my old sewing maching. help?

[allmine]

I have my grandmother's sewing machine that she used to sew everything imaginable. I love it. but it's not working for me. It's a singer fashion mate zIG Zag sewing maching. model 257

It's in great shape BUT when I try to sew the top thread is too tight and wonky or irregular, and adjusting the tension isn't making any difference...and when you flip the fabric over the bobbin thread, or bottom thread is RIDICULOUS...it's like these huge loops that have a thread passing through them? how do I explain this...its just a total mess of thread all blobbed up together ina line....ok that sounds stupid, but maybe tha tiwll work.

ok, I tried adjusting the screw on teh bobbin like the book said and it didn't make any difference either....

WHAT am I doing wrong? I haven't sewed in literally ten years. just got the machine out yesterday. had to read how to thread it again, I'm that out of practice. I used to sew a lot but got busy with kid number two through five....

NEED HELP!!

do I need to get the thing serviced? or is this something I can do with someone walking me through it???

[zinemama]

I have my grandma's old Singer, too. It works great. Have you tried taking it to the sewing machine store for a tune-up? I need to do that every few years with mine. It used to have some tension problems, but the folks at the store fixed it right up. If it's been ten years, your machine is probably overdue for an overhaul! These babies need maintenance. It's money worth spending.

[allmine]

good idea!
ok, I have NEVER had it tuned up.
how much does that usually cost?

tia!

[zinemama]

Last time I think it was around $45. Plus they found and xeroxed me a copy of the manual that originally came with it that had been lost ages ago! Be sure to find a place that knows Singers.

[allmine]

Originally Posted by zinemama

Last time I think it was around $45. Plus they found and xeroxed me a copy of the manual that originally came with it that had been lost ages ago! Be sure to find a place that knows Singers.

for that amount I would gladly have it done!

I need to call around here and find a place that works with singers, like you said. thing is, I wonder if it needs repairs too, because it is doing some weird things like when I press on teh pedal , the needle sometimes doesn't want to go up and down at first, but you can hear the motor whirring, strange. And, the tension is SO wacky tha tI wonder if a repair is necessary ON TOP of a tune up, or whatever that is called.

you know, how much would you pay to get this machine in top running condition? my grandmother kept every single accessory that came with it, in good shape, the book that came with it is in perfect condition....

I mean, what do you think it would be worth to repair/tune up? would it be money better spent to put towarads a new machine, in your opinion. what is the top amount you would pay, I suppose I am asking.

tia!

[zinemama]

What I would do is take it to the store - or call them - explain the situation, and see how much it would cost for them to look at it and assess what needs to be done. Then make a decision.