The sounds you don't want to hear sewing:

Crunch, Crunch, Grinds, Pop, Bang and then alarm bells and a flashing light.  That is what my Janome Memory craft 4900 does when it is about to  give me a heart attack.  I was working  on work sewing this AM when the above mentioned happened. I thought I would share this with you in case you run into similar problems.  I have had this machine for 11+ years now and I have to say I really like it a great deal but because it is wrapped in plastic  and it has computer mother board and  because of the the price of repairs this - machine scares me.  I have only had one problem with it in 11 years:  The bobbin case!  I thought this time the machine was toasted for sure and I started looking at similar machines.  Honestly I considered putting a Juki on my wish list but when I read the specs, basically it is the same machine. In reality  I am not in the market for spending 1,000.00 right now!
So I asked the Lord to bless me with a little extra machine knowledge. so that I could fix it myself. Taking it to a shop is do-able but it would have cost around $150.00 if not more. Bottom line, I am buying a part for $9.99 shipping included.  Here is what the problem was:

This bit of grossness had me considering a new machine!.  That bit was enough to throw the bobbin case out of the race while I was sewing, jam up the needle bar, cause a huge thread nest, puncture the bobbin case and send a needle flying in 3 pieces. I had to put the machine aside and get another one in to the work line up.

Tonight I took a closer look at the case 

I discovered a large amount of impacted lint on the inside of the race, I cleaned it and noticed the bobbin case sat much better, but not better enough.  I flipped over the bobbin case and discovered a residue of plastic from the needle punctures.  I sanded this down .  It sat very well after that, and best of all my trial stitching came out perfect!  Sigh of relief.  I still ordered a new bobbin case for $9.99 and I will wait till it comes into use the machine again just to be safe, I am happy to  know the machine if just fine and it really only took me 45 minutes and a few dollars to fix.  I'm all for supporting the local sewing machine shop, but this would have been a 109.00 service visit plus 39.00 for a new bobbin case.  If I could not have fixed it, it would have been well worth $150.00.  It is well worth your time to get a few machine maintenance and repair skills in your tool box, It will go a long way to preserve your machine and your pocket book!

Speaking of tool box, this is a Hero in the sewing world!

I refill this with silicone oil, it is cheap and works wonders!  Here is a great tip for you commissioned sewers:  Silicone oil does NOT stain fabric!  So if you over oil your machine a bit - no problem!!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope this may help you down the road!!

Ginny M