I took the kids grocery shopping, which means the "big city" (50k people, lol) and K wanted to browse at
goodwill. I agreed, though I must say that their prices have gotten outrageous. We never seem to have any good finds there either. I went through the normal routine - glassware, old sheets for muslin, toys, wood stuff, books, and then furniture/electronics. I saw out of the corner of my eye this dingy, nasty sewing machine case.
Let me tell you, i'm not afraid to dig open to see what is under that nasty exterior. Much to my shock and delight I found a 1974/75 Sears Kenmore 19410. What? No way! And it was in perfect condition! Like new looking. I quickly snatched it up because another lady was eyeing me sideways. $19.99 later and she was mine. Now if it was only green tag day.... Anyway, grocery shopping took forever because I wanted to get home and see exactly what I had. (we only shop once every 2 weeks so it is a big trip).
I'm happy to report that she is in excellent condition both outside and inside. All her parts are metal and beautiful looking with minimal dust. I downloaded her manual from online ($4.99 but worth it), looked her over from head to toe, threaded her up and gave her a whirl. Dreamy. Seriously, sewing on my plastic Brother just doesn't' compare to the solid metal of this one.
After a bit of researching I found that this is a pretty sought after model due to reliability, ease of use, and I guess perfect buttonholes? Sadly my gal didn't come with any attachments except her zig zag plate and foot. But you can expect that I've already placed my bid on a few sets on ebay. Oh, and keep me away from ebay. I've been very bad this last week, buying up a bunch of sewing patterns and books. I'll share when they all come in.
the top and bottom come off easy too as well as this side (they are just as clean inside - can you believe it?)
So I'll be keeping my new machine - forever, and I'll enjoy her as much as I can. I'll still be using my brother for many things, but I find myself using my regular machine less now that I have the coverstitch and of course my serger. The brother is very fun and has a ton of options, but it bounces around my table when I sew. The Kenmore is HEAVY and solid. It has 9 stitch settings, too! (Straight, Zigzag, Stretch, buttonhole, blind hem, satin stitching, zipper stitch?, mending/darning, button sewing/bar tacking).
nice big free arm
Do you have a thing for older machines? Do your thrift stores have machines often? This is only the second time ours did - sewing isn't very big in my area.
This brings my machine count up to 5.
Brother CE8080 - regular
Brother 1034D Serger
Brother 2340CV Coverstitch
Brother XL2600I - for K to learn on
Kenmore 1941 - for fun!
~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~
Sooooo jealous! I have two Goodwill stores nearby and they stink. You scored big!!
ReplyDeleteOh that stinks Nakisha :( The Eau Claire Goodwill is my favorite - very clean and bigger than ours - but it is a 3 hour round trip so I'm not saving much by driving there! And thanks!
DeleteWow! I would have grabbed that one up without thinking twice too! I love sewing. I think of it as my passion, my hobby, my collection, etc. To me, it is no different how my husband oohs and aahs over the next electronic gadget. I could never have too many sewing things. I want an antique sewing sign but they are so expensive. They have a few antique markets over here and I always look. I was able to buy an antique German sewing machine with the foot pedal off someone here that was getting ready to move back to the states--yay me! It doesn't work though like yours!! Love your machine!
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly my passion too :D An antique sign sounds beautiful - too bad they are so pricey. I love all old things. I'm sure your German one is beautiful, too! Thanks Shirley!
DeleteThat is such a bargain! You were very lucky. I can hardly believe how clean the machine is, inside and out, given it 's vintage. I have one new computerised machine and an old metal one and I think the older one has a much nicer stitch, it's so sturdy and secure. I must take it out and use it again!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I couldn't believe how clean it was either! It is funny how we "advance" into newer machines, yet the older ones tend to work better!
DeleteOh and our charity shops virtually never have sewing machines, but I pick up great patterns and fabrics fairly regularly.
ReplyDeleteAw that stinks Philippa! Ours rarely has machines or patterns/fabric either. I wish there would be more!
DeleteWhat a super, super find!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda!!
DeleteI had that exact machine, brand new back in the day. I made all mine and my kids clothes on it for years and then "upgraded" to a Pfaff. I sold it to a co-worker, but I was never happy with the Pfaff, as it broke down several times. That is a great machine and I am sure that you will be very happy with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks bbarna! Too bad you didn't hold on to yours; perhaps you could find another of it?
DeleteWhat a fantastic score!! Beautiful machine! I learned to sew waaaay back in the day on my mom's Kenmore from 1963, and my first machine of my own was a late 1990's Kenmore, which I still have and love. It doesn't do a lot of fancy stuff, but it is a true workhorse, and so easy to maintain because of the side that opens like yours. You are going to love using this baby. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail! I'm so happy to hear that you still have and love the older machine. I was looking for a workhorse, yay! You have me even more exited now!
DeleteThat was a bargain! Sewing machines at my thrift stores are generally $75 and up. I love vintage machines and do my sewing on a 1956 Singer 401 that I bought off craigslist. Yours is fancy with a free arm:) Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela! Your Singer sounds wonderful! I love the history with older machines. Sadly our craigslist doesn't have any fun machines, or if they do they're priced above $150
DeleteI am jumping up and down happy for you.. SO proud you got your hands on it, before the other lady , beat you to it.. ha...congrats.
ReplyDeleteIt looks perfect, in excellent condition..
Thanks Judy! No way was I letting her have it ;-)
DeleteWow, very exciting. And now we're sewing machine twins! Actually mine is the Kenmore 158.13520, so there are two slight differences that I can see (the style of bobbin "door" and mine says 12-stitch at the top.) It's a true workhorse.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!! Now I know who to ask if I get stuck ;-) LOL. I just need a table for it in my sewing room and I'm excited to get using it!
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