I've been experiencing a bit of a lag with my old Kenmore sewing machine but perhaps the reason is that I bought it in 1967 in 29 Palms, Calif. Yeah, it truly is that old. I've used it for making my kids' clothes and dresses, pillows, curtains and mending all those years.
I remember once I was trying to make a wool blackwatch plaid shirt for Love Bunny and I got so frustrated I threw it in the garbage. (Or maybe HE did; can't remember.) I was a young housewife and mother and just was trying to be a model homemaker! Didn't work; I thought I was hopeless. But hubs fished it out of the garbage and finished the shirt himself. He's a handy kinda guy, really, even in the domestic arts.
Anyway, this is the machine and I'm not giving it up yet, but I did go purchase a new Kenmore. All plastic. The old one is metal all over and heavy. I've replaced the motor, the tab that makes it go in reverse, but some things are just no longer available and I can feel it struggling every time I sew on it now.
This is the new machine—computerized and about 50 different stitches. It's very nice, runs smoothly but it's all plastic. I doubt I'll use it for 42 more years because I'm not going to last that long, but it'll be nice to use it when I get accustomed to its features and the "feel" of it.
Isn't it nice looking? This one was $280.00 and I'm sure the old one didn't even come close to that because at that time we couldn't have afforded $300.00 except maybe for a car. That was a chunk of money back then. But it was affordable and I loved it.
I remember once I was trying to make a wool blackwatch plaid shirt for Love Bunny and I got so frustrated I threw it in the garbage. (Or maybe HE did; can't remember.) I was a young housewife and mother and just was trying to be a model homemaker! Didn't work; I thought I was hopeless. But hubs fished it out of the garbage and finished the shirt himself. He's a handy kinda guy, really, even in the domestic arts.
Anyway, this is the machine and I'm not giving it up yet, but I did go purchase a new Kenmore. All plastic. The old one is metal all over and heavy. I've replaced the motor, the tab that makes it go in reverse, but some things are just no longer available and I can feel it struggling every time I sew on it now.
This is the new machine—computerized and about 50 different stitches. It's very nice, runs smoothly but it's all plastic. I doubt I'll use it for 42 more years because I'm not going to last that long, but it'll be nice to use it when I get accustomed to its features and the "feel" of it.
Isn't it nice looking? This one was $280.00 and I'm sure the old one didn't even come close to that because at that time we couldn't have afforded $300.00 except maybe for a car. That was a chunk of money back then. But it was affordable and I loved it.
I sure am going to miss not sewing on it all the time, but I'll get used to the new one. *Sniff*..........
~*~
This is one of the things I've been working on lately. Just a peek for you chicks!
you are going to have fun with all those stitches..can't wait to see what you come up with..:)
ReplyDeleteMy Kenmore went to my sister last year and I really upgraded to a Pfaff...don't ask the cost...I am sure you will have many happy sewing time...and you always seem to bless so many with your work...
ReplyDeleteA good thing !!!
Deby
Hi Connieness! Oh congratulations on your new machine. I have a Kenmore too and it really is a good quality machine. Now girl friend, get to sewing! :)
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Awesome... I've been dreaming of a new machine.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Connie, I am home where my heart is and it feels good to be on my computer and visiting again. Thanks for your visits while I was gone. I had a great week in MI.
ReplyDeleteHurray, a new sewing machine. I too just bought a new machine while I was in MI. It is for quilting and since I am starting my quilting projects again, I am so excited. It is being shipped. My old Kenmore is just not sewing right. Sniff too!!! I have had it for nearly 30 years. When I made the fall table cloth the stitches were awful. Anyway you are going to love your new machine and I am happy for you.
Have a wonderful dy.
Hugs xoxo, Jeanne
I have a sewing machine my parents bought for me when I was 17 years old. It's a Kenmore. It was great in its day, but I haven't used it since I made Halloween costumes for my kids years ago. I don't even know if it still works. They can go bad just sitting there, can't they? I want to start sewing again and was thinking about buying a fancy new model. Looks like it might be fun - after I figure it out! I'll have to do some research. Let me know what you think once you get a feel for it.
