Pain...

[blackcat001]

My Janome broke (first time in ten years). Tried the obvious fixes.. new needle, changing threads, but no. Lots of looping on the underside of the fabric and lots of noises saying "I am broken" So off to the repairman it went. I collect it on Thursday and my wallet will be nearly 190 Euros lighter..

And who was in the middle of making lots of Christmas presents when the machine broke? Why yes, that would be me.

I hope it is ok once I get it back.

[b15erk]

Oh no!!  I feel for you...

My main machine is a 30+ yr old Pfaff and I feel that I'm living on borrowed time with it.

Not a good thing to happen at any time, but Christmas... oh dear.  I take it that you don't have a back up machine?  I would happily lend you one of mine, but I fear the journey may be a tad too far...

Jessie

[snoozi soozi]

@blackcat001 this is precisely what worries me as I too, rely on my old Janome and don't have a machine waiting in the wings 

Fingers crossed all is well and that you get your projects finished on time 

[blackcat001]

@blackcat001 this is precisely what worries me as I too, rely on my old Janome and don't have a machine waiting in the wings 

Fingers crossed all is well and that you get your projects finished on time 

Thanks.

I have a back-up machine, an old Singer, but it's showing its age and can only really be relied upon for straight stitch. I certainly wouldn't use if for anything where a top-stitched finish is required. The length of stitch is just too uneven.

[wrenkins]

For anyone looking for a lightweight but great wee machine Create and Craft have their FS130QC for only £249 (for members (£200) at the minute. They have interest free credit if that's your thing and a four payment option too. I bought it at about £299 I think and it's great for running stuff up.

FS130QC

I have my 40 year old Singer on stand by! 

[blackcat001]

Got my machine back. It's running like new. quiet and smooth. Hurrah! Now I have a LOT of sewing to catch up on before Christmas!

[Nevis5]

Woohoo!  So glad it's back and working well for you x

[Sara-S]

Got my machine back. It's running like new. quiet and smooth. Hurrah! Now I have a LOT of sewing to catch up on before Christmas!

So glad your friend is back home from the sewing machine hospital! What was actually wrong with it?

[blackcat001]

So glad your friend is back home from the sewing machine hospital! What was actually wrong with it?

A thingumegubbins had broken and had to be replaced. I suspect the thingumegubbins would be a lot cheaper to buy myself but if anything had gone wrong when I replaced the thingumegubbins I would have been up the proverbial creek sans paddle. So I bit the bullet & paid the thingumegubbins-man to put it right (not cheap here in France)

[datcat23]

A thingumegubbins had broken and had to be replaced. I suspect the thingumegubbins would be a lot cheaper to buy myself but if anything had gone wrong when I replaced the thingumegubbins I would have been up the proverbial creek sans paddle. So I bit the bullet & paid the thingumegubbins-man to put it right (not cheap here in France)

The thing is, if we don't use the thingumegubbins-man to fix the minor broked things, then he won't be around for when the world ends, and the machine is in need of major surgery.  I am glad your precious baby is back with you, all fixed.   

[blackcat001]

And it's broken again. Looks like same fault...

[Ellabella]

Oh no 

Hope your little man can help again.

[blackcat001]

I may have sorted it...

I changed bobbin. Now it's working again. Close examination of bobbins showed a *tiny* difference in bobbin size/shape. The one where I had problem was ever so slightly smaller. I suspect it was a 'universal' one rather than a Janome one. Normally I am very careful about using Jamone branded stuff only. I just wonder if the problem bobbin was an ancient past purchase.

[Kad]

I have Janome machines and if you inspect the bobbins that come with a new machine, or are sold under the Janome brand, they have a letter 'J' impressed on the centre of the bobbin. It can be difficult to see but it's there. Having discovered this, I went through my accumulated collection and discarded those without the marking - no more problems.

[blackcat001]

After parting with a sniff over 200 Euros (tax added to quote I was given - live and learn), my machine is running brilliantly and I have been making up for lost time with my sewing. Finally got round to sewing something for me. Made a couple of tunic tops using fabric from my stash. I have also splashed out on some new patterns, so I can use up more stash and make some summer clothes as well as cool weather clothing.

In the local Lidl today, husband bought me a Pfaff Element 1080s, plus extension table, all for the price of 159Euros. He refers to it as my insurance policy!