The sewing machine

**The Wizard of BC** · 18th March 08, 10:49 PM

OK, calm down, take a deep breath. If the motor is still turning and the needle still goes up and down, nothing is too broken that it can't be fixed.

If you will PM me with a phone no. and let me know when would be a good time to call, I will try to talk you through some of your problems.

Also, if you have Skype I have a web cam and can try to show you what I'm talking about as we go along. If you have a cam also we can do an FK school of sewing machine repair, (extension campus).

**The Wizard of BC** · 19th March 08, 12:05 AM

Hey, I found you a manual for your machine.

look at http://www.sew4less.com/product_deta...?ProductID=523

New Home/Janome model 571R Prod. no. 523

$14.95 usd

over the web or call toll free (866)739-4537 8am till 5pm CST

**berserkbishop** · 19th March 08, 01:21 AM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

Hey, I found you a manual for your machine.

look at http://www.sew4less.com/product_deta...?ProductID=523

New Home/Janome model 571R Prod. no. 523

$14.95 usd

over the web or call toll free (866)739-4537 8am till 5pm CST

Wahoo! Finally, I had looked everywhere. Thanks Steve, I just ordered it. Lets post-pone our phone conference until it gets here. With a manual I think I can clear up a lot of the problems.

BB

**Tahshar** · 19th March 08, 03:18 PM

Okay, a couple of things which I hope will help, I know they are so basic that in a week you will do them automatically, but.. you have to start the habits correctly or face a very rough time. I was a lost cause until I found that "old guy" who had been at it forever and my "new" 1954 Kenmore machine.

First, get the chart and make sure you have the thing threaded correctly. Check the thread path when you start and stop, some machines are better at keeping it where it belongs than others.

Second, always use your hand to start the flywheel moving. This avoids the "jackrabbit" starts which occur when the motor has to start the motion. Remember to hand position the needle to the top before starting each new stitch so that the machine is consistently working in full cycles.

Third, inspite of advice otherwise, invest in two types of specialty needles "leather" needles <wierd looking cutting point on them> and "denim" or "jeans" needles <very sharp with a long taper for many layers of heavy fabric>. Some folks may tell you that "universal" or "heavy duty" needles will work, I found the specialty ones worked a LOT better.

Lastly, practice, play, practice some more, and then some more. The more time you spend making consistantly perfect stitches.. the better. Thomas Eddison tried over 2000 times to make the light bulb before he got it right.
He discovered over 2000 ways NOT to do it. All he needed was ONE right way. Hope this helps, keep at it and PM me if I can help in any way.

Best of luck with it.

**Alan H** · 20th March 08, 10:10 AM

I learned something a long time ago about sewing with a machine.

When it's working, the work goes fast. Oh, you can sew MILES of seams in no time at all with a working machine.

But the minute something goes wrong....you bust a needle or the tension gets off, you will sit there for an hour and get nothing done at all....

I think it's universal.

**Mark Keeney** · 22nd March 08, 02:29 PM

Take it to any of the colleges in Springfield and get help. Possibly you might get some private lessons on your machine.

I had problems with my bobbin it would make a birds nest and break needles and all it needed was cleaning and the timing belt adjusted. The repairman told me to use good thread not the cheap bargain thread (too much stretch) and a new needle for every new project. I do and I have never had any problems again.

**berserkbishop** · 1st April 08, 11:25 PM

I stepped foot for the first time in a fabric store today :gulp:. It wasnt that bad but I felt a little out of place. I picked up some felt-ish fabric for making a hat out of as a first project, some decent multipurpose thread, and some new bobbins for Janome/New Home machines. I went home and tried everything out. The machine is sewing pretty consistently and making tight stitches now. FINALLY!

Thanks to everyone for the advice and special thanks to Steve Ashton for hooking me up with the link for that manual. It was a godsend.

BB

**cacunn** · 2nd April 08, 04:43 AM

BB
Remember the people at the fabric shop are your friends. Most have many years of sewing experience and want to help. The better you sew the more they can sell. Walk in kilted find the prettiest young thang and ask her the questions. Who knows there could be private sewing classes in the future, ah the power of the kilt.

**Alan H** · 2nd April 08, 10:09 AM

I'm used to going into fabric stores, now, but I have to say that I DID feel a bit odd purchasing the screaming pink material for Panache's joke kilt.

**berserkbishop** · 2nd April 08, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by Alan H

I'm used to going into fabric stores, now, but I have to say that I DID feel a bit odd purchasing the screaming pink material for Panache's joke kilt.

LOL I imagine.

As for finding a pretty gal. . . . well they all were in dour moods yesterday despite my best attempts at charm. This was sans kilt though, maybe that is what was missing.

BB