A Thread-aholic in Colorado

"My serger is rattling!"

Sergers are a great machine to service - especially since I will never know what to expect when I open up the tray and see what emerges. Today, I was tasked with eliminating a persistent rattling. The overall checks produced the normal lint and fuzz, but when I opened up the bottom, .... well, tell me what you see....

You can enlarge if you wish, but I will tell you I found over 30+ straight pins throughout the body of the serger. I am not sure why. I don't question most customers, however, this house is known to have grandchildren running throughout on occasion.

Have you updated your machine lately?

Customers have often asked about upgrades and updates. This depends on your brand of machine and how technology changes with that particular model. Obviously, mechanical machines will not be updated unless you decide to put primer on it and paint it a different color. I am talking about computerized machines. Most version changes (example 1.1 to 1.2, etc) will add a few more fonts or change another small aspect of the program. Upgrades basically give you a whole new machine. Its like putting a brand new motor in an older car that will bring it back to the modern era. For instance, the Baby Lock Destiny and the Janome 15K are coming out with upgrades now. I will always suggest upgrading when the opportunity arises. The Head Quarters techs are always tweaking the back end based on your suggestions and ideas. If they can make your life easier, they will provide the means.

Go to your particular machines home site and check version. Most of the time you can update your own machine. However, if you are not comfortable with the process, I can help. If you bring your machine to me for regular service, I will update the version as needed and warranted. Remember, version changes are minor. The full blown upgrades do have a price tag and depends on the machine. Check with us at one of our stores and we'll assist you. Keep your machine running smoothly and enjoy all of the benefits the sewing experience has to offer. See you soon!

Friendly Neighborhood Technician

By now, most know we have opened a second store in Pueblo; Kim and I have been bouncing back and forth as we are needed. Machine service for both stores is going well and I am keeping up - with minor delays for ordering parts and such. Today I was in the Cañon store and had just finished re-furbishing a vintage Singer when a customer came in from Minnesota (We are in Colorado). She was visiting her family in a nearby town and heard of our shop - yes heard of us in Minnesota. She bought in a Janome 500E and though she had purchased it over a year ago, had only tentatively used it once. She mentioned the business from which she made the purchase did not give he any insight.

Enter Me - technician guy

I happened to be running a design on a Baby Lock Destiny - making me look like a professional - so I appeared to have a handle on embroidery. I escorted our customer into our classroom and set up her machine. I gave an impromptu class to include hook run timing, the importance of needle size versus fabric versus thread, how to clean and the importance of the upper take up lever. Next, we hooped fabric with stabilizer, set the pattern and created a sample that she was very happy with. However, its not enough to show. The final test was the all important activity of self satisfaction. It was her turn. She showed me how to thread, how to hoop and how to stitch out a pattern. She was no longer afraid and now very excited about the prospects.

She said she comes to Colorado once a year and for us to expect her in the summer of 2018 for her machine to be serviced. Confidence is a wonderful thing.