Tag: handmade

Sewing Machine Service

February 2, 2026

More like: what are my options now that my long-time sewing machine repairman has finally decided to retire?

Backstory: I took advantage of a great opportunity to purchase the Elna version of the Janome 9480 with ASR that I’ve been coveting for the past 18 months. A friend and fellow guild member expressed interest in purchasing my Janome 8900. I’m so happy about the 8900 going to a new home! Now to get it ready.

Today, I took the machine in for service. Ashby Sewing has been my primary go-to for machine service and repair since moving to Atlanta. The business changed hands in September 2025, with the previous owners staying on to provide machine repair services and support for a set period of time. I was so happy to see the previous owners when I dropped the machine off this morning. I know the 8900 will be in good hands. I’m also aware that the previous owners will have fulfilled their obligations under the sale agreement sometime soon. I’ve not seen any apprentice techs in the shop, so I’m not sure what the new owners have planned with regard to future machine service & repair. The new owners have put a lot of effort into refreshing the store’s interior and focusing on apparel and garment sewing. The revamped sewing machine line-up also reflects this new direction. These changes definitely meet a need on the NW side – just not the type of sewing I like to do.

With input from those much wiser than me, here’s my plan for future sewing machine service & repair!

(1) Kid-use machines and anything vintage I can’t fix will go to one of the independent sewing machine techs who make monthly visits at Tiny Stitches and Stitched Gifts.

(2) Janome/Elna machines requiring dealer service will go to A-1 Sewing in Tucker or Sew Sew Studio in Bogart/Duluth. A little bit more a drive, yes, but not that big of a deal. The machines that I actually take to the dealer average 1 visit every 3 years.

Except for the Baby Lock Jubilant, all of my sewing machines are either vintage Singer or made by Janome. My goal is to have all of the modern machines made by Janome. Why? It will make CraftLAB much simpler if the machines can all use the same feet/accessories.

Good things come to those who wait

January 31, 2026

My new sewing machine WITH a stitch regulator is due to arrive mid-week. Cue the happy dance music!

This time last year, my sewing machine dealer strongly advised that I move on picking up a new machine before price increases due to tariffs went into effect. Unfortunately, that wasn’t a possibility as I’d needed to buy a replacement vehicle at the time. Over the next several months, I watched prices keep increasing with lackluster sales promotions. Dealers became even more selective on which machines they’d accept on a trade-in – if they even accepted trade-ins. I kept saving money and waited to see if a used machine came on the market or if prices return to reality. Neither happened.

I practiced FMQ on my Janome 8900. (I’ve gotten pretty good at variations of a loopy meander plus a boxy meander). I took a longarm quilting fundamentals class at a local quilt shop. This helped me realize 3 things: (1) I prefer to FMQ sitting down, (2) a stitch regulator is a game changer for me and (3) I’d still continue to send larger items out to a longarm quilter. Scheduling time to use the longarm has been a hassle due to limited availability of time slots. We’re limited to hand guided only – no computerized E2E for folks who rent time on the machines.

So when a substack article writer mentioned how his dad had negotiated a great deal on the sister version of my machine of choice, I reached out. An Elna 782 with the ASR for the same price my local Janome dealer was selling the 9480 without the ASR in December 2024. DEAL! They are the exact same machine – just a different color scheme and badging on the outside.

I’m supporting a family-owned business and got what I wanted at a really fair price.

I‘m good.

I’ll post pics once Ellie arrives, gets unboxed and set-up.

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.

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