Quiltingboard Forums - a shoulder to cry on

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)

- Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)

- - a shoulder to cry on (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/shoulder-cry-t121032.html)

I need some one to commiserate with me. My sewing machine just died! I took it to the repair shop for a free estimate, but you know what that means.
I sew on my machine everyday and now that last simple pleasure is taken away.
I must say it has been a good friend to me since 1984. It is a Singer and was one of the first electronic ones on the market.
I have looked at "new" machines, but the ones that compare to mine are so expensive.
It looks like I will be hanging up my quilting. Getting old is not for the faint at heart!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mona Lisa 2011

I need some one to commiserate with me. My sewing machine just died! I took it to the repair shop for a free estimate, but you know what that means.
I sew on my machine everyday and now that last simple pleasure is taken away.
I must say it has been a good friend to me since 1984. It is a Singer and was one of the first electronic ones on the market. You know.... when the Singer name meant quality!
I have looked at "new" machines, but the ones that compare to mine are so expensive.
It looks like I will be hanging up my quilting. Getting old is not for the faint at heart!

Don't despair, I read almost every day on this board where someone has had a great deal with a yard sale or good will or whatever, and nabs a vintage singer that is still going strong for just a few dollars. A lot of these seem to be cheaper than your service would have been, had it been repairable. So keep a good eye out, and perhaps you will be back sewing sooner than you think.

Look in thrift stores and on Craigs list. You will find a new machine that is inexpensive. Don't give up your quilting, Until then, maybe a hand piecing project like GFG or applique?

If you got a new Singer in 1984 you got one of the ones with plastic parts. Get an older machine, with all metal parts -- they are rugged.

Don't let a little setback stop you from quilting!!! I bet there is another machine out there just waiting for you to adopt it. Put a "wanted" ad on Freecycle or Craigslist, sewing machines are the kind of thing that people will be happy to pass on to you.

Additionally, perhaps you could update your profile to include your location (just general vicinity) you never know a member here may just be near you and have a machine that needs a new home.

This time of year, there are lots of yard sales--maybe you could find something there. Or perhaps your sewing machine repair shop has something gently used that would meet your budget.

I’m so sorry your trusted machine broke. I can sympathize when my last one broke I was without a machine for a loooong time. I don’t know what your budget is but maybe you can find a good solid quality older or vintage sewing machine at a yard sale, craigslist or 2nd hand store. You may even have luck on freecycle.com Here’s there link http://www.freecycle.org/ ((((HUGS))))

I think you just need to get out there, yard sales,thrift shops, estate sales. There are lots out there. Seek, and ye shall find...Best of luck with your search.

Quote:

Originally Posted by feline fanatic

Additionally, perhaps you could update your profile to include your location (just general vicinity) you never know a member here may just be near you and have a machine that needs a new home.

Yes, please do. I would be more than willing to help, if you are in my area. And with the kind members we have here, i'm sure you can be on the road to sewing again.

Some of the older machines actually have a nicer straight stitch than some of the electronic ones.

Some beautiful quilts have been completely sewn by hand.

I think either Jinny Beyer or Judie Mathison (spelling?) make many of their quilts by hand.

It is upsetting for a trusted piece of equipment to fail, but newer and more expensive isn't always the answer.