When I wrote this blog post, I had no idea that so many other people were affected, and that so many people would share their experiences. I wrote it as a type of therapy for myself because I was so upset and hurt. It’s very gratifying to know that I am not alone — that we are not alone. I’m beginning to think that we are the majority now, and that the people still linked to that website are a small minority of the sewing machine collectors community.

I’m grateful to all of my new friends who have come forward and shared their links and information. You have contributed so much to our “cause” — that of generous sharing of information and helping other people to learn more about our most beloved hobby — sewing machines! Thank you!

We too have been needlebarred (about 18 months ago) without any courtesy notification after disputing a post which was attributed to me by one moderator, and proving it was not. Oh dear, an inaccuracy by the moderators. Sadly, we also called them to task over other inaccuracies…oops, now persona non grata! They did not like being proven wrong. Emails went unanswered.

Through their forums we were trying to share our knowledge of what we believe is the first 100% Australian made sewing machine. They did not believe us. We have done huge amounts of research and know that these machines were made – we have five in our possession! Bendigo So-Easy Sewing Machines – badged as Wardana. Later on, Emu Sewing Machines were a different, short lived company – also have one in our possession! Two sewing machine manufacturing companies in a provincial city in Victoria, Australia, only an hour’s drive from our home.

As we learn new information on Australian made machines, we make it available through our website or our Facebook pages. Information is for the world, not just a few who regard themselves as owning said knowledge.We don’t claim to be authorities on sewing machines – just to have a fairly good knowledge, especially on Australian made machines.

Now we are happy members of ISMACS, Treadleon, and the various groups on Yahoo, and very glad to know we are in the wonderful company of other banned NB members, including John Langdon, with whom we have corresponded when he published a story in the ISMACS publication on our sewing machine museum here at the Maryborough Flour Mill Gallery in Maryborough, Victoria, Australia.

Perhaps we should all have an elite group for all of us who have been booted out of Needlebar…do like the name Needlebarred – thank you John! It is such a pity that a site which had so much to offer has become so exclusive.

Thank you for the chance to read posts regarding Needlebar – so good to know we are not alone!

By the way, we have about 400 machines, including toys and miniatures! Obsessed? Yes…and loving it!

Judi & Wayne McKail