Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6-7



Friday, January 09, 2015

Just a slight crisis


I guess that's a bit of an oxymoron isn't it? There is no "slight" crisis, but I am in a jam, and it's rather urgent.

I mentioned to you that my sewing machine died right before Christmas. I heard from the repairman today and he said there is something "big" (my word not his) wrong with the computer board or circuit board (something along those lines, but he was pretty much speaking Greek to me).

I don't know who thought it would be a good idea to put computers in sewing machines, but he should be shot (it had to be a "he," right? No woman would do such a thing).

The repairman said the machine should be under warranty (it's about 15 months old), and could be shipped to Indiana for repair, but when I went to the dungeon to fetch the box, on which I had so diligently taped the receipt, I found the box had been re-purposed by my husband and the receipt was gone (breathe --big fat groan here, and maybe some bad words).

So, I think know I'm in the market for a machine, as I have 48 yards of fabric in my basement waiting to become eight bridesmaids dresses for a wedding in just over five months.

(Panic! Whose dumb idea was it to volunteer for this job? Another example of no good deed going unpunished!). 

I'd love to have a real war horse, but I can't afford a thousand dollar machine. Any suggestions for a good, reliable machine (nothing fancy necessary) that is affordable (under $400)?

Added: any readers have this Janome model?




14 comments:

  1. I really love my Husqvarna Lily, but it's several years old and I doubt they make it any more.

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  2. That's a name I hadn't heard. The shop closest to me deals with Janome and Brother almost exclusively and I checked out the one I linked to today. I picked up the broken machine, and they graciously didn't charge me for looking at it. They encouraged me to try to use my warranty, which was kind because they easily could have sold me a new machine. They even offered to give me a loaner if I can use my warranty and ship my machine to Indiana for repairs. I now have to fight with Sears to see if they can give a receipt from 2013.

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    1. A lot of times there will be a small Husqvarna store within JoAnn's stores. It's Husqvarna Viking.

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  3. I would ask about used machines. When I purchased my new machine, I was asked about teeing in my old. Another option to save expense of new.

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    1. Thanks, Suzie, I will, but because the man who repairs for them can't repair this one I don't have much hope that they'd want it! That's what I get for making a quick decision when I bought it.:-/

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  4. Sears may be able to easily search for your purchase and print a receipt (or at least a record of it) if you used a credit and/or membership card.

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    1. Well, just got off the phone with Sears, Mary, and they save receipts in their system for only six months. Bummer. My last resort is to tear the dungeon apart to see if it got shoved behind or under another box. Wish me luck!

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  5. Ah, good luck. Every time you mentioned your problems with the machine recently, I cringed, thinking of The Dresses!

    I have a really basic, 25 yo New Home which is Janome, now, I believe. It has been great, only repaired once. I know Janome is an excellent brand. I think Elizabeth Foss had a discussion a few years ago about machines when she started sewing.

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    1. You're telling me, sister. Just thinking about the dresses lined up and no machine makes my heart race. If I hadn't bought all the dang fabric I'd just throw up my hands.

      Janomes ARE good. They have some that are thousands (like six thousand) of dollars. I don't want anything elaborate and I'd really rather have one without a computer. And a lot, a lot less money.

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  6. My mom and best friend both have that exact Janome and love it. In fact, between the 3 of us, we own 5 Janome machines and have always been very happy with the quality.

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  7. I'm so sorry! That is a serious crisis.

    I have an Elna, which I think is associated with Janome. I paid extra for it. My mother has had Bernina for years and loved it, but like you said, you need a shop to support you.

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  8. I don't have any suggestions, I'm sorry, but I will throw up a handful of prayers!!

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  9. I have Brother from the cheaper end of the spectrum and I wouldn't recommend them as mine has given me all kinds of tension issues. I primarily use a 1970's Pfaff that my mother-in-law gave to me and it never gives me trouble. My mother's machine is a Husqvarna that's about 12 years old and that one is also wonderful.
    Also, if you used a credit card to buy your machine they may have it covered under a secondary warranty.

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  10. Oh, no! I hope you are able to find the receipt or at least contact the manufacturer and see what options are available. I have a very basic Bernina - virtuoso 153- and love it. No too many bells or whistles on it. You could see if there are any local quilt shops or guilds in your area and see if they have members selling machines, especially post holiday. When in doubt, implore St. Anne and St. Claire - good luck.

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I appreciate your comments -- sometimes I feel like I'm talking to myself!