Murphy's Law
 

I had a Viking +1 for 18 years and never had it in than for cleaning and check up. Last August DH bought me the Janome 6600 and I love it.

Last week I said to DH I am not using the Viking it is taking up room where I could put more fabric so I sold it.

Yesterday I was sewing and I got an error code on my Janome. I called my serviceman and after he called Janome figured out I had blown a fuse. Of course I live in a small town and he didn't have any fuses. They won't be in until the first of next week.

I am working on a quilt for Relay for Life that needs to be done in June. Could this happen at a worse time?

I can't believe how much I miss a sewing machine.

Sounds like the ghost of the Viking stayed when the machine went.
Evil little critters.

I now have 4 sewing machines - one is a Singer that doesn't work right now, an old Kenmore which is a workhorse, a newer Singer Featherweight which is what I'm using now and the new Janome mini which will go with me in the motorhome. I think everyone needs a working machine to fall back on if you can afford to keep them.

I always keep a spare machine in the wings for just this reason. I know a machine will break just when I'm adding binding to project I need for the next day. sorry for the pickle you're in.
peace

I think the Viking is upset with you for changing brands, you may be haunted now. Hope everything works out. I have a really old Viking D1, now a new Viking Emerald (just in case), however, the D1 has never had a problem and a FW for classes. I see a 2nd backup machine in your future.

Oh , do get back -up machine. I would be restless and pacing without my machine .

If I lived closer to you, I'd loan you one of mine...sorry!

What a bummer! That's why I have several machines, BUT I love my Janome 1600P the bestest. I have it on my HandiQuilter frame now so I can finish the 6-7 tops I have done. Since I can't stand at the HQ for long periods, I want a 2nd machine to piece with. I have a cheapy Brother from WalMart - don't like the way it sews and it won't wind the bobbin any more. I have an older Viking which I hoped would be my 2nd piecing machine, but it just does not want to sew straight. Works great for decorative stitching when I need that. Then I have an older White that I am still trying to figure out. But whether I love the extras or not, it does give me a backup so I don't go into withdrawal. LOL!

yep..go buy you that new small Janome for a backup! It will fit under the bed!

Is there ever a good time for your sewing machine to be down? Never, ever. Get a little Brother to keep as a spare. I did.

Always good to have a backup machine.

I know exactly how you feel about being without a machine you enjoy piecing on. Although I have more than enough machines to sew with...we all have our favorites...I cleaned and oiled mine...didnt touch or change anything...but it wouldnt work I would check it everyday to see if I had done something wrong to it and came to the conclusion that it was just finished...kaput...dead...So off I went and bought a newer version of the same machine...sewed on it for hours on Sunday. Monday my wife asked if I would wind bobbins for her to use on the long arm...I pulled the old machine out to wind them since the bobbin winder still worked...just not the electronics. In between winding I thought I am gonna try to see if it will sew...Low and behold it did....lol just my luck after buying another new machine...NOW I am determined to keep it going so I never am in a situation without my favorite machine...even though we have 7 others including the featherweight that I got for Christmas

I have the Janome 6600 as well, and have had to replace the fuses twice in the past six months. My machine however is 7 yrs young. The last time I sent it in for the fuse to be changed, I asked the serviceman to try and figure out why it kept blowing fuses. When I got it back, he said it was the automatic thread cutter jammimg because apparently I wasn't waiting for the machine to stop before I hit the cutter button. Now it works fine, I just make sure I slow down alittle (LOL). Anyway, since your machine is less than a year old, I would be a little concerned as to why you are getting the ERROR codes and blowing fuses. I know it is a pain not to have a backup, but, you need to know what is the cause for the fuse blowing. Ask your service guy to really check out your machine to see if it is out of whack. Warranty should cover any expenses at this point. Good Luck and I hope you get your machine back soon.

I love all my sewing machines and it would be hard for me to let any of them go. Each one has its own best feature. Love the New Home 8000 for the applique stitch, better than on my more expensive ones. My feather weight for sure fire 1/4 inch seams and never fails and I can service that one and the 301 (also have the tables that go with them), then there is the treadle if the electric goes off and the embroidery ones plus the Juki with the long bed. Most of my friends only have one machine and like to borrow one of mine when theirs is in the shop. Oh, and my grand daughter wants one of the "magic machines"...embroidery one but can't let it go just yet. Have a Piecefull day.

My sympathies! Having my only machine down (a 35-year old Kenmore) made me go out to look for a backup machine. I wanted another Kenmore so that my accessories would be interchangeable and ended up finding a nice lightweight Kenmore at an estate sale for only $65. When that one went down a couple of weeks ago (loss of tension) and I took it to my local sewing machine repair guy, he informed me that the newer Kenmores are made by Janome. Having a backup machine has saved me more than once and I recommend it highly. I'm even considering getting a third machine just in case.

You've had some good advice (and sympathy). Have you asked your dealer for a loaner machine? If your machine is still on warranty, then you have a good case to ask for one. Otherwise, I'd go get a cheapie from Walmart or so to be a backup for when Janome is in the spa. Good luck with your problem, I hope it's solved soon.

