Friday, November 30, 2012

Fussy Fairytales update

Thanks for your patience with my minor blog makeover.  This may be a work in progress!  You'll notice that I changed my blog name, though for now the URL remains unchanged.

On Wednesday I showed the stack of fabrics for the backing of the Fussy Fairytales quilt I'm making for my little friend Eva.  Now I can show you a partial photo of the completed backing.  


I'm feeling like I may need to take my machine in for a service soon.  It's been almost a year since I bought it, and have used it a LOT, so it's probably about time for a service but still - I don't look forward to being without my machine!  I'm experiencing skipped stitches, which started out sometimes when sewing multiple thick layers (like when making the passport wallets), but yesterday I was noticing it a few times when simply seaming two layers of quilting cotton together.  Seems a bit random, like every once in a while it doesn't manage to pick up the bobbin thread.  Hmmmm.  My saleslady thinks it may be a fine timing issue.  So I'm curious, do you take your machine in for service?  How often?  Only when there's an issue?

11 comments:

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

Your new header looks great! When you change your url, will people need to re-add you to their google reader or will we still be followers?

I have gotten mine serviced before, but the price has gone from $79 to $149, so I haven't taken it in for a few years and I sew on average 2 hours a day. I learned how to oil my machine myself, which I do about once or twice a month, whenver I am cleaning out all the lint really well with compressed air and a paintbrush. I also change the needle about 1 or 2 times a week. Since I use spray basting I need to change it out pretty frequently. I would definitely take it in if I was experiencing troubles. What brand machine do you have?

Adrianne @ On the Windy Side said...

Love the new header :-) I take my machine in to be serviced once a year, whether it is having problems or not. I use my mum's old bernina from 1988, and it runs beautifully (most of the time), I think because she had it serviced religiously every year for its whole life. I was very sad when it was in for servicing for a week, and I had to go use mum's new machine. Could you prep a whole lot of binding or something so you have something to hand stitch while your machine is out of action?

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

I have had my machine for nearly 18 months and I'm taking it to be serviced this week - mine actually has an indicator when it needs a service - every 2 000 000 stitches! Can't believe I've done that many so quickly! But I would like to do it every 12 months or so I think. I'm looking forward to seeing how differently it runs after the service.

Love the new header!

Milly said...

Old/blunt needles can often cause problems, I swap a new one in every week usually. Sometimes more often if I can feel that it's blunt, I made an amy butler weekender bag recently and went through about 8 needles! i take my machine in for a service twice a year (I sew for around 20 hours a week). I usually try to time it for when I am going to be away, or am busy with other stuff or have other hand sewing to do.

Debbie said...

oh you caught me off guard with your new header there! ;-) Have fun tweaking things. And yes, I take my machine in no matter what every year - I actually bought a maintenance contract, so I might as well get my money's worth!

Unknown said...

I have my machine cleaned about once a year. :) They also check the timing and other "stuff" while it's in the shop.

LuLu said...

I have needed to take my sewing machine in for some time now but I have been sewing through it, UG! I have been having similar troubles. I guess it's time. Isn't it horrible to think of being without it??? Okay, you convinced me. I'm gonna buckle down and do it!

mle said...

Yeah, I would agree with the others, take your machine in at least once a year if you are a heavy user. Also, a new needle solves a multitude of stitch problems so make sure you change it often! Elizabeth of Oh Fransson said she changes hers every time she starts a new project.

CJ said...

I do NOT like taking my machine in as the place is 1.5 hours from here! I try to schedule that I can drop it off in the morning and get it back the same day for that reason. I don't take it often for that reason. My buttonholer will not work so I'm afraid...

Chelsea said...

I love what you're doing with the blog Heather!

I'm a bit of a freak, I've never had my machine serviced! Um, and I bought it in 95 or so. And I go months without changing needles. I guess I just lucked out with my machine.

Jenelle said...

I'm actually just like Chelsea. I've never had my machine serviced (also purchased it in the late 90s). Mine is all mechanical though, so if I oil it and remove the lint it seems to be pretty happy. Servicing is so expensive, but I might need to do it soon.