No response, followed by a flicker of life which blew the single light bulb. Mmmmm, not good. Last Monday my 29 year old Faithful Janome was having problems. I had nearly finished quilting Royal Whispers (more on that soon) and was half way through a small quilting commission when the light went out last Monday. After a trip to Lincraft for a replacement bulb there was a flicker and then all was well. Some more quilting ensued that night. All was well.
Early Tuesday morning I had hoped to make some more progress before needing to clear the dining room table for our homeschool lessons, but there was no life to be had in Faithful. So this looked like the end, time to say goodbye. When I last had her serviced, four years ago, there was mention of another problem, not terminal at the time. I have struggled along with her limitations in my newfound quilting directions, hand quilting the centre of Sunlit Treasure, my largest quilt, as it wouldn't fit through the centre/harp space of my machine. Any precise sewing and quilting was best done by daylight or with a lamp positioned behind Faithful as the the machine light was not the best etc.
Many times I have looked into buying a larger quilt-friendly sewing machine but always have chosen to persevere, to be content and grateful for the one I have. She has served me well over the years - clothes for myself, many baby items, dresses and skirts for my six daughters, household furnishings, scrapbooking and card making, general repairs and alterations and over the last four and a half years, quilting.
But now it was time to say goodbye to Faithful.
When I told my husband and children the news, there was a playful look of joy in their eyes. "So are you going to buy a new one?" they asked, for I'm not one to spend money on myself.
"Yes!"
"Good, it's about time!"
Well I guess there was no need to convince them, it was I who was waiting for the right time to make this move, until there was a genuine need.
So which machine will replace Faithful?
She hasn't arrived yet, but I will introduce you in due course, after I have made her acquaintance.......
13 comments:
Old Faithful has served you well. Oooh you have piqued my interest....you won't know yourself whirring away on your new machine.
I have a sewing machine that is just about this age... well maybe a bit older, and it too has some strange sounds, but hoping mine will last for a few more years. Can't wait to see your new one when you decide on it
How terrible....and wonderful! I so look forward to learning your choice of replacement!
It is bad news and good news.. Congrats on your new sewing machine, I am sure it is well deserved.. Enjoy!
This makes me cry.
Oh, I'm so sorry, Karen, but good for you on getting a new one. I look forward to "meeting" it when it arrives! :-)
I hope you've had a wonderful weekend!
I'm so sorry, but nice memories remain...:)
We all must move on sometime!
{{}} I know how much you loved your trusty Janome, and I also now you never spend money you yourself, have fun searching and shopping and Enjoy! Looking foward to hearing what you buy:)
Farewell Janome!
I'm sure Faithful is very proud of the work she's done alongside you.
sort of sad... but how exciting that you get a new machine and can choose one that will fit your sewing style :-)
She must have been an incredible machine to make it to 29! I look forward to seeing all the lovely things you sew with your new machine, so exciting!!
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