Hanging my head in shame.
 

I just had WLS surgery a couple weeks ago and decided that I should take my sewing machine to repair man, as it was acting up, and didn't feel up to sewing. Well when I picked it up, he showed me ALL the lint that was in that machine. He said I should bring a well used machine every year. It had been a looooong time since I had it cleaned. Oh shame on me. It sure works good now.....Let this be a lesson.

Ooooh, thanks for the reminder. Hope your surgery is a big success.

my daughter had gastric bypass 2 1/2 years ago...hardest thing she has ever done but she is so glad she did it!! for me, on the outside looking in, it has been hard too. good luck and follow your Dr.s orders!!!!

if you make it a habit to clean out your machine yourself between every 2 bobbin changes and between projects you can avoid costly repairs & cleaning bills-
you can purchase a vacuum attachment kit that has all the tools you need to keep your machine running happily along-
the attachments connect to your vacuum hose- they are available at Clotilde's, Nancy's Notions, Keepsake quilting, Hobby Lobby, Connecting Threads and many computer stores- cost between $15 & $25---well worth it to not have to pay for someone else to clean your machine lint-
you should clean under the bobbin area at least every 2nd bobbin change (more often if using flannels or other linty fabrics) and between projects-check your machine manual to see if you should also be oiling your machine on a regular schedule- some machines need it (as often as every 8 hours of sewing time) some have (enclosed systems) and do not- but cleaning should be a regular maintenance task at least between projects.

I pop off the cover of the feed dogs at every bobbin change and use a small paint brush to get out the lint. I am amazed at the lint and thread pieces I find.

It really is amazing how much can collect and in a short period of time. I know you will be cleaning more often!

Ugh. I hate those types of moments. Congratulations on taking the step to improve our lifestyle. Wish there was something for needing to lose 20-25 lbs! Working a job where you sit all day has taken a toll on myself!

Funny you should post this now, finally earlier today I cleaned out my machine. MSQC has a tutorial that I followed, plus I got to a few different places. The lint was unbelievable. When I was down with knee surgery in February I took it in to be cleaned and serviced. I can't believe all the lint, dust and thread that accumulated since then. I'm determined to clean it at least every month, it was no big deal. I haven't used my machine yet since I cleaned it, but will be interested to see if it runs better now!

Best wishes for your surgery/recovery!

I finally learned to clean the bobbin area frequently because the bottom stitch goes loose otherwise.

Please don't be ashamed. when I bought my latest machine about 9 years ago, the dealer never told me one thing about cleaning out under the bobbin case. After I moved here and began sewing so much more, it began to make a clunky sound so I took it here to be serviced. That is when they told me that it was crammed full of lint and showed me how to clean it out. I can tell by the sound now when it needs it but I do it at least every 3rd or 4th bobbin change. I still get it serviced every 18 months or so just for good measure but just cleaning it out helps a bunch. Like I said, someone just needed to tell you.