Virtual sewing machine service training for the home sewist
for Self-Sufficiency
for Hobby
for Side Business
VINTAGE SEWING MACHINE
RESTORATION, CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
This program is for you if:
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You are curious about restoring, cleaning, or fixing old sewing machines but don't know where to start.
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You can manage most of the process on your own but would feel more confident with a hand on your shoulder to guide you with more complex repairs and troubleshooting.
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You like the idea of a side business using your skills in vintage machine restoration and maintenance.
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You can't find answers to your machine issues on YouTube or only find videos that could help if only the lighting wasn't so dark, the camera wasn't so shaky
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You like the idea of building your skills in a charitable manner and helping others in your community.
Vintage Sewing Machine Mastery
Learn at home - no travel.
Learn at your own pace, on YOUR schedule.
LIVE expert assistance and community support for life.
What do I get in this program?!
Access to private Facebook group & Community​
Find help when you are stuck, meet and become friends with others in the program, and share your victories, disappointments, and everything in between. Post topics include general vintage machines, maintenance, buy and sell (parts and machines), questions regarding motor service and rewiring, and business-related material.
Goal setting session
When you first enroll in the program, we'll ask you to complete a short survey, then we can schedule a 10-minute private Zoom call so that we can get to know each other personally, talk about what you'd like to accomplish, and make a plan for the best route to get there. Private session is optional.
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On-demand learning library
This is the starting point if you are new to vintage machines or have little experience. Our library lays out basics and common repairs that walk you through our SDOCS method while learning skills but also become a reference for you when you need it. New videos and expanded learning material is constantly being added.
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Motor Service & Rewiring on-demand library
This series of videos covers all aspects of external and potted motor service, rewiring, light rewiring, and many other aspects of electrical issues commonly found with vintage machines. Use this as a starting point and always have it as a reference when you need it. This library is always expanding with new modules.
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Business Tools on-demand library
Here you will find all of the forms, documents, and business-building information that took my business from hobby to sole income over the last 13 years. I share all of my successes, and failures, and guide you in building your own side business or retirement income.
LIFETIME ACCESS
2 private consultations per month as needed​
We try to help solve issues in the private groups and live sessions as often as possible, but sometimes it's better to connect one-on-one to troubleshoot and make minor repairs to the machine you are working on. These sessions are typically 5-10 minutes and are scheduled at a time that works for both of us.
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Monthly, live Saturday clinics
Based on the needs of participants, we cover in-depth training and material to help you build your skills and overcome hurdles while restoring and repairing vintage machines. This workshop is 2-4 hours on Zoom and the replay is posted for those that are unable to attend.
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Weekly, live Wednesday calls
These sessions are more social, but we do answer questions and have conversations on a variety of topics. Day and evening sessions, as they vary each week. Replays are posted for those that cannot attend live. Hosted on Zoom.
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Monthly, live Business Tools session
Each month we host an extra, live session for discussion, chatter, and assistance around building your own business, next steps, guidance, etc. Sessions are recorded and posted for those that cannot attend live.
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Assistance in locating parts
Sometimes finding parts is difficult for particular models, and we are happy to use our resources to help you find what you need.
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Business promotion
As you build on your skills and grow your experience into a business, we do promote you through different avenues on our website and social media. If you have other sewing-related businesses, we are happy to support this endeavor as well.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
1-month FREE membership includes 2 private consultations, 1 LIVE Saturday Clinic session, 4 weekly LIVE Q&A sessions, a replay archive of all past events, and more. Renewal options available.
$249one time fee
Includes 1 Month FREE Membership
$40 value - does NOT renew automatically,
FREE with enrollment
This workshop will walk you through servicing and rewiring several different types of motors, including potted motors. $199 value.
This resource library is stuffed full of forms, advice, procedures and all the tools used to build Sewing Doc. $169 value.
FUN FACT: So many vintage machines sit on Ebay, on Facebook Marketplace and at garage sales because of scary wiring. You can buy a Singer 15-91 (potted motor) for $50, rewire it and rehab it yourself in this program, and sell it to recoup your investment*.
