As I mentioned in my last post, I've been happily sewing up scrappy blocks lately.
Bill told me about the machines he carries, the Janome line. I've heard good things about them over the years. Given his four decades of servicing sewing machines I place a lot of confidence in his opinions. I'm not in a position to go to other vendors to try out other brands either. He recommended a model he had in stock and we made the commitment to purchase. I packed up my little Phoeobe and mourned her passing.
I haven't unpacked the new sewing machine yet. My sweet husband took time out from his busy schedule to go pick it up for me but I just couldn't face learning a new machine at that point. Is anyone else unnaturally attached to their sewing machine like I am?!
When I had finally calmed down somewhat I was impressed to check the power strip Phoebe had been plugged into. Because it's new to me I am less familiar with its' layout and operation. It's also black and gray, which has become harder for me to see unless I'm right on top of it. (The previous strip was white and had fewer outlets available.) I thought it odd that there was no little indicator light glowing. Sure enough, the power strip had been turned off. The on/off switch on that model is on an end. Apparently I'd kicked it, turning it off, in passing from the ironing board back to my sewing chair. When I turned it back on and plugged Phoebe back in she worked just fine, and has since. I can't describe the relief! Euphoria might do it. 😁
I've been using Phoebe for some 20 years. The question now is, do I keep the new Janome against the time Phoebe finally does kick the bucket or shall I return it? I do have my other Pfaff, Ruby Blue. She's a newer machine but I have never been as comfortable using her as with Phoebe. It may be time to send her on to a new home and hang onto the Janome...
Keep Phoebe, old and familiar and trusty, and a new Janome, maybe it has a larger throat space , always good to have a spare. and just think, you could have two different thread colours, one on each, that would be a huge bonus. Meantime congratulate Phoebe for being so patient and waiting for the power.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, it's good to have both. My old Janome was getting noisy and clunky, despite annual servicing and regular cleaning. My lovely new Australian-rebranded Babylock analogue is superb for some things, and... not so great for others. Buttonholes are just ridiculously difficult, for example. If I had space, I'd keep both set up, but you go with what works best most of the time, don't you? I think for you, it might work out to make a point of using the new machine a couple of times a week so you get comfortable with her, without retiring Phoebe completely. It's not a marriage; you're allowed more than one 'partner'!
ReplyDeleteI vote for keeping the new Janome as your second machine and letting Ruby Blue find a new home. Someone will be thrilled to take her in. Quiltdivajulie
ReplyDeleteKeep them both for now but start getting comfortable with your new machine. Do a few simple projects so that when Phoebe is truly unstable you won't be stuck with an unfamiliar machine.
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