ReplyDeleteHope you are well!!
Love the new sewing machine. I remember when I bought my first plastic machine. I guess it's more practical but personally I liked the metal ones. They seemed so much more substantial.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, have fun with the new machine.
Charlotte
They sure don't make things like they used to!
ReplyDeleteWe live in a disposable world!
You are going to have so much fun with all those fancy stitches... :-)
Enjoy your day Miss Connie!
Hugz,
Miss Emma and Dolly
Hello there!! Do you know that your sewing machine and I were born in the same year?!!? :) LOL!! My mother's sewing machine was very similar to that and I believe she still has her's, too. I got a gorgeous new sewing machine for Christmas last year and I haven't even taken it out of the box because I'm too intimidated by it!! Sad but true.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
I too have a Kenmore that my hubby actually picked out and bought for me 27 years ago! Heavy duty and it didn't come with a carrying case so I made a cover for it. I was having trouble with the foot pedal so instead of getting it fixed my husband said get a new machine, but I'm not lovin' it like my good ol Kenmore. It's hard to give up the tried and true.
ReplyDeleteHi Connie; I love your new machine, but you old one looks like you took great care with it... I would love to have one like your new one,, you will have a blast sewing on that,, your project looks very pretty.can't wait to see more,, have fun...:)
ReplyDeleteHugs;
Alaura
Connie what a great sewing machine.Your old one lasted you a long time though which is great.Mom just got a new one also and is giving me hers.Mine is from 1993 and its a singer it works great the bobbin holder broke and I haven't been able to find a new one yet.I miss sewing though on it.Doing my sewing by hand gets old.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new one.Hugs,Jen
It is so sad when we have to replace our dear old friends. My sewing machine finally bit the dust last year. I am now wondering why I babied it for so long as I love my new machine.
ReplyDeletePS. I was standing in my garden tub, facing the shower stall when I took the picture. My bathroom is a strange setup.
Hi Connie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the pattern numbers. My oldest daughter who is 32 is a Surgical Tech. She works at a surgery center and then two nights a week in Trauma Surgery, she has done so many amazing things, but I think the most is working with team in a heart and lung harvest or know as a "Body Harvest", she actually holds the heart in her hands or the body part that is being harvested.. How wonderful for your Son to have the best of both worlds golf and the medical profession.
Enjoy your day,
Elizabeth
Greetings Miss Connie~ I'm finally back from my summer long blogcation.
ReplyDeleteI a-d-o-r-e your aprons they're beautiful! How much will you be selling them for? Will they be available on your blog or Etsy? Ooooh,how I wished I could sew. I'm hoping my DIL would be willing to help me cover the basics...like threading the machine and running a straight stitch...which wasn't as easy as it looked.
As summer comes to a close...there's one thought that can cheer me up and it's the anticipation of Fall with all the autumnal colors....providing me creative inspiration.
I love it when my hubby takes me for a romantic drive to see ALL the leaves when they're in full bloom.
Sweet wishes,
Sara
Hi, Connie,
ReplyDeleteI loved the story about your husband and his shirt. Glad he is a handy guy and finished it himself. I know how you feel about your old machine. I am not a seamstress, but my mother was. She had an old Singer. Lots of children's clothes and costumes were made on that fine old machine. My niece has it now so we kept it in the family. Have a wonderful rest of the week! Vicki
I love that tiny little pink slipper, Connie, nestled amongst the pretties.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely autumn week. TTFN ~Marydon
What a beauty she is! Enjoy your new sewing machine.
ReplyDeleteWonderful new machine and wonderful old machine too! Kenmore's are the best! You'll get used to it soon enough. Just hang onto the old one and move it to the retirement corner of the room. It'll be there for encouragement. Happy Stitching!
ReplyDeleteCathy ♥
Woo-woo! A new machine!! It looks as snazzy as all get out. I'm with you though on the plastic vs. metal. Somehow it just doesn't feel right; like if you sew anything other than light cotton the darn thing would shimmy itself to pieces. (Although that's what I'm doing now! lol)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new baby (machine) and place the hallowed stand-by in high esteem, front and center on a shelf.
~Stacey