What to do with my old machine?
 

About 2 years ago, my 12 year old Viking Rose (sewing and embroidery) machine started acting up--uneven stitches, and some of the touch pad buttons didn't work. Took it in to a dealer and had it tuned up, so now it sews OK, but I'm still missing the function of about half-dozen touch-buttons (these allow various stitches, access to embroidery patterns and built in lettering, etc.)

It seems it would cost a couple to several hundred dollars (at least) to have the touch-pad replaced, and still no guarantee it would fix everything.

Meanwhile, I bought a new, fancy Brother machine sewing/quilting machine (VQ3000) that I like a lot, and a relatively inexpensive Brother embroidery machine, which I've used mostly for embroidering on towels and making quilt labels.

I didn't trade in the Rose when I got the Brother. Because of a sale already in progress, I got a good deal and the dealer couldn't offer me much for the diseased Rose. But it and its accessories (like an old Amazing Box, and ancient software) are taking up space...and I don't use it...

Would you keep it?
Donate it to Goodwill or such? (now-days they want things in good working order and I can't truly say that it is, though what stitches it DOES sew are fine.)
Put it on Craigslist "as is"?
Take it to the dump?
Or...???

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

Hallie in NM

Personally I wouldn't keep it. I'd donate it somewhere. Someone will be happy to have it. When I first moved out, I had a pretty bad machine. It had tension problems and I had to wind the bobbins by hand, but I got it for $10 and I was happy to have it.

I am not going to be any help because I would just stick it in the bottom of a closet and keep it. You never need when you might need a back up machine, even if you already have two working machines. The machine sounds like it works well enough for a back up.

Dina

I would probably list it on Craigslist, or such, as a free machine, explaining what it needs.

Or, I would put it in the attic and save it for use later as a "trade-in".

Are you sure about the "good working order" thing with Goodwill? Maybe call and ask.

In the past I have seen non-working sewing machines at Goodwill and thrift shops. It's just a good idea to place a piece of painter's tape on them saying "non-working" or "parts machine". In the case of your Rose, though, you could put on the tape that it works but that half a dozen of the buttons do not work. I have seen these types of machine sell for anything from $5 (for an old "parts only" machine) to $30 (which is what I think your Rose would fetch in a thrift sop, even with several buttons not working).

Call some sewing repair shops and see if they would like to buy it for parts.

I, too, would keep it for a back up machine. You just never know. That's what I did with my old White after purchasing my Viking Platinum. Then I managed to snag a FW. The White sewed fine, just was a little finicky with some fabrics. Neighbor of a friend was looking for a machine for some home dec projects. Since I now had another backup, the White went to her for a small fee. She was happy enough with it's abilities/limitations. Not sure that she's really ever used it though. She's kind of an impulse person.

I too would list it on Craigs list as is

I don't see the need to keep anything I don't need or want. Donate it and forget it.

I have trouble parting with a sewing machine. I have every machine I ever bought except for the one I gave my daughter. It was my first sewing machine. All of them still work though. Items go fast on Craigslist. Sewing machines go fast at yard sales too.

If you need it for a back up. I would keep it if not I would call your local senior center. I know here they do projects and sometimes need machines. Do what your heart tells you.

I am in the same mind as the others that say to keep it as a backup machine. Your new machine will need periodic cleaning or servicing and you will want a back-up machine ,even if it only does a straight stitch.

I would donate or sell it. I am in that stage of life I am trying to simplify and get rid of excess "stuff".

Check with some local church groups. Most times they need a machine for piecing and you can be sure it will be put to good use.

Does it straight stitch well? Do you live anywhere near northwestern PA? I'll take it! Short of that, it sounds as if you have a back-up machine with one of your two Brothers - I'd get rid of it. There's no sense in it sitting around if you don't want it.

Any machine I have ever seen at SA or GW has needed some work. I agree with NJQuilter. Keep it for a back up. Or keep it for someone who needs one for a beginner. You may be able to sell it to them or give it to them.

I hope this isn't considered a hijack of the OP's topic, but what if you had a machine that needed service just to stitch? My Bernina 180 died (or should I say wouldn't wake up fully) a couple of years ago and everything pointed to it needing a new circuit board. I ended up buying a new machine (Janome) and still have the old 180 and all its add-ons taking up space. DH thinks sell the feet on eBay and toss the machine.

