The Closing Of The Designer's Needle To The Opening Of The Needle Market.

 

The Closing Of The Designer's Needle To The Opening Of The Needle Market.

I've Moved to a New Online Home: The Needle Market

Dear readers,

I’m excited to let you know that I’ve officially moved my shop and blog to a new website—The Needle Market. This new space enables me to consolidate everything in one place: sewing patterns, blog articles, eBooks, handmade items, and more—all in a format that facilitates easier browsing and helps me serve your creative needs more effectively.

For a long time, I maintained my blog and store separately. However, as my product collection grew and more readers requested resources, it became clear that I needed a website where everything could be housed under one roof.

Why I Made the Move

The decision to move to Hostinger was all about creating a better experience for you and for me. Now, on The Needle Market, you’ll find:

Over 1,000 sewing patterns

Handmade doll clothes, aprons, and fabric bundles

Yarn for knitters and crocheters

Free downloads and PDF tutorials

Exclusive eBooks for sewists of all skill levels

And soon, a fresh blog filled with inspiration and practical sewing tips

Stay Connected

My new site also includes a subscription form located at the bottom of the footer on every page. If you’d like to be the first to hear about new blog posts, free downloads, and exclusive offers, please feel free to sign up. You’ll also find my contact email address there if you'd like to reach out.

Visit My New Site

Click here to visit my new home:

www.theneedlemarket.com

Please join me in this new chapter. Thank you for your continued support, kind messages, and shared love for sewing. The Needle Market is built with readers like you in mind—it's cozier, easier to navigate, and filled with resources I’m excited to share.

With a warm heart and a full bobbin,

Rhonda Harris

How to Service Your Sewing Machine for Smooth, Stress-Free Sewing

Proper maintenance begins with opening the bobbin case and removing lint buildup. A simple brush can extend the life of your sewing machine.

Extend the Life of Your Machine and Avoid Costly Repairs with Regular Maintenance

A sewing machine is a valuable tool, whether you're creating heirloom quilts, doll clothes, or everyday garments. However, just like a car, it requires regular maintenance to run smoothly. Neglecting your machine can lead to frustrating problems, such as thread snarls, needle breakage, or a total breakdown. A sewing machine should be serviced at least once a year, or more frequently if used daily. This is why it is essential to know how to service your sewing machine for smooth, stress-free sewing. 

Fortunately, you don’t always have to pay for professional service. Many maintenance tasks are simple enough for any sewist to learn at home.

Why Regular Servicing Matters

When a machine isn’t serviced regularly, problems pile up—often slowly and silently until your project hits a wall.

Here’s what can go wrong when your sewing machine is overdue for maintenance:

🧵 Needle or thread breakage

🧵 Fabric won’t feed properly (issues with feed dogs)

🧵 Stitches skip, loop, or bunch

🧵 Loud or grinding noises while sewing

🧵 Difficulty with tension control

🧵 Machine jams frequently or won’t sew at all

How Often Should You Service Your Machine?

For most home sewists, a general rule is:

Once a year for average use

Twice a year or more for daily or frequent use

Even if you're not using it often, dust and humidity can cause issues over time.

Dealer Servicing vs. DIY

Professional servicing costs an average of $65.00 or more, especially for computerized machines. A dealer will:

Deep clean inside the machine

Adjust timing and tension.

Inspect electrical and moving parts.

Oil and test performance.

But for regular upkeep, you can do many of the basics yourself with just a few tools and a little instruction.

DIY Servicing: What You Can Do at Home

🔧 Clean Out the Lint

Remove the needle plate and bobbin case.

Use a small brush, vacuum attachment, or pipe cleaner to remove lint.

Never blow into the machine—it pushes lint deeper inside.

🔧 Oil the Moving Parts

Use sewing machine oil only (not 3-in-1 or WD-40).

Apply a drop of oil to the hook race and moving joints if your machine requires it.

Always follow your manual.

🔧 Check the Needle

Replace your needle after every 8 hours of sewing or sooner.

A dull needle causes skipped stitches and breakage.

🔧 Keep the Exterior Clean

Wipe dust off the body with a soft cloth.

Cover your machine when not in use to prevent dust buildup.

📺 Learn As You Go

Watch free YouTube videos on how to clean and oil your specific model.

Reference your sewing machine manual or find a basic maintenance and repair book here.

Just like you maintain your car to keep it running, the same principle applies to maintaining your sewing machine.

🧵 Sewing Tip of the Day:

Between professional service visits, take 10 minutes once a month to dust, check your needle, and add a drop of oil.  Your machine will thank you—with smooth, snag-free stitching! You will find brushes to clean lint out of your sewing machine at Dollar Tree. Their makeup department has an assortment of brushes ideal for cleaning your sewing machine! Save a buck and make a buck!

✂️ Looking for sewing inspiration or supplies?
Visit my Payhip Store where I offer:

• 📘 Easy-to-follow eBooks

• 🧶 Fabric, yarn, and sewing patterns

• 👗 Handmade doll clothes

Everything I sell is curated or handmade with care to help you sew more and spend less.
📥 Instant downloads of eBooks. Affordable shipping. No account needed.