroidery function for several years as I mainly used it to make clothing for my kids. And my kids are now in high school, so... no need for Kipper and cutesy stuff! I have probably 20 cards or so. I also have the reader/writer but never really used it. The cards come up on ebay a lot.

I've found it to be an excellent machine and it does everything I want and need so have never felt the desire to "upgrade" it to a new model. But, yes, when you work on a great machine it's hard to find something comparable as a back-up. That's why I'm very open to an older machine with similar features. I'd get much more for the $ than new. Plus, I don't do classes so weight isn't an issue for me. I just hope they don't find anything wrong with it. Then I'll be crying for real instead of the virtual whining I'm doing now!

I usually charge $65 to tune up a machine and the usual turn around is 1 to 2 days depending what is involved. If its a restoration then of course the price goes up but I never have a shortage of vintage machines to work on around here.

But I agree with what you are saying some husbands and wives just do not understand the importance of maintenance for you sewing machine. Its no different then the regular maintenance on your vehicle. If you are on top of it then it should last darn near forever!

Billy

I have a friend who is a Janome Authorized Dealer, there are no requirements to sell their machines, and they offer no training in repairing their machines. So any dealer who has a repair person employed, that person fixes sewing machines, they aren't trained by Janome to fix Janome machines.

I wouldn't feel comfortable having someone unauthorized in computerized (Janome) machines touching it. I've invested too much money in my machine to let anyone but my dealer touch it. My dealer doesn't seem to sell many used, trade-ins anymore. So, I'm keeping my eyes on Craig's list.[/quote]

He only do mechanical machines. Nothing computarized. He does a great job with those. I have a newer Bernina that he won't dare touch.

IF that is where you bought your machine...did you consider asking if they have a loaner you could have til your machine is done?

Now I don't feel so guilty about having so many machines. I wouldn't be able to take being without so long.

can you borrow someones like a loner, I have backup I keep everything when it comes to sewing.

Since everyone has to wait up to 3 weeks, they couldn't possibly do loaners. Maybe if I was a special customer(meaning I plunk down mega cash for lots of machines...but my last purchase from them was 11 years ago!)

I'm starting to come around to your way of thinking Martha Jo. I won't feel guilty getting a second machine after this. And next year when it goes in for maintenance I'll be prepared!

Can't help but wonder why this business isn't doing a better job of taking care of customers. Appointments for regular maintenance should be available and the work should be done on time, imho. Sounds like someone with some organizational skills should offer this place some consultation... or hire some folks and give them some competition. Back in the day, when Singer was something, my DGM was never left in a lurch....her machine was her livelihood...we dropped off in the AM and picked up by closing many times that I recall...and occasionally it was next day.

I have the MC9000 as well, and I LOVE it!

The place I bought mine from said it is one of the best machines Janome ever made. Even if I were to get another sewing machine, I would not give this one up. So glad there are others who feel the same way! :D

Definitely!

I don't know why there's such a back-log either. Maybe everyone did so much over Christmas that they think it's time for service? Or Jan. is everyone's month to remember to bring their machines in?? I agree, that this isn't the way to make customers happy.

To bad you don't live in Spokane. I just got home from picking up my Janome. 1 day service. The only store that did Janome in Spokane closed
(Pacific Cresent Quilting) so I thought I would have to take it clear to Seattle. Finally another place started doing them in Spokane (The Top Stitch). Wonderful place. I do live an hour or more away from there and took my machine up for service and repair a couple of weeks ago and it only took 3 days. I was cleaning my sewing room so it took a few days to get it set back up. When I got it set up it still had a problem. They only charged $70 the first time. Beings I had to drive clear back up there I was able to wait and they fixed it for nothing while I waited. You should ask that shop your at why they charge so much. Plus keeping it forever. Maybe there is a shop elsewhere in your area that would be faster and more resoneable. Good thing you don't make a living with your machine.
Good luck.

I have two identical machines for that exact reason, I also have three others I could use. I also have several vacuum cleaners and we had hardwood floors installed last year. I am hanging onto them, just in case. Those two things I always say - I have one for every mood.

I also have only one Janome dealer-live in under-serviced southern IL. His charges are high, and it takes way too long, in my opinion, for the return. W/o going many miles there are just the Walmart stores. It is so frustrating to have no choices.

i bought a viking and 3 janomes (1 for my dd) at the same dealer. my dil also brought her mom's old singer from california. now i have them all serviced in my home by a repairman who comes and does them all at my convenience for less money. he does the 3 janomes, the viking, the singer, a vintage factory blindstitcher and checks over the tin lizzie and charges me $350. for years he did my necchi until we had to put her down. he takes everything apart, cleans it, checks for burrs, checks all the timings, wipes down everything in lubricant that should be. if he sees any parts that are getting worn, he shows me and we decide on a game plan. he first tries to salvage the part from a machine the same age that he has for that purpose (my machines are not new) and only then will he order a new part. since he works in my sewing room, i don't wait for anything. he works out of his truck. i mean TRUCK!! (he actually has a real repair shop at his home) in the end he saves me a lot of money. when i used the dealer, i was paying more money for my own 2 janomes and my viking alone. if i needed anything it was always a special order with jacked-up prices. and they were never ready when promised.

i agree with gaigai. any qualified repair service can take care of your machine. ask your friends who they use. ask your local tailor.