Help! It’s time for a new machine..
I have an old Kenmore sewing machine that was my mothers. It was baught in the early 80’s and it was the machine that I learned to sew on. Last week it seized up and it’s at the shop for an estimate on repair. Now I love that machine….It’s all metal and lives in a great cabinet in my foyer. So when I’m not sewing it’s just a peice of fruniture in the enrance way to my home. When I want to sew …the foyer becomes my studio the area is large (12X10 and has great lighting. I keep my projects and material in the front hall closet.
Is it time to retire that old machine and purchase a new one? What would I buy? Could I find one with a wood cabinet that closes up and looks like furniture?
I like to do home projects and garmet construction. Any Advice?
Dotty
Replies
I use my grandmother's 1958 Singer (in a great cabinet) when I need straight, fast stitching and a powerful motor. It only sews forward and back, but it's really great at that. I use my Pfaff 1475 (bought used)when I need more features; it's really great, too, and I can sew in the same place because the Pfaff will sit on top of the singer cabinet. Don't be too quick to mess up a good arrangement. God bless you, Galey
I bought a Kenmore in 1970 and used it constantly until 2000, when I bought a Singer. Although the Singer will do a few things the Kenmore won't (go over thick seams when hemming jeans, without a lot of trouble, and it sews over pins easily), I still like the Kenmore better. It is much sturdier, has more alternate stitches, etc. Personally, I would get the Kenmore fixed and keep it. I've kept mine in case the Singer bites the dust, and my granddaughter used it in sewing class in school.
Kenmores are nearly indestructible, so find out what the repair estimate is first! If it is lost, then consider checking thrift stores for other machines; with fewer people sewing, there are some amazing deals there, and you might just find a slightly newer version of your favorite for less than $50.
I just met someone who bought a 2-year-old Husquevarna for $25 in a thrift store; it was so new that some of the parts hadn't been unwrapped from plastic yet! My sister was about to donate her 1980s machine to a thrift store when my 1970s Kenmore started ailing; she gave it to me complete with case and furniture.
I have a Kenmore machine from 1958 that has cams for embroidery stitches. It has been repaired several times but works well. My Husquvarna 950E is just a month old and has been sent back to replace the tension. I used the machine one time in class and the tension froze. The older machines have a much greater stability.
Hang onto the Kenmore. They do not make them as well today.
Good luck!
Love-to-sew
Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I have hunted down the best repair shop in town. I will take the machine in on Saturday.
I will cross my fingers that we can save my Kenore.
Dotty
Wow! I sure would like to find a used Husqvarna for $25. Sorry to hear you had trouble with your new one. I have a 30+ year old Husqvarna that has been a great machine with only one or two repairs.
Lois
I would love to find out the name of that thrift store and where it is located. Any chance of that? There's nothing like a good thrift store!
Linda
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