My Sewing Machine Had a Hairball

I was sewing merrily along yesterday, and changed the bobbin.  I made a mental note to clean the sewing machine when I ran the bobbin out, but after about 10 minutes, the machine started dropping stitches and breaking thread.

So I took it all apart and cleaned out the accumulated dust and lint, then put it back together.

Same problem.

So I changed to a new bobbin.

Same problem.

So I changed the needle.

Same problem.

So I dug out the manual to make sure I was doing it all right. I was.

I unthreaded the sewing machine and re-threaded it.

Same problem.

So I repeated the process.

Same problem.

Finally I called the machine's previous owner, my friend Yvonne. I thought she might have some insight.  We went through the whole process together, then she suggested I take the cover off the upper part of the machine and make sure it was threaded properly.

With the help of a flashlight, I could see some loose threads inside.  Fortunately I have a hemostat (long needle-nosed pliers), so I could reach in and pull the threads out.

Here is the small greasy mass that was giving me so much trouble.  I am very happy I could fix this on my own and didn't have to bring it to the sewing machine hospital.

Needless to say, my sewing machine sews like a dream once again.

I love my friends.