Meet Amy! Amy joined the VSMM program last November and has been building her skills while growing her restoration and repair business in Kentucky. Amy came into the program after learning some of the basics through trial and error on YouTube. She says that having live humans to help in uncertainty is what gave her the confidence to really dig in on offering her services.
AMY W. - CURRENT VSMM MEMBER
13 years ago, I did exactly what you did...
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Google searched high and low for a school, program, or workshop teaching sewing machine service and restoration
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Tried to use YouTube videos to learn how to fix machines and keep them going, found part 1 of a complex repair, but rarely part two
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Tried Facebook groups and got sick of getting 20 different answers for one simple question and usually with a condescending attitude
I LOVE my vintage machines...
And there weren't any technicians in my area that knew what they were doing, and it was obvious.
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One of them told me it wasn't worth it, couldn't be fixed, and I should just buy a new one.
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But... I was also obsessed. I wanted to know how they work. I wanted to know how to fix them and make them sew again. I wanted someone to fill my cup with knowledge!
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And deep inside, there was a tiny voice that said, "I would love to do this for other people that love old sewing machines, too."
Thankfully, I found someone that lived 3,000 miles from me, and he helped me learn how to restore, repair, troubleshoot, and service
sewing machines.
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It. Took. Years.
YOUR learning curve is only weeks and months because I am teaching you the EXACT same methods I've been using in my professional service shop for the last 10 years.
Here's the big secret: with some guidance and direction, YOU can clean and lubricate your machine yourself… and for most vintage machines, even the ones that have been neglected and stored in the attic for 30 years, that's all they need!
Working on your own machines saves you money (the starting rate in our shop for a mechanical machine is $82 and $125 for restoration, just for reference). If you are a collector, those bills really add up!
Knowing how to maintain your machines saves you time - for the last year, the turnaround time in our shop stayed at 8 weeks, and that was just for ROUTINE service!
Cleaning and lubricating your own machine means you'll never have to trust it with another unknown repair person and you know that it will be treated with loving care
Having proper knowledge and a guide will save you from the pitfalls of terribly WRONG information on the internet - free information is great, but not when most of it is bad
Having the knowledge to SAVE a machine that's frozen or seized up, or $15 yard sale find, is extremely empowering and rewarding!
If you are looking for a side gig, retirement income, or a passion that can turn into a career, this is your first step!
The best part - taking a machine from grimy to glowing is SATISFYING and delightful!
After just 4 weeks in this workshop, this is the message John sent me.
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Several others have started a local cleaning business WHILE they learn and further their skills!
Meet Jennifer! Jennifer joined the VSMM program last December and has already filed her LLC and started her business, Treadles & Tea. She's an incredible inspiration to all of us with her determination and passion for learning new skills.
The Vintage Sewing Machine Mastery is the first program of its kind that:
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Allows you to learn the SAME PROCEDURES used in our professional service shop from the comfort of your home
We are still in the midst of a viral pandemic, and travel isn't easy, affordable, or safe in many cases. You can set up a workshop or workspace in your home and work your way through the lessons and stay set up without having to pack up and leave.
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Is ready when YOU are, regardless of geography or time zone, with ON-DEMAND, pre-recorded video lessons
Whether you live around the globe from me, have a day job, work nights, have kids at home that make your schedule irregular, or anything else, the meat of this course is pre-recorded, so you can watch it whenever you want! Plus, once you purchase, you have access forever, to watch and rewatch as often as you want or need.
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Offers you ongoing access to the instructor so that you never feel alone or stuck and you can get real-time
help during live Q&A sessions and monthly LIVE classes
While the lessons are pre-recorded, I also believe real-time or nearly real-time feedback is important. Each month I will host an ongoing introductory live (virtual) workshop session that will cover the basics of the course, so it'll be like a real classroom. I will also host a weekly live Q&A session so that I can help you overcome any hurdles each step of the way.
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Connects you to other vintage machine enthusiasts around the world so you can help and encourage each other
I'm a big believer that it is great, great value in learning within a community. Our private group will allow you to get to know and share your work with the Sewing Doc Academy alumni and fellow students so you never feel alone as you learn. We want to see your progress and shiny machines!
