1 

What is annual service for a sewing machine?

Annual service for sewing machines includes opening the machine up, cleaning any linty bits (or stray needles--yes, it happens!) that have accumulated, cleaning up old oil and grease, and applying new oil and grease to joints and gears throughout.

2

Is annual service really that different from a rejuvenation or conservation?

Definitely! Annual service is typically for machines that are actively in use or have had a small amount of downtime. They need attention due to use, to keep them clean and operating consistently. Most machines are still sewing, but they may be slowing down, experiencing some funny noises, or you just know you put a ton of fleece through it and the lint is surely collecting.

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Machines that need rejuvenation are those who have sat neglected for years or even decades but are complete. They may have been left to the elements, or have just been boxed up since your Nana used it to make your halloween costumes 15-20 years ago and you found it non-responsive when you tried to fire it up. The good news is many machines that are complete are still salvagable! They just typically need a deeper cleaning, often hours beyond machines in otherwise regular use, and maybe a smaller repair or two. Occasionally there are parts needs.

I like to use the term conservation for antique machines that have been neglected, possibly look their age, and likely have a few pieces missing - basically rejuvenation on steroids. I do not do complete restorations with stripping of paint, decal replacement, and replating of metal pieces. What I do is my best to salvage and improve all aspects of the machine as it exists cosmetically, as well as bring it back to functional. I personally love the history of machines, and those worn decals and dinged up metal pieces are proof of decades, if not a century, of love and function. I've seen some amazing restorations by professionals who dedicate their work to that, but it's just not my style.

3

What wiring services do you offer?

At this time, my focus is on motor rewiring. I am able to disassemble, clean, and rewire vintage motors. I will also check your carbon brushes and assess their longevity before closing up.

In theory I am able to internally rewire lamps and foot pedals, but I have not had hands on experience with enough of to feel comfortable advertising yet. As they cross my workbench in the form of established clients willing to give it a shake or flip purchases I have the opportunity to work on, I will advertise these repairs as available.

4

Do you accept donated machines?

I am in the early stages of developing a donation program for sewing machines that do not work but the owner does not want to simply toss in a landfill. Donations would either become parts machines or be serviced and put back into the community (classes, charities, Buy Nothing, Freecycle), never sold.