My sewing machine saga-conclusion

This past weekend I met with some close friends that I had not seen in a while. They have followed my blog and asked about the outcome of my sewing machine saga. I guess I left a few people curious  about what was happening.

Well, things went from  bad to worse. I received my beautiful Laura Ashley Limited Edition Brother sewing machine and I was in sewing heaven!

I sewed for two entire weeks before the motor conked out. Once again I was without a sewing machine! I frantically called Brother only to be placed on hold and routed through several people before I found out I was speaking with the wrong department. By the time I was able to reach the correct department the office was closed.  Needless to say this was a Friday afternoon. In complete desperation, I contacted an authorized dealer in a nearby town . They suggested I bring it into the shop for a look see.

Saturday morning Thommmee and I took another road trip with this new machine and made the 20 minute drive to the sewing machine center.

They listened to the burned out motor for just a few minutes before suggesting that I should get a refund if possible. Although I had read many excellent reviews on this machine, I must have received a lemon.

I had purchased my machine from Amazon so checked their return policy and yea…I could return it within a 30 day period.

I came home, printed a shipping label and impatiently waited for Monday morning so I could send it back. Now don’t get me wrong. It was an absolutely lovely machine with many wonderful features but back it must go. About that time I decided I would purchase locally (at Moore’s,  the shop that had assisted me) so that if I had any further questions or problems I would be able to return it or have it repaired with less hassle. Another bonus is that they offer free sewing classes on my machine and the use of attachments which some have remained a mystery to me.

I knew that I would not feel right about spending more money until I got my refund. I was discouraged to think I would again be without a sewing machine for an extended period of time.  Monday morning rolled around and I headed to UPS. They took it,  handed me a receipt, and home I went home  to sulk.

Surprise to me, within 2 hours I received a notification from Amazon that since my machine was in transit they would begin processing my refund! I was shocked (and thrilled). I had not idea that in this age of technology that simply a computerized tracking of my return could be handled so quickly. Where have I been???

Within 3 days our refund was complete. About a week after I received  conformation that Amazon had received the machine and would begin processing my refund. Huh? I already had my refund!  Oh well, either way I was happy, Thommmee was happy and I was now in  the market for a new machine. As it would happen there was a craft and sewing fair being help at the nearby LA County  Fairgrounds.  Often the dealers and vendors have specials at these fairs so Thommmee and  I headed over bright and early on the first day of the event.

We made a beeline to the Moore’s Sewing Machine Center booth and began looking at machines. It did not take me long to zero in on a Brother Project Runway Limited Edition (that was slightly over my budget).

Thommmee took a look at the machine, at me, and the nice machine and ….said we’ll take it!! He then asked them to hold the machine so we could wander around the fair. What a great morning! We shopped the vendors, I looked my little heart our, and even purchased a few items here and there.  After a few hours we picked up the machine and headed home. I couldn’t wait to get started.

Well, I have had my head down just sewing along for the past few weeks…

…until last weekend when  I looked up long enough to get together with my friends  for our annual reunion.

(another story for another day)

I realized I have been so engrossed with my sewing I have not been dusting,  cleaning, or blogging !!

If it sounds like I am a walking advertisement for some the products and services I received, I guess it is only fair to give credit where credit is due!

Lastly, let me say, I love my new machine. If you are in the market for a new sewing machine this is a great choice! I am very happy. Until next time…..back to sewing now!

My sewing machine saga continued

Thommmee bought me a beautiful vintage sewing machine this week.

I have recently been obsessed with sewing machines while I try to decide what I am going to do about my machine. These old machines are quite something. I remember my mom had something very similar.

When researching this machine, I found that there is a wealth of information about these classics on the internet. There is a large blog community, a Facebook page, and multiple websites to help you date, clean, repair, fix, use, collect, and anything else you can think of on these old machines.  Although it does not seem most of them are worth a great deal of money, I feel fairly confident that Thommmee’s $20 was well spent.

While I can appreciate the beauty of this machine, I don’t plan to keep it.  First, my machine does not seem to have a long future before her. After taking her to the sewing machine center, I found out that it will cost $169 to repair. I only paid $149 for her new (well, refurbished) 4 1/2 years ago. They were able to get her running again while in the store, but she still conks out after a while.  I have to baby her along so I know her days are numbered.

Secondly, I have a rather small sewing room (at least I have a room so I am very grateful for that)! I just do not have enough space to justify keeping it.  While at the store I  discovered I really need three machines to make the type of projects I am interested creating!  I need my basic sewing machine…

…one for embroidery…

…and a serger .

  I actually came away feeling like I stepped into a new world of possibilities.  I am a bit embarrassed to admit that some of technology was new to me. Yes, I have been sewing for many years,  have been to quilting shows and craft fairs but did not spend much time looking at these fancy machines. I guess I thought they were a bit beyond me for some reason. I had no idea what could be done with these fabulous machines! I immediately came home and added each of these machines to my wish list.  The salesperson was very informative. She helped by showing me which machines would work best for my needs.

I first must take care of my immediate problem. That, of course, is my  workhorse sewing machine…the one that will do the majority of the work and day-to-day stitching.

Sooooooo…after many hours of research I made a decision.

This is the sewing machine I finally decided upon.

Now all I have to do is be patient  until it is delivered!!

Sew On!

Tomorrow I  must make a decision regarding my good friend.

My sewing machine.

I have worked this machine hard.

I have stitched, zig zagged, zipped, and zapped and now it needs a good tune up…..

or maybe it is time to be replaced.

I called a local service center and tomorrow I am taking this trusty machine in for a look-see. She says there is a good trade-in credit given if I decide to buy a new machine…

Time to upgrade?

…or possibly it may just need some adjustments.

Either way, I  feel a bit lost as I packed up today…

…in preparation for a short road trip tomorrow.

Maybe they don’t make them like they used to.

Maybe I really want a new fancy machine.

I like bells and whistles.

I like to save money.

Can I made a sensible decision??

One thing is for certain….

I will keep on sewing!