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Encourages you to start with what you have, keeping tools and supplies minimal and affordable
Everything about the Sewing Doc Academy is designed to bring the DIY element to life, so that everyone can afford to learn this valuable skill and keep this knowledge alive. You probably have all the tools you'll need to get started, and while you may need to purchase a few cleaners and lubricants, we teach you to keep your costs reasonable.
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Teaches you to clean, lubricate, and restore ALL vintage machines, not just one type or model
Kenmore, Bernina, Pfaff, Viking, Singer, White, New Home, Brother, Japanese Repro, treadle, motorized, handcrank... you name it! You'll learn how to maintain them all.​
We'll teach you the SDOCS method, the EXACT same procedures we use in the
Sewing Doc professional service shop located in Cumming, Georgia.
Here's how it all breaks down:
Setup
Module One
This might sound heavy, like a high school math class, but it's not! Here you'll start learning about the different types of machines, how to identify machine models, understanding the Singer serial number system, the anatomy of a machine to identify missing parts, and learn how to start grouping similar machines together.
Disassemble Covers
Module Two
We'll start talking about tools, both the bare minimum and tools to daydream about, setting up your workspace, removing a machine from a cabinet or base, and we'll start removing the covers and key parts of the machine.
Overall Clean & Lube
Module Three
Now the fun begins! This module teaches you good/bad cleaning materials, how to fully clean the inside of your machine, how to unfreeze it if it's seized, how to lubricate the machine, and how to handle motor brushes and lubricating ports where applicable. You'll spend more time in this area than any other.
Covers & External
Module Four
We'll get the covers and parts back on the machine, we'll cover maintaining the upper tension assembly, inspect all the electrical wiring, replace the lead cord if needed, and clean and wax the exterior.
Sew & Adjust
Module Five
Here you'll learn about inserting the needle properly (this can really be a problem!), how and what to test sew, adjust the bobbin tension, and balance the upper thread and bobbin tension.
Case Studies
This is real gold! You learn the basics and procedures in the modules, but what about REAL LIFE situations? We add 1-2 case studies to the workshop each month. In these case studies, you'll see me pull a machine from our service queue and video the entire process from beginning to end. This will not only help you understand different machines (specific models even), but what situations arise in the real world rather than just a controlled environment. This will be an ever-evolving library you have access to for life!
Bonus Modules
The bonus modules will be packed with so much value - and you have access to the updated, new modules for life! Examples of what you'll find in the bonus section includes, education on the many types of bobbins, shuttle bobbins, replacement parts and sources, collecting and purchasing high-value machines, installing a treadle belt, direct drive motors, converting a machine to a hand crank, advanced polishing techniques, handling aluminum rot… and on and on!
$249one time fee
Includes 1 Month FREE Membership
$40 value - does NOT renew automatically,
Lifetime Access to:
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VSMM on-demand learning library
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Motor service & rewiring learning library
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Business Tools materials & library
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Private Facebook group & platform community
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Goal-setting session to help you meet your goals
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All future updates and modules in libraries
Membership Benefits:
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2 private consultations per month as needed
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Monthly, live Saturday clinics for in-depth learning
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Weekly, live Wednesday Q&A/socail sessions
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Monthly, live Business Tools session
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Replays of all events to watch at your leisure
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Assistance in locating hard-to-find parts
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Business promotion
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Extra events and pop-up sessions
Who is behind the Sewing Doc brand?
Hey there,
I'm Andi Barney of Sewing Doc machine service and repair, and Sewing Doc Academy. I'm a master technician and I've owned and operated my own service shop, located in Cumming, Georgia, for over 13 years now. A large part of our service shop focuses on vintage and antique machines and restoration, but we are also an authorized shop for Brother, Viking, and Janome. I started just like you, curious and a little intimidated, but now I couldn't imagine my life without sewing machines!
Paul Barney is our electrical, motor, restoration, and customer service specialist. He teaches motor service and rewiring along with many other in-depth skills.
You have Questions, We have Answers....
FAQ Video Series
Q: Do I have to pay a fee every month?
A: You will keep access to the on-demand learning library for life as your reference. You will need to renew your membership at the end of your first month if you'd like to keep access to the live monthly workshops, weekly sessions, and other live events. Renewal options include a month-to-month option as well as discounted options for 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month memberships.
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Q: When does the workshop end?
A: This is the best: it doesn't! It lasts forever… or as long as you need it to! There is no end or timeline for this course, so you jump in any time and come back to it any time you need to.
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Q: Who is this course for? Can just anyone take it?
A: Yes! This course is for anyone interested in learning to clean, lubricate, and restore machines. Young, old, retired, people that work full-time, people that are just curious, hobbyists, people with lots of machines, people that only have one machine, people wanting side/retirement/full-time income. Everyone is welcome!
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Q: I'm not good with tools, will I be okay taking this class?
A: YES! If you don't feel confident using tools, I promise, you're going to be okay in this course. I wouldn't have considered myself "mechanically inclined" when I first started working with machines, either. Many of us are, and we just don't know it yet. There is actually very little done with tools in the class. This workshop will be a source of empowerment and confidence for you, I can promise you that! In my live classes, I've had ladies insist that they bring their husbands because they were too afraid of the tools, but I encourage EVERYONE to give it a try because I promise you, you can do it.
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Q: What machines are covered in this course?
A: This workshop covers almost all vintage and antique machines. It does NOT cover any computerized or modern machines. There are a few exceptions to suitable vintage machines - we will not cover any Touch & Sew, Futura, Touchtronic or ANY Singer machine where the bobbin is wound inside the machine. We also won't cover the Viking 6000 series. We will have workshops that specifically address these machines, as they are much more complex and have common issues. That's not to say that you still couldn't gain the knowledge to address these machines in this workshop, but we will not cover the common issues or solutions to those machines in this workshop. We also will not specifically cover industrial machines, but what you learn here will help you clean and restore industrial machines.
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Q: What does "hybrid" workshop mean?
A: It means this class is both on-demand (where you work at your own pace using the videos and tools available to you at any time), and scheduled Zoom classes. My opinion has always been that attending a live class is great because you have guidance from your instructor, but then it's too easy to forget everything when you leave. When you do just an on-demand class, you can refer back to it anytime you want, but you don't have the guidance of a live instructor. Sewing Doc has committed to bringing its participants the best of both worlds to ensure that your journey into sewing machine cleaning, repair, service, and restoration is successful and enjoyable.
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Q: If I have an issue with a machine, can I contact you for help?
A: Yes, the instructor is available during regular hours. Each week there is a Zoom Q&A session, and even if you can't watch live, your question can be addressed and you can review the information in the replay at your convenience. A monthly Zoom class will also be hosted each month, and this is a good time to ask questions to get you over the hump. The point of the hybrid program is to offer you guidance throughout.
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Q: Do I need any special programs or equipment to participate in the Zoom classes or any part of the workshop?
A: The short answer is no. All you really need is a cell phone, tablet, or computer to view the on-demand classes and work your way through the workshop. For the Zoom classes, you would need the same, nothing fancy. You may want to use a cell phone or tablet with a camera on it when you attend a Zoom class, as you can show the instructor exactly what you're looking at on your machine.
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Q: I know I'll want to attend a Zoom class, but is it complicated?
A: I know most of us have had to adapt to new technology as a result of the pandemic, but many are still hesitant. We will guide you each step of the way in getting set up to work with us, and you will see that participating once or twice will put you at ease. And if you have any issues getting set up, we will be there to help you. We like to do an introductory session for anyone new to streaming or other webinar programs.
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Q: Will this course teach me to service other people's machines?
A: YES! You will build skills that allow you to offer your services to your local community. We prefer not to use the term 'service' as this implies timing and other adjustments have been made, which are not taught in this workshop.
Q: I don't live in the United States, can I sign up for this course?
A: Sewing Doc is working on getting set up to open this course up for participants in other countries, so this is coming soon!
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