Show your sewing machine some love

January 5, 2026

A new year is here. Before getting started on your winter sewing projects, give your sewing machine a little attention. It’ll make your stitching time during the cold winter months a lot more pleasant.

Step 1:
Give your machine a mini-facial: clean out the dust bunnies under the needle plate, add oil where needed, install a new needle and give it a good wipe down.

Step 2:
Locate your sewing machine manual. If you can’t find it, check the support section on the manufacturer’s website or check Pocono Sew & Vac’s website to see if there’s a link to a free download for your machine. Print a copy and place it in a 3 prong plastic folder to keep with your machine. Also save the downloaded file somewhere in the cloud, so you can have access to it in case you forget/lose your printed copy.

Step 3:
Record your sewing machine’s basic stats on a sticky note and keep it with your machine manual:
Model and serial number
Modern machines? on a sticker near the power switch or on the back of the machine.
Vintage machines? may be stamped underneath or on a metal plate on the machine bed.
Shank: low, high or slant?
Max stitch width: 5 mm, 7 mm, or 9 mm?
Bobbin size and type: Class 15, Class 66, specialty brand (Elna, Viking, Pfaff, Bernina)? Metal or plastic?
Snap on feet: center needle or slightly offset left? (Janome made top loading machines use snap on feet where the connecting bar is offset to the left. This means some of the feet in the big accessory packs sold on Amazon may not work.)

Step 4:
Go through all of your sewing machine feet and bobbins. Make sure only the ones that work with that particular sewing machine are in the accessory box. Refer to your manual and info recorded in Step 3. Missing any feet? Time to visit your local sewing machine shop or order online.

Step 5:
Protect your sewing machine. Make or buy a cover to keep the dust out. Plug it into a surge protected power strip. If you take your machine to classes, sew days and retreats, buy a case/padded bag to safeguard your machine during transport. Sure, the designer trolley bags are pretty, but there are plenty of other budget-friendly options out there as well.

A common question: Do I need to take my machine in for service every year?
The answer is YES, if one of the following applies:
1. Your machine is under a warranty or has a service contract.
2. You spent megabucks on your sewing machine within the past 5 years.

Otherwise, the answer is NO. Every other year is generally fine as long as your machine is operating normally.

Keep in mind that the cost of a routine service is now $150.00 per machine. Depending on your particular model and age of machine, it might be worth buying a new machine instead of taking it in for service & repair. Only you can make that decision. Me? If it’s one from the big box store, I’d probably replace it. If has sentimental value and I plan to hang onto it, I’d definitely get it serviced at least once.

Psst: If you like to DIY, it’s very easy to learn how to service (and make simple repairs) vintage sewing machines and many mechanical machines.

Photo by FOX on Pexels.com

New Year’s Day Stitching Fun

January 2, 2026

Today, I joined 1500+ other quilters in the Stitchin’ Heaven New Year’s Day Livestream mystery quilt-a-long. This has become a NYD tradition for me. There’s no charge to participate and the quilt shop gives away some really good prizes every 45 minutes or so. Today’s prizes were electronic gift cards with values ranging from $50 to $250.

How does it work? A cutting guide and Team Rob/Team Tiffany fabric selections are released a few weeks ahead of time in their FB group. You can order a laser cut kit in your choice of those 2 colorways or use fabrics from your stash. I opt to pull from my stash. During the livestream, each block is broken down into units. The hosts usually demo a couple of different techniques and show the audience how to use new notions. I precut enough fabric to make 2 blocks and go from there. There’s a 30 minute lunch break built into the schedule and a soup recipe is shared ahead of time. (Hint: I buy a ready made version at the grocery store).

Ready for the Stitchin’ Heaven New Year’s Day Live sew along
One of each block made during the livestream.
More blocks cut and ready to assemble at tomorrow’s sew day at the library.

In the past, I’ve made the blocks in a patriotic colorway (go Team Rob), which were turned into placemats to donate to Meals on Wheels. This year, Team Rob chose a colorway that I really, really liked! I mimicked the colors as closely as I could, using fabrics from my stash. Once I saw the final quilt reveal, I knew I wanted to make a 3×3 block layout with borders (finished size: 48″ square). I actually have enough fabric to make the 9 blocks and borders! Haven’t decided if this will be a donation quilt or a Sadie quilt. We’ll let her decide!

This year, my husband was actually home on New Year’s Day. Normally, he’s out helping with a community service project or away on an active operation with Team Rubicon. He thoroughly enjoyed being able to watch college football uninterrupted today. 🙂

A TV for my sewing space is on the to-do list for 2026. Perhaps, I’ll be able to host a small group here to join in next year. We shall see.