I ALMOST DID NOT GET A CHANCE TO POST TODAY’S TIP
I WAS SO BUSY ALL EVENING MAKING CHOCOLATE COVERED MARSHMALLOWS. IF I GET A MINUTE TOMORROW I WILL POST A PICTURE OF THEM.

THIS IS ANOTHER TIP I RECEIVED IN AN EMAIL
I HOPE IT HELP’S YOU AS MUCH AS IT HELPED ME.

Sewing Machines Need TLC, Too!
It’s easy to take your sewing machine for granted. However, to keep your machine in tiptop shape some regular maintenance is required of you as the owner. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or a mechanical genius to provide some tender loving care to your sewing machine. Keep this checklist handy whether you sew frequently or infrequently.

Believe it or not, simple maintenance may be more important for sewing machines that spend most of their time in the closet, especially computerized sewing machines. It’s not listed, but it’s important to invest or make your own dust cover for your machine.

Dust is an enemy of any mechanical machine, including your sewing machine. If your machine is not encased in a cabinet or table, then make sure you cover the entire machine with an effective dust cover.

Standard Sewing Machines
Keep the machine manual where it can be easily found. It is full of valuable information about each machine. Manuals usually include a section on maintenance. Read it!

Some sewing machines require oiling. Check with the machine’s manual to see if this is required. To oil the machine, take the cap off the part of the machine that houses the thread guides, needle and presser foot. Use oil manufactured especially for sewing machines. Drip oil into the small, round holes in the throat plate. Turn the hand wheel to view which parts of the machine move. Oil the moving parts. Place a drop of oil on the needle bar, as well. Sewing machines should be oiled after every eight hours of use. Wipe any excess oil off the machine with a lint-free towel. Machines that are used infrequently should be oiled before each use.

When changing the light bulb in a machine, let the old bulb cool. Some machines come equipped with a light bulb sheath that fits over the bulb to loosen it. This accessory, available from fabric and notion stores, allows the bulb to be changed without waiting for it to cool.

Purchase good-quality thread. Less expensive, fuzzy thread creates lint that ends up inside the machine.

Change needles often. Dull needles can pucker seams, skip stitches or pull fabrics. Use the appropriate needle for the type of fabric you’re sewing. Dull needles also break easily. Breaking a needle can throw off your machine’s timing and can cause worse damage.

Sergers
Sergers need both cleaning and oiling. Be sure to clean the serger thoroughly using either the lint brush that comes with the machine or canned air. Serger threads are typically fuzzy. Use a soft cloth to frequently clean between the tension discs. Clean the machine several times during long sewing sessions and always at the end of every sewing session.

Replace serger blades occasionally and change needles often. Keep spare blades and needles on hand.

To oil the machine, turn the hand wheel and oil all the responding moving parts. Oil after every eight hours of use.

Questions to Ask Your Sewing Machine Dealer
Sewing machines benefit from service on a yearly basis, even if just for a maintenance check to keep the machine in good running order. It is important to know the type of service you can expect from both the manufacturer and the dealer of your machine. Before purchasing your machine, ask your dealer the following questions:
Is the dealer a factory-authorized service representative?
How long does the dealer offer free service?
Will dealers in other cities service the sewing machine in case you move?
How long is the manufacturer responsible for repairs or replacement of defective parts?
How long will the manufacturer make replacement of parts for a particular model?
Are any conditions associated with the warranty? Are lessons required? Must you mail in a warranty card? Do you have to bring the machine into the store from which it was purchased for service?

BEEN WORKING ON SOME FABRIC YO-YO’S. MAYBE I WILL BE BACK IN A LITTLE WHILE TO POST A PICTURE OF THOSE. I AM HAPPY WITH THE WAY THEY LOOK.

THANKS FOR VISITING.
HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEK.