I realize this is mean but I can't dish out any news about the baby just yet. I would like to tell a few friends and family "in person" before doing so here, so you might just have to wait a day or two more. I feel sort of scummy doing that -- and I wasn't even going to update were it not for another rather urgent situation (see below) -- so please forgive me for the cruelty. However, the doctor said that the baby is healthy and that I'm/we're growing right on track, which is the most important part, right? Right! It was an excellent doctor's visit and I really love my OB/GYN. I think we have the same sort of attitude towards life, and the two of us get along great. Plus, he's hilarious. I was going to have my next appointment with someone else, but he did some fancy footwork and got me in to see him again. So anyway, just sit tight for a bit, I'll update on the little junebug as soon as I can.
In the meantime, I would like to ask your advice.
My mom bought me a Singer sewing machine as a Christmas present, and I was thrilled, thrilled, thrilled at the idea of becoming a domestic goddess. She also got me a few awesome baby patterns, and I even thought a few of them looked feasible for a semi-beginner like myself. I've been dying to get this apartment set up so that I could give the machine a whirl, as it was just not possible in my former 25m2 closet of an apartment.
Mom bought me an American Singer, as they are far cheaper than their French equivalents (plus: she lives there), and then she contacted Singer about conversion information. Reading it over, I double-checked the converter I had, and all looked good. This morning, inspired by the new square meter of space I have cleared away on my table, I decided to test out the new machine. When I turned it on, all looked good, but then I heard a loud POP and the machine turned off. Clearly, I blew a fuse or something. It's fried.
Freaking out, I called the Singer France store located in the 13th. They are both a store and a repair shop, so I figured they would be able to help me. But apparently they can't - or they won't. Take your pick, as it's hard to tell with the Frenchies sometimes. The lady mentioned something about the warranty not working in France, the fact that the French machines are totally different than American ones so they wouldn't know how to repair them anyway, the issue of course in that even if they DID manage to repair it, they wouldn't be able to test it or know if it was working for conversion reasons, and then to just tie a nice bow around the whole deal she hinted at the possibility that I am a complete idiot. It was exactly the kind of customer service experience that makes me long for my homeland. I am still reeling a little bit from our conversation. I mean, I just broke my sewing machine, lady. Be gentle.
So, my question is: what would you do? Should I bring it in to the Singer store even though they more or less said that the case is hopeless? Does anybody know of some kick ass gadget type in Paris who could have a look at it for me? Is there something I am missing when it comes to conversions? Did I need to get an extra adapter or something (the email from Singer did not mention one)? Do you think - in your expert opinion - that this machine is salvageable? Or should I just spend another good chunk of my rapidly dwindling Christmas bonus on a new machine (keep in mind that my computer is dying a slow but steady death as well... and that I have a baby growing in my belly that is going to want to sleep somewhere at some point)?
I know that a sewing machine could save me a lot of money in the long run, hence why I am sort of anxious to get this problem settled. Plus, I have a friend who is going to India who is going to come back with cheap textiles galore for me, and I can't wait to get my grubby hands on thtem. Baby patterns await! Help!
; "Catching fish")
Unfortunately small household appliances do not travel overseas well. Did you use a plug adapter or a voltage converter? If you just used a plug adapter, then that's probably why it fried: it was ready for 110 and it got 220. Most small household appliances require a voltage converter in addition to the plug adapter. If you were already using a voltage converter, then I don't know what happened.
Eitherway I think that it's fried and that French customer service is of no use. I fried a clock radio the same way and I'm not very proud of it but here's what I did: it was a gift from Bed Bath and Beyond so I just took it back and told them it didn't work and got store credit. Didn't tell them that I fried it. I know, it's bad. I have a travel iron that has an internal voltage converter, but it still has a hidden switch you have to flip to tell it if it's on 110 or 220. Anyhow, good luck!
BTW if you get a breast pump from the States be careful because they, too, tend to get fried if you don't use a voltage adapter.
Shit, its the voltage like Ali said. They make some cameras and stuff now that dont need the voltage changer, but most do.
I have fried quite a few American small gadgets that way. Plus sewing machines are a bitch to fix. I bought one in Germany, used it for a year and broke the bobbin somehow and the French (same woman you talked to, I swear) sewing repair shop told me shit out of luck because finding parts is impossible and the cost of repair you can buy a new one.
That said, I did buy a totally bitchin new Toyota one at Carrefour for less than 100 euros and I have made ten gazillion diapers, bags, etc, etc, just read my blog, i am a sweing whore (and so jealousE of your India connection)
Maybe your mom can return the Singer? But getting it to the states would cost a fortune... If you really want you can take it to a shop (there in on in the 11th) and they might look at it, but for the cost, get the Toyota at carref. and put your fried one in my garage next to my AEG and we can have a sewing machine graveyard.
Riana - Reading your blog this morning was partially what inspired me to clear the space and get crackin'...
umm, I don't think that you are supposed to be painting when you are pregnant! I got told not to very firmly by my doctor because of the fumes not being good... I'm not being preachy but maybe you could look into it before you do more painting?
your parents are coming soon, right? have them bring the sewing machine back....assuming its easy since they were able to get it here to france...
Take you choice/combination of the following options:
Option 1: contact US customer service (anonymously though, don't tell 'm your serial number as you may already voided the warrenty by bringing it out of the US) . Ask them to what extent your new machine may be damaged and what are your options . You could always slow-boat mail the machine back if it can only be repaired in the US.
Option 2: Ask an electronic-savy person who may have no ideas about sewing machines. There was a crazy electronic store just around the corner from your old pad. They sold only electric cords, converters, batteries, and solar powered stuff. Those folks would know what may have gone wrong and if repair is a viable option. Bettcha they've seen more fried appliances than your crazy uncle ned.
Option 3: Get a pal to lug the machine around town with you ('cause you're pregnant and shouldn't be carrying a machine around yourself!) till you find a store where there is a man working. Use your womanly charms to get the fella to at least tell you if it is repairable. Men and Women may be capable of the same knowlege capasity, but you'll probably have better luck getting that knowlege out of a man than a woman in this country.
I gotta say though, if you're gonna spend, spend on a 'puter, not on a sewing machine. It may be your last treat to yourself for a while! And we know that life with L and no computer is just unbearable. Keep odessasteet alive! Buy a computer! The little bean will love you for it. I say this in utmost respect of your desire for a sewing machine though, as I too know this yerning. I think I'm heading over to Carefour . . . There's a Toyota with my name on it. . . . ;-)
L,
Ok. you need to call me in the morning-not too early as i am praying that my body's clock will let me sleep in tomorrow- to discuss the hell that is American appliances in France. I have a lot of experience with blown fuses. Some machines have been saved and others taken down to the "cave" to mildew away. That said, i am far far far from savy with all that is electronic.
First thing you need to look for is the fuse. You blew it, ie the pop. Let's just hope that that is the only part that fried. Most machines, stereos for example, have a fuse meant purely to keep the whole engine or insides from blowing if there is a surge. If so, you are set. All you need to do is change the fuse and buy a heavy duty converter. The radio-shack kind that fit in the palm of your hand are nothing compared to the brick sized adapter needed. I have one here for my juicer, and you are welcome to use it.
If, when opening the engine, you do not see a fuse, well, you are a little screwed, I think. Example. Just before moving here I traded in my HP printer for a new one. The whole purpose of changing machines was to get one that worked on 220. The guy on the phone promised my new laser printer would work in Europe. Plugged it in upon arrival and POP ZING ZANG BANG. Dead. HP wouldn't take it back and wanted a few hundred dollars to change the insides.. Needless to say, it was cheaper just to buy a new printer here, and the old, never used one is in the basement collecting dust and mold.
Fret not, though, warranty + America= no questions asked+ new machine - the hassle of getting it home.
oh, the ladies at the Singer shop! I know them. They are witches. I have been in there several times for sewing machine questions and they just treat me like crap. I don' tknow where you could get it fixed here. I think the best bet is getting your parents to take it home with them when they come and getting it replaced by Singer US and then when the machine get back to you, invest in a transformer. We have one and use it for all electronics we are not sure are actually dual voltage.
Sorry this happened... sucks!
Glad to hear that you're right on target with the pregnancy! Whatever the news is, enjoy it! I understand how you'd want to keep it to yourself... :)
Ok... this feedback is great. I had thought about the parental option, I just feel crappy making them lug it back. Plus, they're coming in MAY. I would like to have sewn many beautiful things by then.
To Lee (is that really your name? Threw me for a loop there) - The fumes while pregnant thing: I read that water-based paints were ok. We also had all the windows open. I'm not concerned, especially given the number of women who decorate nurseries for hours on end, whereas we did maybe 90 minutes of painting, tops.
To TheKnitter - Come to my new house and investigate! Phone call is coming your way Saturday am. Look out, I've been crawling out of bed early these days. It makes sense, of course, because I am currently sleeping on the floor.
Canary - I agree that the money should be spent on a computer. Especially since I semi-earn money via a computer. So if anybody wants to donate to the Buy Me An Imac fund, I'd happily take contributions. Also, I know about that wacky electronics shop! Those guys are wonderful. I love them.
Aimee - Even though I don't wish the Singer Wrath on anybody, I am glad to know it wasn't just me...
glad to hear that about the painting, I wanted to paint too but chickened out, my chick is 2 now and the inspiration is long gone! Lee really is my name, why did it throw you for a loop?
Oh!
I have been reading your blog for ages but never the "about" page...:-)
I'm Lee-Jane (but only when I'm working).
Wow, I was just talking to a friend about the whole "american in paris" french bashing. This post is a prime example. I mean, rerally :"it�s hard to tell with the Frenchies sometimes"?! Come on!
I'm pretty sure that every single American who lives in Paris (that I know, anyway) would back me up in saying that French customer service sucks overall. Lots of times, I get the impression that it's not that French workers *can't* do anything for you, but it's just that they just don't feel like it. I feel no need to defend my statement beyond that. I wouldn't consider it "bashing" -- really. Merely stating a state of confusion.
Plus, given the degree of DAILY American-bashing I take from pretty much every French person I know, I don't feel any need to moniter my so-called "French bashing" in any way.
woah, veronique. The author of this blog is a smart woman who has lived in Paris because she decided to for at least 7 years. She's gone through the French university system. It seems like you're the one bashing the "american in paris" mentality. D'ailleurs, most of my french friends complain daily about their own country's pitiful level of customer service. Are you really going to defend it?
It's good to be critical, and I think if you read any of this blog you will see that it is far from "french-bashing."
I blew a bread machine in much the same fashion. Plug in = boom.
How funny that you have got the fingers dancing for a sewing machine. I've got some itchy fingers too for some sewing and was pleased to know about the Toyota thing at Carrefour. How fortuitous.
There's a Singer shop at Rosny 2 if you can bear to RER E into the burbs (station Rosny Perrier I think)... They might be more accommodating.
I hate to tell ya, but the machine is toast. There's nothing to be done. This recently happened to a sewing machine my company shipped from the US to Norway. Some unsuspecting user plugged it in and turned it on and it went POP just like yours. We ended up having to send another machine. grrrrr. You might see if you can get it back to the States and concoct some story to see whether the warrantee will allow for an overhaul. And if you do get it fixed, get a voltage converter. That's a must.
I am a fairly experienced home sewer so please feel free to ping me with questions. Happy to help.