Taking Chances!

I've been sewing my bears with a little Singer Featherweight for many years now and I love it so much that I hate to turn it over to the experts to have it cleaned, tuned and oiled.  I do the best I can myself by following the instruction booklet but I feel better when I allow the pros to do it at least once every year or so.   I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a "good deal" on another so I can continue to sew while my machine is off being taken care of professionally.   Such a "good deal" happened a few weeks ago!  While checking ebay I came across a "for parts" Featherweight.  I looked at the pictures and it looked like a perfectly good machine to me, so I read the description.  The person said they didn't know anything about sewing machines and went on to explain what happened when they plugged it in and tried to sew with it.  After reading the description, I thought it simply sounded like a loose belt.  So, I bid and won the little treasure for $110 and $17 shipping.   It came via UPS within a week and sure enough, the was belt was loose.   I tightened it up and gave it a whirl.  It worked like a charm!  I was thrilled!  I decided to take it to the professionals to have them do a "once over" and make sure all was a.o.k.   They put in a new light, tuned, oiled and cleaned the machine for $72.    So, now I have a beautiful little "back-up" for less than $200 (machine, shipping and professional tune up came to $199  ;O).   I couldn't be happier with my new little treasure and next week, I'll let go of my trusty friend and allow her to get the once over by the pros and I'll still be able to sew on my new little friend!   Here's to taking chances!  xoxo,  Janice