The sewing machine that started all this.
Kenmore Model No. 29
This is my the first vintage machine that I bought to start my small collection. I fell in love with that lavender color--who wouldn't!
At the age of 11, I learned to sew, and I have been sewing now for 55 years. As a sewist, seamstress, and quilter, I know how much I depend on my sewing machines to practice my craft, and I knew how difficult it was to be without my sewing machines when they needed to be serviced, so I decided to educate myself on the service and the repair of vintage sewing machines through an amazing online comprehensive program for service and repair of vintage and modern sewing machines called Sew Doc Academy (as well as Andy Tube and Bob Fowler on YouTube--thank you to them both).
And I discovered that I really enjoyed servicing and repairing these grand old machines so much so that I decided to do it part-time as a very small home-based business. Most shops will tell you that your vintage sewing machine cannot be serviced or repaired or that parts aren't available any longer--none of that is true! Vintage sewing machines are much easier to service and/or repair than modern machines, AND parts for them can be found online for most of the vintage models, so I can help you keep your bespoke vintage machine running smoothly and keep you in "Stitch Perfect" mode for a good long time to come.
"Mechanical" Sewing Machines
I service and repair vintage (pre-1985ish or so) mechanical machines only. "Mechanical" means sewing machines that use gears and levers to set stitch length, tension, etc., and work without any computerized systems. This includes Featherweights, all vintage and antique machines, and some of the more "modern" machines that do not have circuit boards or computer components (but may have plastic parts or plastic gears).
Please note: I do not work on industrial sewing machines or machines that are computerized or have circuit boards or need any kind of "programming."
Click Button above to download more information
Coming in 2025: Serger Service & Repair
Services
Basic Service
Basic Tune-up Service for machines that are currently working includes the following:
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Basic clean inside and outside of machine and delint the inside
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* See note below
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Oil all applicable parts and lubricate gears
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Clean upper tension assembly and adjust tension
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Clean lower bobbin area, clean and buff out any burrs, adjust tension if needed
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Check power cord and foot pedal cord for any problem areas such as wear or cracks.
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Check light bulb
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Check motor belt operation
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Check bobbin winder
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Check Gears and lubricate
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Check hook timing & stroke
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Check Feed Dog
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Basic tune-up service does not include repair of broken or worn parts, such as belts, lightbulbs, spool pins, etc., if needed, there is an extra charge for those items.
Repairs
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Sewing Machine Needle Will Not Move
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Sewing Machine Suddenly Stops During Sewing
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Sewing Machine Bobbin Thread Breaks
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Sewing Machine Thread Bunches
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Sewing Machine Does Not Feed the Material
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Sewing Machine Needle Will Not Turn
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Sewing Machine Makes a Knocking Noise
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Sewing Machine is Jammed
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Sewing Machine Skips Stitches
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Sewing Machine Will Not Run
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Motor and/or Foot Controller rewiring for safety or upgrade
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And more...
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This includes machines not currently working
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The machine has been dropped or broken
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The machine was acquired from a thrift store or tag sale
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The machine has been stored in a garage, cellar, or storage unit for an extended period of time.
Refurbishing
I do offer limited functional restoration or refurbishing services to return your machine to like-new working order. The entire machine is disassembled, parts are thoroughly cleaned, polished, and repaired as necessary, and all functions such as timing, tension, etc., are worked on and corrected. The machine is then reassembled and all the exterior metal parts are polished, and the body is clean, waxed and polished.
Note: In my refurbishing process, there is no painting of the sewing machine body. I do not repaint or touch up the original color or paint the machine a different color or replace decals. I truly believe in preserving what I call the "heritage marks" of the sewists who had the wonderful experience and pleasure of sewing on this machine, because every vintage sewing machine has a story.
Refurbishing cost is quoted on an individual basis and consideration given to the complexity of the restoration required/requested.
Please click on the Service Request button above for more detailed information and a registration form if you're ready for service or repair.
Rates
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Basic Service....................................................$70
(For all Basic Service, parts such as belts, lightbulb, etc. are additional if needed--you will be contacted before adding this to your service)
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Repairs.............................................................$35/hour plus cost of parts
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Motor rewire........................................$35/hour plus cost of parts
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Foot Controller rewire........................................$35 to $49
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Refurbish.......................................................Customized quote
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*Chemical clean.................................................$20
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Diagnostic machine check without service ........................ $30 *If the machine is ultimately serviced and/or repaired, the fee is deducted from the total amount owed.
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Additional basic parts (if needed): belt $15; standard lightbulb $12; LED lightbulb $20
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Please note that NY State sales tax applies to all repair & service business--no matter how small, so the appropriate sales tax will be added to your invoice.
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A non-refundable $30 deposit is due upon dropping off your machine. This will be applied and deducted from your total invoice balance.
*What's a Chemical Clean?
Sewing machines that have been stored in a non-friendly environment, or have not been used in many years, or were bought at a thrift shop or tag sale may require a "chemical clean" beyond the normal, basic clean in the basic service. They very often have a great build-up of old grease, lint, and debris (yes, I have found dead spiders, dead bees, and even a mouse's nest in machines!), and sometimes minor rust on parts that do not affect the function. In this case, I reserve the right to add a $20 chemical clean charge only when necessary. No other charges will be added without your authorization.
My Service & Repair Process
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Contact me using the Contact Email Form below. Please give the make and model of your sewing machine, and whether you're interested in only a Basic Service Tune-up or your machine is in need of a repair of some type (please describe the issue with the machine).
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I will review your information and reply within 24 hours or less, and then I will email you the Service Request & Information form to download and fill out.
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Once the form is returned to me via email (a photo of the complete form from your phone is acceptable to email back if you do not have a scanner), I will then set up a day for you to drop off your sewing machine or meet you at one of my designated pick-up locations. PLEASE NOTE: *A nonrefundable diagnostic service fee of $30 is due at time of drop-off. This will be deducted from the total amount owed at end of service and/or repair.
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I'll keep you updated on the progress of your machine or if issues arise.
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You'll be notified via email when your machine is ready for pick up, and an invoice will be emailed to you. You may pay by Zelle -- I will send you a link for payment.
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OR you may pay in cash or local check when you pick up your machine.
NOTE: Sewing machines not picked up within 30 days will be sold and the proceeds donated to my favorite dog rescue. Woof!
The Gallery: Where the past meets the present
On My Bench...
1950 Singer Featherweight 221
My Blog...coming soon
Questions?
Drop me a stitch-----
Please fill out the Contact form, and I'll get back to you within 24 hours. Please let me know the make/model of your machine and what service or possible repair you are seeking. Thanks!
The old-fashioned way works, too:
518-637-7244
