3 Sewing Machines, and Not One Works Properly!
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
United States
April 12, 2020 8:20am CST
All of my sewing machines are old models. One I have had for at least 20 years. The bobbin case won't stay in place. My mother had a small Kenmore model that my sister had. She can't find the cord and none of the cords I have work for it. My newer model that is about 15 years old won't feed the material.
I made a mask for my sister last night using the newer of the machines, but it was a struggle to feed the material through. What should have taken me 15 minutes to make took me almost an hour.
Hubby said I could buy a new machine. So, after putting together the Easter Baskets, I sat for over an hour browsing the internet in search of a new sewing machine.
The one machine that I need is a heavy duty model that will sew thick layers of material. My husband has about 10 pair of jeans that need repair. Also, making the masks requires a machine that will sew layers of cotton fabric without a problem.
Do you think I could find one suitable for my needs? The only ones I could find were from places that I haven't heard of. Not going to chance putting my information out there to be stolen by some fly by night business.
So, now I sit with my hands tied. I am perfectly capable of sewing multiple masks a day. Our medical facilities, healthcare people, family, and friends are in dire need of masks.
There are people who donate materials for those who can sew to make these necessary items. And I cannot help.
9 people like this
10 responses
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
13 Apr 20
I have asked on Facebook that I am looking for a new or used sewing machine. One of my friends said she has one, she would have to go to her old home to pick it up. That may be a week or two before that happens. Another friend said she has an older Bernina, but hasn't answered my message as to how much she wants for it.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381837)
• Rockingham, Australia
14 Apr 20
@ElusiveButterfly I read that now you've one you're really happy with so that's good.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
14 Apr 20
@JudyEv Yes!! I was so happy to find one on Amazon that is just what I am looking for. It will be here Thursday or Friday!
1 person likes this

@Juliaacv (56208)
• Canada
12 Apr 20
I know just how you feel.
I had issues with my machine while trying to make some masks for my family.
My husband took my machine apart yesterday and then was able to get it to work.
I haven't tried it yet, I have a feeling that once I sit down to work on it I will be there for a while.
My machine wasn't feeding the material thru properly either.
I was hoping that this one would last me until just before I retire, I wanted to get an upgrade then, as I want to take sewing classes when I retire. But that is years from now...….and we need the masks now. You get dirty looks if you wear a medical disposable mask out in public.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
12 Apr 20
I have 3 disposable masks leftover from when I worked in healthcare. I am holding on to them like they are gold. One will go to my sister who has to work and goes to the stores for groceries. I worry about her.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (56208)
• Canada
12 Apr 20
@ElusiveButterfly I have a supply of 60 disposable masks.
But I would prefer to use home made masks with a coffee filter inserted in between the fabric. At least I can remove the filter and wash them and get a few wears out of them, the disposables are only good for 1 use.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
12 Apr 20
@Juliaacv you can also wear the disposable under the fabric mask for extra coverage.
1 person likes this

@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
12 Apr 20
That seems super frustrating!
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
13 Apr 20
@ElusiveButterfly I have seen articles that site a study that determined that 3 layers of coffee filters works.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (254949)
• United States
13 Apr 20
I have one old sewing machine up north and one new one that my husband bought for me on a whim.
I don’t know why, because I haven’t sewn a thing since college except for bedroom draperies when we first got married.
We have an excellent tailor.
Hubs and I make no sew masks which take less than a minute.
We have an excellent tailor.
Hubs and I make no sew masks which take less than a minute.1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
13 Apr 20
I have used the no sew method to make a mask for my husband. It worked well, but wasn't pretty. LOL
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
12 Apr 20
It is a Europro, I also have a Singer.
1 person likes this
@Janet357 (75638)
•
12 Apr 20
@ElusiveButterfly oh, which one is better? I never heard of Europro.
1 person likes this

@Butterfingers (66603)
• India
12 Apr 20
I think you should buy after the pandemic to get it delivered within less time
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
12 Apr 20
Even the Singer website is sold out.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
12 Apr 20
@Butterfingers everything is taking longer.
1 person likes this
@Butterfingers (66603)
• India
12 Apr 20
@ElusiveButterfly I think they are taking longer to refill the stocks
1 person likes this

@popciclecold (40215)
• United States
14 Jun 20
I hope you can find a good deal on one. I can't sew a lick.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
15 Jun 20
I know a lot of people that never sat before a sewing machine ever who are sewing masks now!
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
13 Apr 20
I will use my piece of crap machine if I have to. Problem is the time it takes to make one mask really isn't worth the frustration.
@Marilynda1225 (91026)
• United States
13 Apr 20
Hope you can find a new machine at a reputable place. I haven't used a sewing machine in many years as my eyes are horrible trying to thread the needle, etc.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
13 Apr 20
Even with my reading glasses I find it hard to thread a needle. Thankfully there are tools that will ease the hardship of threading needles.
@Courtlynn (67089)
• United States
13 Apr 20
Sorry you can't help, right now. Hopefully soon you'll find a good machine.
1 person likes this












