2 weeks ago, my machine stoped behaving properly. See, this is the problem with having a completely computerized sewing machine. The machine stopped recognizing where the foot was at and on this machine - I no longer have a way to manually lift or lower the foot.
I contacted a friend of mine who used to own a sewing machine shop - he's an excellent technician. He had my machine for two weeks and I made my red wool dress (you haven't seen it yet) with my back up machine. I couldn't use my specialty feet with that machine and I couldn't get a consistent seam allowance ~ I believe I'm gonna send that machine to The Princess who only does home dec stuff. Anyway. I got my machine back - Technician friend said he couldn't find anything wrong with it. And that I was doing an excellent job keeping it clean.
Well today I plugged in the embroidery unit. I have some overdue baby gifts to get done. And guess what? Yea - it's not working right. So, tomorrow I'll take it to the local dealer. But that's frustrating because they are really a Pfaff dealer and have Viking by default. You can tell just walking in - they don't like these machines, but they are the only game in town. What would you do?
Edited to Add: I took the machine to the Pfaff and Viking dealer. I told them very clearly that I wasn't happy with the way they treated Viking owners and I would take my machine elsewhere in the future if I wasn't treated well. I plugged the machine in to show them what it was doing - because it's hard to explain. The good news? I have a service contract that fixes my machine for FREE! The bad news? It will take at least 2 weeks.
Oh no, I hope you can get the machine fixed soon.
ReplyDeleteI have a Bernina, and the nearest dealer/repair shop is 120 miles away.
So sorry about your machine, it is so frustrating to be without it. Hope it is a quick fix.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd be hyperventilating if that happened to me. I'm addicted to my sewing :) I hope it can be fixed and the dealer can fix it, good luck! You have a pile of patterns coming to you soon so you need your sewing machine.
ReplyDeleteThere is no Viking dealership anywhere around? Where did you buy it? If that's the only place you can take it to be serviced I would but honestly I think I would invest in a trip to a Viking dealership. Just me...
ReplyDeleteOh and so sorry that you're going through this! I totally understand how you feel right now!!!
ReplyDeleteoh man, what a pain - I'm no help - all my machines are mechanical. DH can take 'em apart and rebuild them like nobody's business.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find a solution soon *hugs*
First I'd yell and use some bad words. Then I'd go to the yellow pages or online and find a Viking dealer.
ReplyDeleteOh noes! Can you find a Viking dealer/tech anywhere?
ReplyDeleteOh how disappointing. I'd go to your local shop, even though they'd rather work with a different brand. Maybe they have some good contacts? Stay positive and have an aura of expecting the best service. Go at a not-too-busy time too.
ReplyDeleteMaybe even drop into the conversation that you are an author of a popular sewing blog and often discuss machines and the good servicing stores, you could ask if you could put their details about servicing onto your blog! That should guarantee good service.
Good luck though - I'd hate to be without my machine for too long.
Good luck getting your machine fixed...good tools are vital!
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ReplyDeleteCan't help, but you know that. I can be sorry you're frustrated though...
Hmmmm, maybe I'd find a new one used.......???
ReplyDeleteI dont know.
Hang in there, the answer will come...
G, im sorry to hear.about your machine trouble. I only have this cheapo machine (my first and only), but i am so dependent on it, cant imagine what i will feel if it gets problematic. Maybe it is problematic already, just that i don't know any better yet. Hope that you get yours sorted out ASAP!
ReplyDeleteService is precisely why I bought a Janome instead of any other brand: that was the only local servicer of a higher end machine. Sadly, I don't see any option other than Sue's suggestion: holler, grumble, use HBO words, then find an authorized Viking repair center. I'd hate to have this happen to me; sorry you haven't been able to get your machine's problem solved.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know that it's not just Viking! I have a TOL Pfaff (the Sensation) and my dealer refuses (yes!) to fix or adjust it. I contacted Pfaff USA and I was told to take it to the dealer. You can imagine how angry I am at having spent $$$$ on that machine. I will never buy another Pfaff. I suppose that this can happen with any brand - I guess the answer is to be more selective in our dealers, right? Wishing you the best of luck.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog via ravelry. I LOVE YOUR BLOG! I also have a bloodhound.... Rosie. She was a rescue. I love that you make some of your own dresses. I don't have the sewing skills...but I'll just be envious of you.
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