Monday, May 7, 2012

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

20 comments:

  1. Woohoo! What a find! So glad you found a "new" little sweetie and rescued her and that now she'll be back in service while your trusty gal is being pampered. As one of my FB friends said (I'm paraphrasing): You can't stop with just one! :o)

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    1. LOL, Debora! I think I'm done now ... just needed that back-up!

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  2. Hi Janice,
    What a find. I'm sure the little machine is thrilled to be coming to live with you. He makes me think of the tin man in the Wizard of OZ.A little oil and belt tightening, then as good as new.
    Hugs

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    1. LOL, Kay! Yes, I think I'll call this one my "Tin man"! xoxo

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  3. Absolute bargain! I think if I didn't still have Baby Brother, I'd get irrationally nervous sending Big Brother away for his annual service (which is free for the first 5 years from the shop I got it from, including them sending couriers to get it)

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    1. I imagine the couriers don't know what they are dealing with when they cart Big Brother away! Isn't it funny how we become almost paralyzed when we have to do without our sewing machines?!!!

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  4. Wow!wow!Wow! that is all I can say. What a find, you lucky, lucky lady.

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    1. You should have seen me after tightening up the belt and giving it a go. Watching it sew like a champ brought on a happy dance right in the middle of the kitchen! LOL!

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  5. Such a cute machine. Love e look :-)
    Im still learning n trying to ve more confident with my "Singer" machine. Have been hand sewing all my bears for 15 years so is a little hard to switch over to a sewing machine.

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    1. Oh Esther, I don't know what type of Singer machine you have but once you use a Featherweight, you won't be able to live without it! They are so simple and steadfast and make the tiniest, tightest little stitches. Perfect for bearmaking! Though hand sewing has always been very therapeutic for me, too! xoxo, Janice

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  6. it looks fantastic, i like hearing the sound of stitching on old sewing machine.
    but seems very heavy for me to take this tin man for annual checking service.
    i choose Janome for some crafty projects these years, looking for a change, should i go to classy ones like this or the advance PFAFF...

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    1. You have a lovely machine, Susana. The Janome is superb. For my crafting projects that require art type stitching, I use a Brother but I think the advance Pfaff is a wonderful machine. For my bears, I only use the Singer Featherweight. They are very light weight and small and easy to carry. They only make a straight stitch but they do it better than any other machine which makes them perfect for sewing bears. Good luck in choosing your next machine! Hugs, Janice

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  7. Congrats on Scoring a Treasure that you can utilize for your Creations! I always get excited when I come across beautiful vintage fabrics to make my Creations with. Alas, I have never been good with sewing machines and so I still do all my sewing by hand, which is very Zen, but with arthritis it can be challenging and I don't do as many pieces anymore.

    Thanks for stopping by for a visit... yes, I had a blast playing Dress Up at my Friend's Shop, she is such a prolific and amazing Artist and Stylist, she totally 'gets' my Style preferences since we are very much alike in what we adore and wear.

    Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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    1. Thanks, Dawn! I know what you mean about hand sewing - I love that, as well. Sorry to hear about your arthritis - you may want to check out a Featherweight as they are so simple to use and that way you would be able to continue sewing! Hugs, Janice

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  8. Janice, thanks for stopping by my Blog for a visit.
    So glad that you were able to make it out for your 1st visit to the new Brass Armadillo West and enjoyed it so much. Yes, it has certainly filled up quickly in a very short time, I think the location & positive energy there has a lot to do with the success, I am certainly enjoying it and doing well with my Booth. There are a lot of first time Vendors like myself where it is a new experience. I had been timid about renting a space in a down economy, but I'm so glad I stepped out and finally did something I have been meaning and wanting to do for a very long time and just decide to enjoy the experience thoroughly and have fun with it. Creating and Junquing are my Passions so I might as well make some money at it, right? *Winks*

    Blessings & Happy Mother's Day... Dawn... The Bohemian

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    1. We really did enjoy it, Dawn! That's the best that you are doing what you love and making a bit of money while you do it! I wish you all the best <3 Happy Mother's Day! Hugs, Janice

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  9. How lucky you were able to fix it so easily!!! Congratulations on your wonderful find! :)

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Thank you ever so much for taking the time to comment. xxxx