Many churches have quilting groups that would love to have a machine. See if there is one in your town and if they would like to have a machine. If it does regular straight stitch, it is still usable, and you will feel good.

You can sell the feet on eBay and separately you can also sell the machine on eBay. Someone may want it for parts.

I agree with those who say donate it. First look around and see if anyone in your circle of family and friends could use it, including young people. Then look at charity sewing groups - senior centers, church groups, guild work groups, etc. Having some of the decorative stitch functions inoperable is not an issue for them. If you do have any feet or attachments that are out of the ordinary, you could definitely sell them on Ebay or elsewhere.

If it stitches, it is worth something to someone, and there are people who would be grateful to have it!

Watch your local want ads. There may be someone looking for a machine.

Sounds like a perfect machine for a young novice to learn to sew on. I donated my original Kenmore to a refugee sewing center that I knew of through a neighbor.

donate it to a woman's shelter. I'll bet they would be happy to have it.

Thanks to all who responded--and not to worry about the topic hijacking--that's actually a good idea. I've never sold on Ebay...but it might be worthwhile for the "stuff" like the quilting kit, walking foot, etc.

I think I'll check into donating it to one of the churches around--my neighbor is a newly-ordained pastor at her church, and there's another nearby with a prayer-quilt group.

If I need a backup during service, I can borrow my sister's machine--she rarely uses it.

To reply specifically:
@Jeanne S: Yes, you hit it on the head--I'd like to simplify and get rid of some stuff. (Anyone need Stampin' Up stuff? that needs to go as well!)

@Onetomatoplant--sorry, nowhere near NW PA, or we'd definitely talk!

Best wishes,
Hallie in NM

I hope this isn't tool late. Several church groups down here in Arizona go across the border for mission type work. They will take used sewing machines. Though preferably ones that can sew straight and maybe do a zigzag type stitch.

You could also put it on Free Cycle. Someone might use if for parts for another machine. I wouldn't keep it, though.

There are probably senior centers in your area that would love to have the machine for people to use in there activity centers.

Check locally to see if a non-profit could use your machine. I donated one to a men shelter for repairing clothing and and have had several donated to be used for our local Quilt of Valor Sew Days for anyone stopping by that does not own a machine. I am sure you could find something in your area that could use a good, if not perfect, machine.

I gave my old Singer ( not my feather weight) to my DGD, We took it out last Christmas, It had feet and empty bobbins in the top storage compartmet and acam box and I copied the guide off the internet.

At least check to see if there is someone learning to sew in your area. It would be a good beginner machine, especially for a child. Check with school, churches, and extension services or even a local quilt store to find groups that teach others to sew.

About 4 years ago I bought a new Janome. The place of purchase told me they would take off $1000.00 if I would bring a machine in for a trade. I didn't have an extra machine , so I went to a thrift store and bought one for $10.00.
The machine didn't have to work at all, actually I didn't even open the old girl. Just carried it to the store and bought a new Janome for a $1000.00 less. Good deal ! ! !

Of it were me, I would find a young lady or someone in the area that would love to learn to sew or quilt but didn't have a machine and give it to them. Perhaps someone in your church or quilt guild would know someone that would be thrilled to receive it.

I would keep it because 1) it still works, and 2) you may be able to use for basic parts someday. Sometimes you will see posts on Craigslist where an organization is looking for one (like a charity of some sort). I recently decided to get rid of one, and I have to te say it wasn't easy. I called schools and churches, and finally found someone who could use it to make costumes for their school play. I was kind of surprised it wasn't easier to gift a working sewing machine. (I did try Craigslist for a really cheap price ($25) , and the buyer changed his mind (after I followed up). Not worth the effort.

I am a HUGE proponent of Freecycle...if you don't know what it is, check freecycle.org. I have been a participant in this site for several years. I have received and given all manner of items..I think it is perfect way to avoid the over filled garbage dumps which so many people have no trouble filling....

I read so many things on line, but it seems it was the message board that a woman was asking for donated things to get her started on sewing and a sewing machine was one of the things she needed. Maybe you could check on that. Again sorry if I read it some place other than on here!!

Sell it on ebay as is for parts and sell the ass. on a different auction.

Right, and I was thinking any local churches - they many times have sewing groups and possibly someone in a group like that could use it. Donating it would make your heart feel good. :-)

If you have a daughter and she doesn't have a machine, she might like to have it for mending.