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Help! It’s time for a new machine..

DottyK | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

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

  1. mygaley | | #1

    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

  2. autumn | | #2

    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.

  3. Teaf5 | | #3

    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.

    1. love-to-sew | | #4

      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

      1. DottyK | | #5

        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

    2. mushermom | | #6

      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

    3. flytootall | | #7

      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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