You know, it isn't too late to ask if they have a loaner. I suspect they might. Just call and ask. I hate to think of a quilter not being able to quilt, and the owner of the repair shop may feel the same way. It would certainly be a good business move!! (If you lived close to me, I'd lend you my spare...)

Dina

You can spend time calling all the thrifts stores in the area to see if they have a sewing machine for sale - if it is in your budget. For me, not having a spare machine when one was in for repair would have me shopping for more fabric!!

. Our guild has a shelf of machines for members to use if they are needed. Someone will find a great used machine at a yard sale or thrift shop to good to pass up and bring it to guild for anyone that needs one to use or borrow. We have two 301s, one Kenmore and two Janome Jems in our closet now. We sell all but four of the machines at our yearly sale if we have over four. Or donate them to Scouts, 4-H or Women's Shelter if they don't sell.

I agree with finding a good used machine. But I make appointments for my machines and know the pick up date before I drop it off. Always just a couple days.

Save a vintage machine! $20.

Check out your local Craig's List (Kijiji here in Canada). I've found a 301 Singer for $35, two Featherweights for $60 and a Singer 201 with a great cabinet for free. These were all from family members trying to clean up estates. My son who buys a lot with Kijiji says not to worry about buying machines from this source as no one sells sewing machines except other sewers or their poor families trying to clean up after they are gone.