As I was packing up for my retreat, I decided it was a good time to give my machine a quick clean!!
It wasn’t horrible, but it WAS time….

I pulled out my favorite cleaning tool….. a makeup brush….

I bought this one on Amazon…..here is the LINK
You gently insert this brush into the machine assembly….

….and it comes out with all of the dust and grime firmly attached…..

It DEFINITELY did the job….

I used it again to clean out under the needle….

….with the same result….

I used a soft piece of cheesecloth to wipe down the cabinet…..

A Swifter Duster works well, too.
Because my machine is not computerized, it requires oil. I once heard it described as a “thirsty machine,” so I try to remember to oil it regularly……

I always find it hard to oil the bobbin hook…..

….but do my best to get some oil up in there.
Then I run the machine like crazy for about a minute. Without a thread or a bobbin, I assume that it helps to distribute the oil where it needs to go!!
To get ready to pack the machine, I put the foot back on and lowered the presser foot. Final act was to place the needle in the down position…..

I placed it in the case and added the accouterments…

I SURE don’t want to arrive without these!!
Finally, this machine came with a knee lift, but since I would have had to drill a hole in my table, I had never tried it.
But, what better place than a retreat to see if I truly like it…..

How about you…..do you use a knee lift?
I can’t wait to get on the road and get some SERIOUS stitching done!!
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Let’s Get Scrappy is an on-demand online course that helps quilters overcome decision fatigue and finally make sense of their overflowing scrap bins. With four hours of step-by-step video instruction, you’ll learn simple systems for organizing, piecing, and pressing your scraps—so you can stop overthinking and start sewing beautiful, coordinated quilts with confidence and joy.