The circut boards went out in my machine last Thanksgiving. Thank goodness it was still under warranty. When christmas had come and gone and I still had not gotten it back, I went and bought a Janome 3050DC. I am so glad I did, because they ended up having my machine for 4 months. I am in my sewing room everyday, I can not imagine not being able to sew for 4 months!!!

Thanks for all the advise. I called a LQS that sells Janome and the lady that does the service said she had a fuse at home and if I brought it in today she would fix it tonight at no charge. I bought the machine at another dealer that is 50 miles away because he gave me such a good price, but he bought the business about a year ago and doesn't seem to know much about service. The gentleman that owned it before does his service. My question is if I take it to the local dealer will it void my warranty? I thought I would get her a gift certificate of some kind. She has been so nice she gave me her home phone number and I have called her before with questions. Sometimes service is more important than price. I wish I had bought it from her to start. Maybe I can talk DH into the new Horizon if I take it in to her. Any answers on warranty would be appreciated.

Get a back up, I have 5. Even sew by hand when necessary.

I have several nice older machines that I have for back ups to my Vikings. I also quilt in my basement and have a machine in my computer/ extra bedroom for quick repairs or need. Comes in handy when I want to piece for short periods of time. Good luck and hope you get back to your quilt.

QUILTERS always have a backup plan

I'm down to one machine too. But not for long! I'm going shopping for a new one soon! It is just having the water shut off. You don't miss it, til it aint there!

Sorry that this happened to you at this time but you may want to have your serviceman order more than one. Also make sure that you are plugged into a serge protector. It will less likely for you to blow a fuse if you are on a serge protector.

Great excuse to get another machine I think....:thumbup: My first machine was a Kenmore that I still have and use when I am having issues with my Brother which I love as well.

Always good to have a spare! Sorry your newbie had trouble.

That's the way it goes. The minute you get rid of something, you need it!

And here I have been feeling guilty because I kept my old machine. No longer!

Always a good idea to have a spare. I just sold 3 machines and still have a couple of spares and a new one on its way! A person can't have too many machines!

I just got back all my machines (3 sewing and one serger) last month and I have been quilting and sewing like crazy- I am trying to get all of the Christmas presents done. Over the summer I make one or two extra quilts for baby shower gifts, I know I was so lost without all my machines, so all I could do was collect patterns <GRIN>, buy material and all the notions that go with <GRIN>. Put everything together (cut it out, put zippers with patterns etc. LOL) and now I have been sewing my heart out, but I must say I really missed my machines; but I am so glad they are ALL running now.
When one went down, the next one went down and well you get the point !LOL

I'd just call the dealer you bought the machine from and let him know you were able to find the fuse and ask it would void the warrenty to have it put on by your friend. Or, ask your friend, since she should know. If she is also a dealer, it shouldn't be a problem as long as it is the right part.

Sod's Law. Sorry for your dilemma.

I always have a back-up, my little viking fills in when my Phaff has problems. I even have 2 Husky White Sergers. All my machines are service yearly, or before a big event. From Day one of purchase, my machines were serviced yearly, at the time I had ONE little Viking (1985 and in my 20's), while I was working on 5 Bridesmaid and 1 flower girl, low and behold we broke down. I had to borrow my moms' machine to finish, and I made a vow that one day I would always have a backup. I too live in a small town and the closest "repair" shop for machines is 90 or 246 miles away. After I was paid for the dresses, I bought my serger and wondered what the world was thinking about all those ruffles and not having one. Anyway.........If you can afford it, check out Ebay, second hand stores the classfieds and get yourself a backup. I have bought 2 new machines for daughters and 2 used sergers for self and a daughter, a nd have had no problems with ebay.

Good luck on getting your quilt done.

If your friend (who could have sold you the machine) is a certified dealer/servicer, I would think it would not void the warranty.

I won't be without a back up machine no more then I won't be without a second vehicle available to me.

Me, too. I have a Pfaff sewing machine, a Brother PE770 embroidery machine - AND - a Brother SE350 that does both for backup, and it is small enough to take to classes. :-)

Marysewfun

I know what you mean, I hate bringing mine in for servicing! But last time, I did organize my fabric while it was gone, but I couldn't wait to get it back!

Aha, I've just found my reason for having multiple machines!!! Knew there had to be a reason other than I wanted each of them!!

You will be happier if you have a backup machine. it doesn't matter the brand or the type. Just have another machine in working order when one decides to take a nap.

Yikes, that seems to always happen. Get down to one machine and a deadline something will go wrong. I kept my Brother PC 6000 for a back up when I bought my Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0. My old Brother has come in really handy, especially when the Pfaff did not want to FMQ. So I would recommend getting an inexpensive backup machine.

Oh my, it is murphy's law - I am so sorry. Does anyone you know have a machine sitting around? I hope you get through the withdrawal.

I would really miss it! Hope you get your quilt done.