Tune up machine or get a new one?

[LauraLoo]

I loved sewing once upon a time and my machine is almost 18 years old (it's a Viking/Huskavarna 105 - great beginner machine for me.) Now that my children are a little older and I can find more time for projects and quilting, I'd like to get back into it again. I stopped by a local Viking retailer to find out how much it would cost to get my machine tuned up and was quoted $65 - more if they need to repair or replace anything. I have never tuned it up before so I have no idea what they may find.

As I was walking around the store, I saw all sorts of new machines that have more bells and whistles on sale for roughly $300 to $400 (normally $600 + machines) - I'm not considering anything over the top for me like embroidery abilities, but more bling and simplicity of operation. I have a feeling that there may be some nice advances in machines over the past 18 years.

Before I sink $65 or more into a tune up, would it be wiser for me to consider a new machine or go ahead and just tune up what I have. Money is a consideration - and I have a ton of collected fabric that's just begging to be used and I'd really like to get back to sewing regularly as a hobby.

TIA!

[orangefoot]

From what I have read, the 105 is a good sturdy machine so I would spend the $65 and get sewing.

You are right that there have been advances in machines over the last 18 years but I am doing most of my sewing on a vintage Singer 319K which I think is from the 50s!

[MommaShark]

I just dusted off, oiled and am learning how to sew on a late 1950's Brother Flairmatic 190......seems a shame to toss!

[cristeen]

Something to consider is that machines made in the 80s are liable to be sturdier than the ones made now. I know I have 2 Berninas, one from the early 80s, one from the late 80s, and they don't even compare to the current ones, even though the current ones are still good machines. They may not have all the bells and whistles, but they are sturdy machines that I expect I will be passing down to my children one day.

[LauraLoo]

Thanks for the replies. I was kind of hoping that someone would scream to go out and get a new machine, but I knew deep down that what I have is probably better than fine and should plunk down the money for a good tune up. Thanks for the validation, ladies!

[Porcelain Interior]

You know I think you'd kick yourself if you bought a new one. While there have been some neat advances on the basic sewing machine (non embroidery-wise) a sewing machine is still just a sewing machine.

I think if there's a very certain thing you'd like your machine to do, or need it to do that's stopping you from completing or starting certain projects a newer (not necessarilly new) machine might be a good idea. However if you were fine getting your machine serviced until you walked into the sewing store- I'd say it's just lust. Stay away and you'll recover quickly lol!

I've sewn on machines that are 100+ years old and my main sewing machine is a 2003 Bernina that I bought used(no embroidery, I'm a snob and I can't stand the look of machine embroidery) and I prefer the stitching on the older machines.

The old machines do the basics better than any other machines imo.

[LauraLoo]

I wasn't sure it was lust or if newer machines were just more capable and worth the investment. Now that I know it's lust I'll stay away *after* I get my old one tuned up since I'm going to have to walk in there again. I'll just close my eyes when I walk past the shiny new machines!

[Think of Winter]

Tune it up!

[LauraLoo]

Took my machine in yesterday. It will be ready in a couple of weeks

[sabrinat]

Originally Posted by LauraLoo

Took my machine in yesterday. It will be ready in a couple of weeks

Glad to hear it. Like a pp said, honestly what a sewing machine actually does hasn't really changed since they were invented, bells and whistles are just that. If you have a good solid machine, don't toss it. I have a machine that does tons of stuff, but I often prefer my 1955 Elna to all others.