Anyone have a late 70's Sears Kenmore sewing machine?

[penny31]

I bought one today for $129.00. Am I insane? I told the guy (who came recommended to me) that I wanted a workhorse machine that could straightstitch and zig-zag stitch and that could handle heavy fabrics. The late 70's Sears Kenmore is what he recommended. I haven't tried it yet - did I waste my money or am I going to love this machine?

XOXO

[tboroson]

Well, I have an early '70's Kenmore (my mother bought it the year I was born, '73) and it is a workhorse. Doesn't do many fancy things, but I swear it could handle any fabric I throw at it. I don't use it much anymore, in favor of a new Singer with easier buttonholing, threading and changing feet as well as drop-in bobbins. But, when I need to sew something seriously sturdy, I drag out the old Kenmore.

[MelMel]

I have a Kenmore, but it might be 60's, I am not sure. its in a table, built in, with a matching chair. I got it for 10 bucks at a garage sale, they said it was gunna work, but I think I am threading the thing wrong. I needed a tough machine, as my newer Singer gets jammed and has even broke when I am doing slings and heavy stuff. i was gunna take it in to a shop, but I couldnt afford them to look at, probably, and I cant carry the whole table anyway.

does yours have the bobbin in a metal case all the way underneath the machine? I think threading that through is where I screwed up.

[Artisan]

I do! I inherited it from my mother. It is exactly as you described -- a workhorse machine that never dies. Nothing fancy, but it always works. There are no electronic pieces to break. I think mine is pushing 28-29 years old and has been moved across the world many times.

[penny31]

Originally Posted by MelMel

does yours have the bobbin in a metal case all the way underneath the machine? I think threading that through is where I screwed up.

The bobbin is under a metal plate under the machine - kind of a PIA to get to, but not impossible. I did break off some thread in there while threading it tonight and it was hard to get out without tweezers. BUT it really does seem super sturdy and like I can sew anything with it! I made a pillowcase for my toddler's pillow tonight and it worked like a dream! Not that a pillowcase is too tough, LOL.

XOXO and thanks!