My neighbor, who rarely sews, decided to make masks. Her machine hadn't been used for years and just wouldn't work even after cleaning, oil, new needle, new thread, etc so she took it to our local dealer-she was told it would be a 4 week wait to just look at it. Apparently they have been doing brisk business, while still keeping the guidelines. Meet customers on sidewalk to take in machine for repair, the repair department is overwhelmed. Apparently sold out on the machines under $1000. Do the deal over the phone, meet on sidewalk. Of course no lessons etc, but YouTube is great and safe.

silly me.....I gave my two basic machines away...yep...gave away a gem gold and a Viking mega quilter....what was I thinking? Yikes I only have my Bernina 570, my old Viking D1, a Bernina Red machine, a Pfaff Passport 2.0. my APQS Lucey longarm, my old Viking serger....and last put not least....an crinkle coat Singer 66 in working condition....ok...I have simmered down...it probably is OK I gave my two basic machines away....I still have plenty left....

Ed Reichert is a reliable dealer of Jukis, located in Phoenix AZ, but ships anywhere in the US for free. I bought my Juki 2010Q from him several years ago. He still has some in stock, as well as several industrial Juki models.

Well, send them my way. I have about 30 machines just collecting dust. I could certainly get rid of a few of them.

~ C

There are new machines on line at Walmart, Amazon, and Ebay...a lot of Brother and Singer machines, especially, but also many other brands. Anyone that wanted to get into sewing masks could certainly find an entry level, (or higher) machine. I think the shortages we're encountering are machines that we would want with dealer support..that may be a long while off.

I second Ed Reichert. I have purchased two machines from him. One of the bonuses was out of stock and he shipped it later without constant reminders. I love dealing with them.

I wish I had know about him when I bought the same Juki as SBG. I would rather have given them the business than Amazon.
I love that machine!

Never thought that quilters like me with multiple machines and large stashes would be considered well prepared - maybe even over prepared.

LOL. my family considered laughed at me for my sewing machine & fabric collection! But now I'm proudly well prepared, have foresight, etc, no more laughing as they request masks. LOL

Those sources were also sold out until very recently, and now those that do have a few machines have doubled & tripled the prices.
Just because I love sewing machines for years I have followed the trends online, prices etc, like some people follow the stock market. I was surprised when I realized so few or none were listed that had been favorites as great beginner or travel machines. For some reason I especially followed the Janome Jem Gold & Brother cs6000i , I think they are cute but also great little basic machines that were sold online, Amazon, ebay, Walmart, etc. They now do list the Brother but price is tripled, the Janome Jem Gold still not available.
I should probably be sewing instead of looking at sewing machine pictures online, LOL just a harmless interest though
o