I have been So frustrated that I haven't blogged or sewed much in the last 3 weeks. Where we left off was after I had ordered a new bobbin case, having decided that this was the cause of my thread breaking problems. I got the new case and was so happy about it. Then I looked at both cases together and they looked identical so I wasn't so happy any more about solving my problem so easily. Then it got worse. I put the new case in the machine and it turns out is was ever so slightly a tiny bit bigger than the existing case and didn't even let the thread under the thingies that held it in place. I played with it for ages, putting in the old one and watching how the threads moved and putting in the new one and watching how they got stuck.
I finally decided that I would eventually take the new case back as unfit for the purpose and started to sew again with the old case. Aaargh! Now the thread breaks even more often. I sewed two seams around an armscye today and the thread broke six times. So okay, I know something is wrong and I have to take the machine in for servicing.
My big problem is not having a car so I can't lug the machine easily to a repair person. And anyway, the last time I took the Singer in for servicing was some years ago when I had a thread tension problem but the Singer store doesn't exist any more so I don't even know where to go. I have actually contemplated taking a course on how to repair sewing machines so I can fix the wretched thing myself.
I am also thinking that I will buy an inexpensive but common brand of machine at a place like Sears so, when I Do need to take it in, I can get there easily enough, etc. I feel like I have been banging my head against the wall. And I think I feel that way because it is Just a thread breaking and I can't stand that I can't figure it out myself. Aargh again.
To add insult to injury, I am so un-enamoured with the boring grey flannel that I have been avoiding finishing it. I bought some fun purple and white stuff to make a tailored winter coat that will go to about -10C and I can't sew it because of my Rule (no new projects till the existing one is done). So blogging will be light until I make a decision about the old machine and possibly a new one.
10 comments:
OK, so this is probably a stupid suggestion, but....
Have you checked that the problem occurs with all bobbins i.e. a machine fault, rather than just with the one you're currently using i.e. a thread or bobbin fault?
I do hope you get it solved soon!
I have a Singer that breaks threads only when using the buttonholer, no other time! That's when I pull out the old machine.I say wholeheartedly get another machine to use as a backup. It doesn't have to be anything fancy and it'll keep you going!
I feel like banging my head against the wall almost everytime I use my sewing machine and this has been going on for 13+ years. I wish I could just throw it out of the window but I can't afford a new one. I hope that you find out what's wrong.
Silly question, perhaps, but would it maybe be a problem with the machine tension?
Anyway, hope you figure it out quickly.
I know the frustration you speak of. I left off of sewing for a year because of the thread breakage, tension incompetence, and general orneryness of my old machine.
Then in February of this year DH said he would like to buy me a new machine for Valentine's because he knows how much I love to sew.
I've never had a new machine before. I was so excited. After much research (actually, talking to people who love sewing to give me the pros and cons of the machines they use) and considering the budget range I settled on a Kenmore model from Sears. I love, love, love this machine!!
I forgot how much fun sewing can be!!! It is so nice to be able to sew and not have to jimmy with the machine every five minutes LOL!
As much sewing as you do, go ahead and splurge on a NEW machine. It will be SOOOOO worth it!
Sorry about your machine, Julia, but it is time to chuck it. I have had good luck with Kenmores, but a warning here, not with the lower priced models, they offer few features and often have very few stitch adjustments and are harder to use. Buy as close to top of the line as you can, whether it be Kenmore or another brand such as Viking (I have both--a Kenmore 150 stitch and a Viking #1+, which is available at good prices on eBay). Before I purchased my #1+, I read an article in Consumer's Reports that emphasized the concept that sewing on a quality machine that made sewing more enjoyable and effecient was going to be a money saver in the long run. One will sew more on a machine that is a pleasure to use.
Was wondering what had happen with your sewing, had read your comments over on A Dress A Day, so knew you were still around. I know everyone will want to tell what brand they use and what they like. If you are like me, I still could not decide. So, I just found a good sewing machine dealer that is also the main service center for the brand I ended up getting (reason being all the other sewing machine repair places still had to get parts from this dealer). I ended up with a Babylock Crafter, had 5 different button holes and didn't have a lot of stuff on it I wasn't going to use. Being able to test it and have 30 days to return is what sold it. Also, my serger (which is 19 years old) is a Babylock and has been very good to me (did finally break something on it and the sewing machine place just charged me for the part and fixed it for while I waited, what'a good sewing machine dealer). Good luck......
Oh no, how frustrating! I think I would do the same thing you did and start on another project. I sure hope you get your machine fixed soon...either that or a brand new one.
I think debby has the right idea. Go to a repair shop/dealer and test drive some machines. I have a Bernina and I love it. It has the features I need, but no embroidery stuff that I don't use anyway. I wish you were closer. I have a repair man who repairs sewing machines as a side job. He retired from Singer.
Thank you ALL for your suggestions! For now, the machine is being fixed and we'll see if that satisfies me for a while. I also wanted to say welcome to new commenters! Once I get back into the swing of things and blogging more often, hopefully your visits won't be so hit and miss.
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