For a whole 3 hours this afternoon...

[reynardo]

... I rediscovered my sewing machine. It might be a 20 year old little Elnita, that can't do piles of thick fabric without choking, but the little dear went through the pile of school drama costumes that I'd brought home with no signs of pain or arthritis.

This is significant because I think it must be 10 years since I touched it. I gave it a cursory clean out before starting, (and of course checked on a scrap piece of fabric), but before doing the skirt I've been meaning to make for a year, I'll give it a proper going-over. And am very tempted to send it for a service.

When I first got it, the very first thing I made was a set of kitchen curtains out of some leftover gingham. Simple, easy, a great way to practice things like blind hemming.

And the second thing I made was a corset.

And I think the last thing I made on it was my son's costume for *his* school play in Matraville, but before that it would have been the sash that my brother in law wore as a groomsman at mine and lederhosen's wedding.

Comments

[remarkable1.livejournal.com]

Oh my, so it has been awhile. If you could recommend a newer brand what would you suggest? I am thinking of buying one but it's hard to justify with my tight budget. I don't want something that will fall apart if I forget about it for oh, 10 years *grins and runs*

[reynardo.livejournal.com]

THHHHHHHPT!

Ahem. Let me tell you a cautionary tale.

When I was a little'un, my mum bought a new Bernina top-of-the-line sewing machine. It cost her about $300 (which, in 1968, could have bought you a second hand car!) and she paid an extra $25 for 25 years of engine guarantee.

So of course, after years of using it to make school uniforms and ball dresses and kid's clothes and sofa cushions and underpants for all my dolls and an entire set of two tablecloths and matching serviettes, she realises she's had it for over 25 years and the bloody engine hasn't even hiccupped!

Mind you, I don't think they're made as well as they used to be. You can bet, though, that I have plans for that machine when she doesn't want it any more ...

And the moral of this tale - if you're offered the extra warranty, take it. It'll guarantee you never need it.

[remarkable1.livejournal.com]

I find that warranties are great on certain things. Kids toys? Hell no, they will be outgrown or break anyway. A brand new top of the line laptop? Hell yes! Heeding your cautionary tale? Hell to the yes, as you are so right! And well worth it too! I am holding out for black friday online, we shall see....

[delphipsmith]

I can't remember the last time I had my sewing machine out (at the moment it's holding up Mr Psmith's black tall-toad Ren Fest hat). But it may be time to do so, since my favorite sundress is finally giving up the ghost and needs replacing...