Jones Sew-Vac

Out of Business (thankfully)

I have an Elna Carina sewing machine. I bought it for $ 700 when I was a senior in high school– the fruit of my babysitting labor– not going to tell you when I graduated because– well you can figure that one out but it’s been awhile.
The machine needed service so I looked up this place and called to inquire. Friendly on the phone– said they give free estimates– so I ran in. The man greeted me and recognized me as the one who had previously called. So far so good.
I put my machine on the table and he chastised me for not servicing it. Au contraire, monsieur. I have had it serviced 3 times in the past 15 years, once for every 5 years as recommended by the place I purchased it. To which he responded, «That’s b******t.»
I thought to myself how unfortunate it is for those who lack tact. I remained upbeat. He inspected my footpedal, which was taped up and made a derogatory remark which made me feel as if I had to defend it. Of course I know it’s taped up! I’m here– in your store a sewing machine repair place. I need sewing machine help!
Anyway this is the part that irritated me. He asks, «What happens when you park a car in a garage and you try to drive it after a year? It doesn’t go.» –quothe he. He was trying to tell me the Parable of the Negligent Sewing Machine Owner-​not without a dose of heavy shame. Dude!
I was starting to get irritated, I DO sew! I’ll have you know I frequently use this machine.
So necessity is the mother of invention, right? Well, the kids need scouting patches sewn on. Every year I have to sew the Very-​Best-​Halloween-​Costume-​Ever and Dude! you should see the things I make. I’ve made baby bats, baby seals, baby skunks, and baby sting rays. (do you see a theme?) anyway I make curtains, throws etc. I use it least once every 3 months. And, really– who cares?!!- the sewing machine cops? As if I have to prove it!
I just didn’t like his attitude. All judgment and no questions. I felt like a little kid who’d done something wrong and all i needed was my sewing machine fixed. Why shame me when I voluntary stepped through the doors looking for help! I was all ready to plunk down whatever $$ was needed because I have more Necessity that needs fixing. He was straight forward in his estimate. $ 150 – 200. I said, «Thank you, but no.» And he asked why. I’m asking myself why don’t I just have him do it because I really need it fixed. it’s not the price. I asked myself, «do I want to have to engage with this individual anymore? The answer is no. He asked why. So I politely told him i didn’t like his attitude. He apologized and said he was just being honest. I don’t wish him ill– I’m sure they are probably good at what they do– but I’ll go out of my way not to have to engage in that lame shame.
You can’t pick your family, right? But I can certainly pick my sewing machine repair guy.
Hey but I’m sure that the sewing cops would be proud of Jones sew/​vac!