Thank you so much for your helpful articles! It was most interesting to see that video showing the thread running across the surface of the bobbin case. And I'll be using the "needle up/down" button in a new way now!
I finally figured it out why I would get these “nests” via trial and error. It happens on my Viking every now and then, I’m not sure why. I figure it is “operatoritis” 😂 but now that I know the cause, it has reduced my frustration level nearly 100%
I learned a long time ago to keep the manual handy and if there’s weird shenanigans, inspect the entire thread path, then check against the manual. Always find some dumb thing. This one included.
Course, I had no idea there were shops with people who fixed machines, either.
I was experienced with sewing (many decades, actually) had my machine for a number of years. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, I’d sew some times barely 1/2” and other times I would be able to almost complete the seam but sooner or later there were the nests.
I’d have to pull out all of the thread from the bobbin area and reread the machine, and it was so again for about an inch, and there would be the nests again.
I took it to my local Viking dealer, who assured me I was just not threading it correctly. So I threaded it in front of her and she confirmed I had threaded it correctly. I sewed a short seam and it was perfect.
Took home. Same problem. Took it back to the shop. They weren’t much interest in my problem. Just continue to tell me I wasn’t threading it correctly. Once again, I threaded it in front of them. Once again, if so, just fine took my machine home.
It was just by chance, while I was sewing, that I saw the thread flip off the uptake lever all on its own. Back the machine went to the shop. I explained this so the machine was sent out and the repair facility was able to make some adjustments and it has not happened again.
Moral of the story. Don’t tell an experience seamstress, especially if she’s had her particular machine for a long time, and had thus far, used it without problems, that she doesn’t know how to thread a machine.
Hi JR. Seems like a lot of money in my opinion. $500 for a machine that is quite old at this point. Really difficult to get replacement parts. If it doesn't work, you might have to throw another $100-200 to get it in working condition. Now we are in the ballpark of a pre-owned or new Juki TL-2010 (if you're on the lookout for a truly heavy duty machine). But I am not a vintage machine aficionado. Somebody who is might think it's worth it.
Thanks - it seems like it's mostly for heavier fabric work, straight stitch only? Was just curious, spotted it at an estate sale, they claim it was serviced and works. And not budging on price, looks like they shopped eBay before setting it. I don't sew a lot, mostly repairs, am very happy with my Bernina 801, just repaired a down comforter, so good to have for things like that.
Thank you so much for your helpful articles! It was most interesting to see that video showing the thread running across the surface of the bobbin case. And I'll be using the "needle up/down" button in a new way now!
I really enjoy your newsletters! I’ve learned so much! I’m very mechanical so follow to add to my experience!
I finally figured it out why I would get these “nests” via trial and error. It happens on my Viking every now and then, I’m not sure why. I figure it is “operatoritis” 😂 but now that I know the cause, it has reduced my frustration level nearly 100%
I learned a long time ago to keep the manual handy and if there’s weird shenanigans, inspect the entire thread path, then check against the manual. Always find some dumb thing. This one included.
Course, I had no idea there were shops with people who fixed machines, either.
I was experienced with sewing (many decades, actually) had my machine for a number of years. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, I’d sew some times barely 1/2” and other times I would be able to almost complete the seam but sooner or later there were the nests.
I’d have to pull out all of the thread from the bobbin area and reread the machine, and it was so again for about an inch, and there would be the nests again.
I took it to my local Viking dealer, who assured me I was just not threading it correctly. So I threaded it in front of her and she confirmed I had threaded it correctly. I sewed a short seam and it was perfect.
Took home. Same problem. Took it back to the shop. They weren’t much interest in my problem. Just continue to tell me I wasn’t threading it correctly. Once again, I threaded it in front of them. Once again, if so, just fine took my machine home.
It was just by chance, while I was sewing, that I saw the thread flip off the uptake lever all on its own. Back the machine went to the shop. I explained this so the machine was sent out and the repair facility was able to make some adjustments and it has not happened again.
Moral of the story. Don’t tell an experience seamstress, especially if she’s had her particular machine for a long time, and had thus far, used it without problems, that she doesn’t know how to thread a machine.
Pfaff 130 (vintage) they're asking $500 - worth it? Appearance looks good. Wish I could share a pic.
Hi JR. Seems like a lot of money in my opinion. $500 for a machine that is quite old at this point. Really difficult to get replacement parts. If it doesn't work, you might have to throw another $100-200 to get it in working condition. Now we are in the ballpark of a pre-owned or new Juki TL-2010 (if you're on the lookout for a truly heavy duty machine). But I am not a vintage machine aficionado. Somebody who is might think it's worth it.
Thanks - it seems like it's mostly for heavier fabric work, straight stitch only? Was just curious, spotted it at an estate sale, they claim it was serviced and works. And not budging on price, looks like they shopped eBay before setting it. I don't sew a lot, mostly repairs, am very happy with my Bernina 801, just repaired a down comforter, so good to have for things like that.