Sewing machine shortage
 

Did you realize there is now a sewing machine shortage? Apparently because of so many buying new machines to make face masks there is now a shortage of sewing machines, not just the elastic and toilet paper.
I'm guessing but maybe also with more people home they are turning to sewing for other projects also, possible a shipping from overseas problem, but I'm guessing on that.
I gave my machines an extra hug today!

So, those of us with more than one machine need to ramp up our home security!
Or, those of us with more than one machine might find it a good time to sell some of the extras if we're willing!
Either way, it does make sense....

I'm not worried I have several. The two I use all the time are straight stitch only machines. They only need oil and cleaning.

I waited a month for mine and the day before delivery, the vendor called me to say they need to cancel the order because it's going to be another 30 days [sigh]

I also have an industrial straight stitch machine about 40 years old (U20). Should have been all set but blew out the motor and waiting for a new one. Surprise!

It doesn't surprise me there is a shortage right now. But it might also because some folks are stuck where they are and their machines are at home. A friend of mine is stuck here in So. Cal. - she came to help her 93 yr. old mother when the stay home order came out and her DH is stuck in AZ. He has health issues and they would have to quarantine apart anyway. So she is still here with her mom. Also, some have gotten their machines out of storage and found various problems. My FW looks like the belt could give when I least want it to so I bought a spare. When I did my repair guy showed me one he had just replaced - it was so dried out it was in the permanent shape it held in the machine. I try to run my machines at least once a year. My 15-91 my mother gave me went about 15 years without being turned on so my mom had it serviced before she gave it to me. And the leather belt on my 1925 treadle was so brittle when I got it that I had to replace it before I could use it. My grandmother was fairly sure it hadn't been touched in 50 years.

A couple of months ago, I was thinking about doing a major overhaul of my sewing room, and maybe getting rid of a couple machines. Well, they aren't going anywhere now. In fact, I've made sure to thank them, tell them how much they are loved, and they will be with me until they pry my cold dead fingers from them")

And I was just thinking that I need to look an newer machines now that my skills are expanding. My Bernina 830 Record is 40 years old. I love it, but I like to challenge myself. Watching the thread about new machine suggestions because I don't know where to start, other than Bernina or Kenmore(my first in about 7th grade).

There are several quilt shops, sew and vac stores that have a lot of sewing machines in stock. Many are having big sales to get rid of their inventory. The one I saw the other day is Meissner's Sew and Vac in CA. A lot of the shortage is for the inexpensive machines. Probably due to sell out but also shipping from foreign countries to the USA has been low and slow.